Mystic Aquarium

August 10, 2010 By

Mystic Aquarium: Photo courtesy of Sea Research Foundation

This stop was submitted by Karin Burgess of Mystic Country. Thank you, Karin, for your support of Pit Stops for Kids!

If you find yourself in Mystic, Connecticut (perhaps to tour the Mystic Seaport), the Mystic Aquarium, located nearby, is a must-see attraction for families!

Within the aquarium, you’ll find a marine theater show, a 3-D theater, and extensive exhibits on everything from the ocean depths to the Titanic to specific species such as jellyfish, belugas, and sea lions. Be sure to check the daily program for feeding times and special programs offered!

Distance off the interstate: Right off Mystic exit 90 on I-95 north or south in Mystic, Connecticut

Admission:

Adult $28
Senior (age 60+) $25
Children (age 3 – 17) $20
Children (age 2 and under) Free!

Tip: For just one dollar more on your admission price (per person), the aquarium will add on lunch!

Hours: Generally, the hours are 9am-5pm, but they vary by season. Visit their info page for up-to-date hours.

Food Services: The Penguins Cafe is located within the aquarium. Otherwise, there’s plenty to choose from along the seaport from fine dining to a cafe with sandwiches and picnic fare. Check this page for a list of options.

Website: http://www.mysticaquarium.org

Directions: Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is located in Mystic just off Exit 90 on Interstate 95, about 10 miles east of New London along Connecticut’s southeastern shore.

Things To Do
Mystic

Mystic Seaport

August 8, 2010 By

19th Century Village at the Mystic Seaport

Mystic, Connecticut

This stop was submitted by Karin Burgess of Mystic Country. Thank you, Karin, for your support of Pit Stops for Kids!

Looking for a great maritime day or weekend trip to beat summer heat and learn as a family? Just off I-95 in Mystic, CT, the Mystic Seaport: Museum of America and the Sea is a great place to run around, get out on the water for a short boat ride, climb aboard a ship, learn history by seeing and doing! Along the waterfront, explore four National Historic Landmark vessels, then visit a recreated 19th-century village. There are lots of exhibits and galleries, and you can even watch experts restore antique vessels, then rent a boat yourself to get a sea-faring perspective. Make sure you allow for most of a day!

Charles W. Morgan at Chubb’s Wharf

Distance off the interstate: Five minutes off I-95.

Admission: Adults are $24, Youth (6-17): $15, 5 and under: Free.

Hours:
Spring/Summer/Early Fall 2010 (March 27 – October 31) open daily 9am-5pm
Late Fall 2010 (November 1 – November 28): open daily 10am – 4pm

Food Services: There’s plenty to choose from along the seaport from fine dining to a cafe with sandwiches and picnic fare.

Website: http://www.mysticseaport.org/

Directions:

From Hartford, Conn: Take Route 2 East to Route 11 South. Turn left onto Route 82, right onto Route 85, then Route 85 to Interstate 95 North. Take Exit 90, turning right at the exit. Mystic Seaport is one mile south on Route 27.

From Boston and Points Traveling South on I-95: Take Exit 90 off I-95. Turn left at end of ramp onto Route 27 South. Proceed approximately one mile.

Bumper Jumpers Indoor Playground

July 29, 2010 By

Photo courtesy of Bumper Jumpers.

4217 High Point Road
Greensboro, NC

This pit stop submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader Kevin. Thank you, Kevin, for your submission!

The largest indoor playground in North Carolina, Bumper Jumpers is the place to go to beat the summer heat and humidity (and winter doldrums)! Inside, you’ll find 14,000 square feet of temperature-controlled fun: amazing inflatable play units, games, and other activities to ensure learning through creative play. Open for walk-in play seven days a week, it’s an ideal pit stop along I- for families en route on vacations and road trips.

A separate area is designated for kids one-year-old and under, and if you could use a little downtime too, there’s a parent section with comfortable seating, TVs, and free internet access.

Extra Tip: Bumper Jumpers is a shoe-free zone, but you will need socks. Be sure to bring a pair for each kid (easily forgotten during the summer sandal months).

Date submitted: May 2010

Distance off the interstate: 2 miles from I-40. Also easy to access from I-85 or I-73.

Admission Prices: Children one year old and up: $8.50 plus tax, infants FREE with pay of another child, parents and guardians FREE

Hours of Operation: Summer hours are Monday through Thursday: 10:00am to 8:00pm,
Friday through Saturday: 10:00am to 8:00pm, Sunday: 12:00pm to 6:00pm

Food Services: Healthy snacks and drinks are available in their refreshment area. No outside food or drink allowed except for pizza delivery.

Bathrooms: On-site.

Website: http://www.bumperjumpers.com/

Directions: From I-40, take exit 217 for High Point Rd toward Coliseum Area. Turn right at High Point Rd/US-29 Alt S. Destination will be on the left.

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The Amaz’n Jackson Hole Maze

July 28, 2010 By

All-American fun at the Amaze’n Maze!

45 E Snow King Avenue
Jackson, WY

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

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

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

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

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

Date last visited: July 4, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

Website: None.

Phone: (307) 734-0455

Directions: From Highway 26 (89), take S. Cache Street into downtown Jackson until you reach Snow King Drive. Turn left. The maze will be on your left.
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Purgatory Chasm State Reservation

July 27, 2010 By

Between a rock and a hard place at Purgatory Chasm!

