Interstate - Pitstops for Kids

Boston with kids: Boston Duck Tours

June 30, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

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

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

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

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

Date last visited: June 2011

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

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

Website: www.bostonducktours.com

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

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

Boston with kids: a stay at Marriott’s Custom House

June 28, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Marriott’s Custom House is hands down the most unique Marriott Vacation Club property I’ve ever seen.
Originally built in 1847 as a–you guessed it–custom house for 1/5th of the world’s wealth brought in at the busy harbor, the hotel is one of the most impressive historical buildings in all of Boston, and yet its one-of-a-kind features are seamlessly integrated with Marriott Vacation Club’s commitment to family programs and amenities. My father, with whom we were fortunate enough to share this portion of our trip, put it this way: “You come to Boston for the history, and end up staying in it.”

I fear I cannot adequately describe our Eagle Suite rooms (located on the 21st floor) in order to do them justice. (Photos don’t do them justice, either.) Have I stayed in suites as luxurious? Yes. As luxuriously unique? No. Located near the top of the tower just under the clock face, the two suites on this floor conform perfectly to their surrounds and the integrity of the historic building. The floor-to-ceiling windows look out upon a birds-eye view of the Back Bay, harbor, and Beacon Hill, and the high ceilings and quaint nooks and crannies reminded us were not in the average hotel room (as if the view could make us forget!). The balconies of these suites sit under the shadow of massive stone eagle gargoles standing sentinel, and only four stories up, the four-sided clock face itself serves as a Boston landmark.

The interior of all Custom House suites feature full kitchens, a separate bedroom, dining space, living space, a large bathroom, and full closets. Carpeted steps led between our rooms and around bends molding to the layout of the tower in which we were housed. Every detail was cared for, from the coffee for the full-sized coffee maker, to the full-sized toaster, to the four chairs surrounding a table actually large enough to sit and eat around. The single caveat: suites only sleep four (though roll-aways are available should your party need more sleeping space), so families of five or more will need two rooms.

One of the most unique features of this already unique property is the observation deck on the 26th floor. Available only to guests, this deck is the only outdoor observation area of the city, and offers stunning 360 degree views. It’s closed in inclement weather, but otherwise available at guests’ leisure. On the 2nd floor, museum artifacts from the Peabody Essex Museum in nearby Salem tell the story of the building’s history, and guests can explore the Counting Room where commerce once boomed (and armed guards once patrolled the balcony walks above to ensure fair trade). This room is now used for nightly entertainment and the morning breakfast buffet. The hotel also has a decent-sized fitness facility considering the space available (on the 25th floor) and families have access to the indoor swimming pool (and larger fitness center) across the street at the Custom House’s sister property, Marriott Long Wharf.

The Custom House concierge and activities director, Ellen Silverman, does a fabulous job ensuring there’s something for everyone, every day, in keeping with Vacation Club standards. In addition to the MAZE activity room for the younger set (open with parental supervision all day and located on the 20th floor), the Custom House offers a game room stocked with air hockey, pool, and video games (and complimentary washers and dryers!) right behind the clock face on the 24th floor, a private movie theater with frequent showings, a daily craft for all ages, and nightly entertainment that jives with the historical aspect of the hotel. During our visit, this entertainment took the form of an Irish folk singer one evening (we listened to him in the historic Counting Room) and a costumed historical narrator the next.

And then there’s the Custom House’s incredible location. Just two short blocks from the State House (on the Freedom Trail route) in one direction, one block from Faneuil Square and Quincy Market in another, and half a block from the New England Aquarium in yet another, visitors can walk nearly anywhere. Great family dining is abundant in a 2-3 block radius. Oh, and if that’s not enough, a T stop is located just outside the door, which we used extensively.

If you’re coming to Boston to learn about the history of the city, and want somewhere luxurious but also convenient and comfortable for a family, The Custom House is where you want to be. I know I’ll be back.

Room rates: You don’t have to be a Marriott Vacation Club member to stay at The Custom House. (And you can use Marriott Reward Points, too!) Nightly rates vary by season and availability, but the weekend low rate the week we stayed was $339.

Directions: The Custom House is located at 3 McKinley Square. We walked the four short blocks from the Amtrak station during our trip, but driving it is easy, too. From 93 North, take Exit 23. Stay left after tunnel and follow signs to the aquarium. At first traffic light turn left following signs for aquarium. Take a right onto State Street. Hotel is 1st driveway on the left. Taxi fare from Logan International is approximately $30.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I stayed at The Custom House with a significantly discounted media rate. While appreciated, this rate in no way guaranteed a positive review.

Family travels in my own backyard: Crater Lake to the Rogue River

June 21, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

If gas or airline prices are keeping you closer to home this summer, you’re not alone. Soaring prices and family commitments necessitate staying in our home region of Southern Oregon this July, too, but we’re not letting it stop us from getting away from it all…sort of. We picked a weekend, circled it on the calendar, and created an outdoor family adventure itinerary that won’t take us more than 70 miles from home. Here’s what we’ll be doing:

Day 1: Medford, Oregon to Crater Lake National Park

We’ll drive Highway 62 from Medford to Crater Lake National Park, a two-hour drive through some of the most scenic country Oregon has to offer. The kids will want to stop at the Upper Rogue Trail in Prospect (45 minutes into the drive) for a quick hike to toss rocks in the water and play along the shore. Afterward, we’ll drive a few miles further down the road for an ice cream stop at Becky’s, next to the Union Creek Resort. (Psst: come back here in the winter for the challenging sledding hill, bonfires, and hot chocolate.)

After entering Crater Lake National Park, we’ll check into the Crater Lake Lodge, then read up on the ecology of the lake and its first residents at the interactive rim-side displays. Afterward, we’ll hike Watchman Peak, where kids can enter an unused fire tower for fabulous views. Dinner will be either at the lodge dining room (upscale) or the family-friendly cafeteria at nearby Mazama Village.

Day 2: Crater Lake to the Upper Rogue River

After waking up in one of the cozy, wood-paneled and flannel-blanketed rooms of the Crater Lake Lodge, we’ll eat a decadent breakfast in the dining room before descending from the rim back to Highway 62. Backtracking from the previous day, we’ll return past Union Creek to Lost Creek Lake, a many-fingered body of blue water featuring water sports, fishing, and lakeside hiking. At the marina, we’ll grab lunch then take a swim at the public swimming beach before continuing on to Shady Cove, Oregon, a tiny town fifteen minutes away hugged by the Rogue River.

Once there, we’ll check in with Raft the Rogue, a favorite regional outdoor outfitter. Rafting the Upper Rogue is a great first rafting experience for families, as the rapids are gentle and professional guides are unnecessary. The staff at Rafting the Rogue will pair us with a raft (one is enough for our family of five, but tahitis are also available), oars, life jackets, and an ice cooler if we need one, then will drive us the ten minutes back upriver to the put-in location. From there, we’ll float at a leisurely pace, stopping on the banks of the river for snacks, swimming, or resting at will.

By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at the Shady Cove boat launch, where Raft the Rogue staff will be waiting for us. Once back to our car, we’ll drive a few blocks to the end of town to Miguel’s, a local favorite Mexican restaurant with a back patio overlooking the river. We’ll order nachos, lemonades, and maybe something stronger while watching the sun set.

We’ll spend the night at the Edgewater Inn: cozy, homey, and with lawns stretching to the river banks. Day 3 will find us returning home to Medford, where we’ll be back in time to unpack and do the laundry before lunch (the only downside).

If you planned a weekend getaway in your hometown, where would you go? Let me know in the comments!

New York’s Adirondack Museum

June 9, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

The Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake, New York makes for a great half or full day pit stop during your Adirondack summer family vacation! Dedicated to families with young kids through teens, the museum features indoor and outdoor exhibits, nature studies, and family programs filled with hands-on experiences.

It seems like there’s always something going on at the museum, whether it’s time to feed the fish, play in the log cabins, or explore the schoolhouse. Visitors learn about the outdoor recreation traditions for which the area is famous (such as boating and horseback riding) as well as the history and natural elements of the region.

Pit Stops for Kids was recently alerted to some new programs scheduled for this summer at the Adirondack Museum: their newest event, “Familypalooza”, is scheduled for July 9th, and will include a bounce house, music show by Radio Disney, kayaking and paddling demonstrations on the museum’s pond, costumed animal characters, tasty food, face painting and much more!

Also new in 2011, parents and children can spend the night at the museum! “Camp Out for Families: Overnights at the Adirondack Museum” are scheduled for July 7th and August 16th. In collaboration with the Adirondack Lakes
Center for the Arts, Blue Mountain Lake, N.Y., visitors will explore exhibits by lantern, get dramatic about Adirondack history, hear songs and stories by the campfire, and have a sleepover in the Woods & Waters exhibit.
For more information visit www.adirondackmuseum.org.

Distance from the interstate: 45 minutes from I-87.

Hours of operation: Open daily May 27th-Oct. 17th (including holidays) from 10 am-5 pm.

Admission rates: Adults: $18, Teens (13-17): $12, Children (6-12): $6, Under five: free. (We love that all museum admission are valid for a second visit within a one week period!)

Food services: The Lakeview Cafe is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, with salads, sandwiches, wraps, and soups.

Website: www.adkmuseum.org

Directions: The Adirondack Museum is located on Route 28N and 30, just a short drive from Lake George, Glens Falls, Saratoga Springs, Utica, Old Forge, Lake Placid, and Plattsburgh–close enough for an easy day trip. Full directions from these locations can be found here.

Bear Lake State Park Rendezvous Beach

June 3, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Clear, turquoise-blue water. White sand beaches. Scuba diving, fishing, and wind surfing. Would you guess you’re in Utah? I wouldn’t! In fact, until I saw Bear Lake’s Rendezvous Beach for myself, I assumed the state park was exaggerating with its claim to be the ‘Caribbean of the Rockies’. But it’s no lie: right on the Utah-Idaho border near the touristy town of Garden City, weekend visitors (and weary travelers) will find a veritable paradise laid before them.

Rendezvous Beach is located at the south end of the lake near the aptly named town of Laketown. There you’ll find plenty of beach space, picnic areas, boat ramps, and facilities such as bathrooms and showers. Before reaching Laketown on Highway 30, however, other lake access is available, and visitors can be found parking along the side of the highway and enjoying day use along the shore from Garden City. We joined them, hoping to avoid the largest congestion. I’m not sure we succeeded: it was a busy summer day, and the beaches were crowded throughout the lake, but we enjoyed our location. With plenty of white sand, a wide eddy of water for young kids to play in, and shallow water well into the lake, it was a very safe and fun space for families. Note: bring an umbrella or other shelter; the one thing Bear Lake lacks is much natural shade!

We stopped at Bear Lake only long enough to take a swim and enjoy a picnic, but if you have more time to spend, many outdoor recreation opportunities abound. Rent water sport equipment, hire a fishing guide, or learn about area hikes.

Distance from the interstate: On Utah Hwy 30, right off well-traveled Highway 89. (Bear in mind that in the summer months, traffic can back up at Garden City, making for a slow final few miles to the beaches.)

Date last visited: July 2010

Admission fee: To visit Rendezvous Beach proper, you’ll be entering state park property, and an $8 per car admission will be enforced for day use. Other beach access along Highway 30 is free. (The $8 may be money well-spent for the use of facilities, however; there were no bathrooms along the shore elsewhere.

Hours: 8 am until 10 pm year-round.

Food services: Garden City offers plenty in the way of fast food, grocery stores, and small cafes and food stands. We suggest packing a picnic or BBQing on the beach!

Website:http://www.utah.com/stateparks/bear_lake.html

Directions: From I-15, take Highway 30 (89) south to Garden City. From

Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho

May 26, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Situated next to the all-seasons tourist town of Sandpoint in the scenic Idaho panhandle, Lake Pend Oreille (pronounced pon-der-ay) is an outdoors-lover’s heaven. By winter, it serves as base camp to popular ski resort Schweitzer, and in summer it’s the ideal family playground for water sports, swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, and just about any other outdoorsy activity you can think of! We love this large, beautiful lake’s sandy, welcoming shores, Sandpoint’s friendly, casual atmosphere, and the surrounding wilderness’ promise of adventure.

Distance from the interstate: Right on I-95, approximately two hours from Spokane, WA.

Date last visited: June 2010.

Where to stay: This depends upon what you want from your vacation. Schweitzer Mountain Resort has a beautiful location high in the mountains overlooking the lake (and we usually, we recommend staying at major ski resorts in the summer months to take advantage of five-star amenities at a reduced rate), but be advised that lakeside activities such as swimming and boating are a thirty minute commute away. If the lake is what you’re after, try the Best Western Edgewater Resort, which is indeed right on the edge of the lake, near the city beach park and downtown shops and restaurants. If you plan to stay a week or more, save money and spread out in a beautiful mountain or lake house rental!

What to do: Mountainside, there’s much for families to do at Schweitzer. Mountain bike along their cut trails (rent bikes in the pro shop), rock climb on their ‘power tower’, or take a turn on the bungee trampoline. We recommend at least one day spent up at this resort (located 30 minutes from town).

Lakeside, start in City Beach Park (located along Bridge Street), where the sand is soft and white, swimming areas are safely designated, and the snack shack is always open. For more adventure, stop by the Sandpoint Marina (195 N. Triangle Dr.) to rent kayaks, canoes, and Sea Doos or take a hike in the Selkirk Mountains (trail maps available at the visitor’s welcome center in town).

Where to eat: Downtown Sandpoint is chock full of family-friendly cafes, sandwich shops, and coffee bars. One of our favorites is the Blue Moon Cafe (124 S 2nd Ave), but really, you can’t go wrong no matter where you end up! For something special, try a relaxing dinner right on the lake at Trinity at City Beach, where you can watch the summer sun set while sipping Mojitos.

If you’re just passing through: If you’re driving I-95 and need a place to get out and stretch, hold out for Sandpoint! Parking is ample at City Beach Park on Bridge Street; start there and let the kids swim and play in the sand. Grab sandwiches to go, or eat at Panhandler Pies (120 S. 1st) as you leave town. If you have a dog in tow, Lake Pend Oreille has a great dog beach located near City Beach along Long Bridge.

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Kennedy Park, Helena MT

May 16, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’ve road tripped through Montana on a summer family vacation, you know that while beautiful, the state of Montana is vast…and often empty. Pit stops are sometimes scarce, which makes Kennedy Park (located on Harrison Avenue) in the heart of East Helena all the more attractive.

We loved the wide space of grass (the boys dug the soccer ball out of the car), the picnic areas, and the huge wooden fort structure. There were several shade canopies and plenty of shade. Best yet, unpack the swim suits, because this park has an exceptional city pool and water park attached.

The pool, called Memorial Park Swimming Pool, features a large water slide, splash pad, and spray area in addition to a full-sized pool.

Distance from the interstate: Five minutes

Date last visited: July 2010

Admission fee: None. Swimming pool admission varies.

Hours: Sunup to sunset. For pool hours, check the city’s recreation page.

Food services: None. Pack a picnic!

Website: None.

Directions: From I-15, take Highway 12 into East Helena. Turn left on First Street, right on Main, and left on Harrison.

Desert Botanical Garden

May 4, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Just in time for Mother’s Day, the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix Arizona makes for the perfect pit stop or sun-filled family outing. (Or maybe I’m just suffering from a severe case of sun-envy here in Oregon!) But what makes Desert Botanical so great (in all seasons, but especially spring)? The new blooms, of course! In springtime, this 50 acre garden is positively alive with color, making for a beautiful contrast with its desert surroundings. What’s more, this Friday marks National Public Garden’s Day, during which entrance to Desert Botanical will be free of charge. No matter when you go, there are exhibits to explore, photography to admire, plenty of outdoor areas to play in and paths to walk, making for a great respite from the car or from the day’s usual grind.

Note: If you do go on Mother’s Day, get there in time for the Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch! It’s spendy, but Mom’s worth it, right?

Distance from the interstate: Ten minutes.

Admission fee: Adults: $15 Children: $5

Hours: 7am to 8pm, daily

Food services: None. Pack a picnic!

Website: http://www.dbg.org

Directions:The garden is located at 1201 N. Galvin, Phoenix, AZ. From I-10, take exit 147A to merge onto AZ-202 Loop E, then take exit 4 toward Van Buren St. Merge onto N. 52nd, then turn left onto E Van Buren St. Turn left onto N. Galvin Pkwy.

Oregon Sea Lion Caves

April 25, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

The Oregon Coast’s famed sea lion caves (91560 Hwy. 101 N., Florence) can be found eleven miles north of Florence, Oregon on scenic Highway 101. A great pit stop for families traveling this windy, windswept stretch of coastline, the caves offer not only a chance to get out of the car, get some sea air, and explore, but also to experience a true rarity: the world’s largest sea lion cave.

Home to sea lions as well as sea birds, visitors descend to the cave (which opens up to the Pacific at the base of a bluff) by elevator, then overlook the sea lions in their natural habitat. In spring and summer, you’ll find the sea lions on the rocky ledges just outside the cave (their rookery while breeding). During the fall and winter, they are usually inside their cave.

If you have anyone sensitive to smells, give them fair warning that the cave has a very strong odor of sea, fish, and sea lion. It’s not exactly pleasant, but it bothers some more than others! And there is some physical effort required (though not strenuous). in order to make the trip, you must go up and down stairs and climb about 400 yards of paved trail. You then reach the elevator that takes you down to the cave. There are also 63 steps in the cave in order to access a lighthouse viewpoint. Visitors can go all the way down to the cave, or stop and turn back at any point.

Distance from the interstate: Right off Highway 101.

Date last visited: July 2009

Admission fee: Adults are $12, kids 3-12 are $8. Under 3s are free. Note: we thought the admission price was a little steep for what you get; after all, for our family of five, we paid over $40, which was pretty high for a spur-of-the-moment stop. However, if you plan ahead, we’ve found that knowing what you’ll be paying takes some of the sting out of it. In addition to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, which we highly recommend, the sea lion caves are one of the best exhibits out there.

Hours: Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm.

Food services: There is a gift shop attached to the attraction which has quite a large selection of snacks, ice cream, and the like. No actual meal service is offered, however.

Website: http://sealioncaves.com/home/

Directions: From Florence, Oregon, drive eleven miles north on Highway 101.

Stanton Park, Douglas County Oregon

April 22, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

This review of Stanton Park has been submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader, Anne.

A regional park that is good for an hour’s respite from the car, the Stanton Park in Douglas County, Oregon has a day use area with a nice playground and big grassy area. It’s located on the banks of the Umpqua River in Canyonville, and includes a campground with immaculate toilets/showers. We were feeling frazzled and stopped (we thought) to use the restrooms but were lured into a hour of play with our frisbee and balls and on the playground. for more info, see the link to Stanton Park.

Distance from the interstate: Right off I-5.

Date last visited: March 2011

Admission fee: No admission fee for day use.

Website: http://www.co.douglas.or.us/parks/campgrounds.asp

Directions: The park is located at 1540 Stanton Park Road, Canyonville, Oregon. It’s easy to spot right off I-5 (visible to it, in fact). Take Exit 101. You have to do a little dipsy-doodle as you come off the interstate but it is well marked–you follow the signs to Stanton Park.