198 Purgatory Rd.
Sutton MA

This pit stop submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader Sonia Beshiri. Thank you, Sonia, for your submission!

Purgatory Chasm State Park runs for a quarter of a mile between granite walls rising as high as 70 feet (just outside of Sutton, MA). It’s a great place to climb natural rock formations, and it’s completely free! There are trails as well. You just need your sneakers/bug spray/sunscreen/water bottle/snack! You can also have a picnic or use their BBQ pits (you’d have to provide the coals). There’s a pavilion for shading, ice cream truck (when we went) across the street, a playground, and more walking trails. I saw forest rangers too. The place gets lots of traffic when there’s great weather.

Extra Tip: This pit stop isn’t for the faint at heart; I saw 3-4-year-olds practically sprinting across the rocks better than I did!

Date last visited: May 2010

Distance off the interstate: Just off Route 146. (Approximately 7 miles from the MASS Turnpike/I-90.)

Admission Prices: FREE

Hours of Operation: Sunrise to sunset daily

Food Services: Picnic and BBQ space on-site.

Bathrooms: On-site.

Website: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/purg.htm

Directions: Take MASS PIKE (Rte. I-90) to exit #10A in Millbury (rte 146 South). Take Rte 146 South to exit # 6 in Sutton, Purgatory Rd. Take a right onto Purgatory Rd. Reservation entrance & visitor center is ¼ mile on your right.
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Inn at Otter Crest

July 23, 2010 By

Inn at Otter Crest

301 Otter Crest Loop Road
Otter Rock, OR

This pit stop submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader Renea. Thank you for your support of Pit Stops for Kids, Renea!

Touted as ‘a place to play on the Oregon coast’, the Inn at Otter Crest is comprised of condominium-style accommodations right on the Pacific in a perfect location for family fun.

A 35-acre forested complex located between Lincoln City to the north and Newport to the south, visitors to The Inn at Otter Crest have miles of beaches, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, hiking trails, and dining and shopping at their fingertips.

When booking, families can choose between traditional hotel rooms and suites and mini-suites. There’s a heated pool and hot tub (seasonal), basketball and tennis courts, fitness center, and children’s playground.

Typical unit in forested setting.

Distance off the interstate: Right on Hwy 101. 1.5 hours from I-5.

Food Services: The Flying Dutchman is located on-site. Additional dining is minutes away in nearby Newport and Lincoln City.

Rates: To check rates and make reservations, call: 1.888.505.5735

Website: http://www.innatottercrest.com/index.html

Directions: Take I-5 to the Highway 34/Corvallis exit. Turn right and head West on Highway 34 to Corvallis. Take the Highway 20 exit and head west to Newport. At Newport turn right onto Highway 101 and head north. Travel approximately eight miles north to Otter Rock. Take the Otter Crest Loop exit and proceed to the resort entrance.

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Western Pacific Railroad Museum

July 20, 2010 By

Reviewer’s family at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum.

700 Western Pacific Way
Portola, CA

This pit stop submitted by fellow mom and Pit Stops for Kids reader Vanessa. Visit Vanessa’s photography site, Second Spring.

If you should find yourself somewhere between Reno, NV and Chico, CA along Hwy 70 you will pass through the little town of Portola, CA. There you will find this little gem of a pit stop, The Western Pacific Railroad Museum. One of the best things about this museum is that they not only allow you to climb, crawl and explore the trains but encourage it…a fantastic way to expend a little pent up energy if you ask me! There are volunteer docents on hand should you have questions about any of the equipment. This part is not only a hit with the kids but the parents as well (I could have spent HOURS snapping the shutter on my camera around the rail yard had we not needed to stop for nap time!). The train ride is fun for the little kids- and you can sit either inside one of the caboose cars or outside. Our little guy jumped at the sound of the whistle but was thrilled to get to be on the train.

If you have a train lover in the family they rent out a caboose for parties and events (I am thinking birthday party for my little guy) and during the holiday season they deck out the caboose train in twinkle lights and get a visit from Santa. With a little planning ahead (since reservations are needed) you can even drive one of the diesel engines. Check the calendar on the website for more events.

Exploring the trains!

Date last visited: May 30th, 2010

Distance off the interstate: Just over half a mile off CA Hwy 70. (Approximately 50 minutes from Reno or 1.5 hours from Tahoe.)

Admission Prices: Museum is free (though donations are appreciated) and $5 to ride the train that run on the weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day (they also do special events like the Santa Train during the holiday season- see the Calendar page for more details).

Hours of Operation: 10am to 5pm

Food Services: Cold drinks and snacks available in the gift shop (and the Portola Frosty is a favorite stop for those hot summer days- just off Hwy 70 heading west from Gulling St.).

Bathrooms: Just down the hall from the gift shop in the museum.

Website: http://www.wplives.org/

Directions: From Hwy 70, take Gulling Street into the town of Portola, turn right on Commercial, a slight left onto Pacific and then a right onto Western Pacific Way. There are signs to lead you along the way.

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 23): Embassy Suites Sacramento

July 19, 2010 By

View of Tower Bridge outside our Embassy Suites room.

We spent our last night on the road at the Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade (100 Capitol Mall, Sacramento CA).

Embassy Suites is a favorite hotel chain of mine due to their high quality amenities, top-notch service, and the extras they provide, such as made-to-order complementary breakfasts and manager’s reception’ hours with snacks and cool drinks on-hand in the late afternoon. The Riverfront Promenade did not disappoint.

Located ideally next to historic Old Town and bordering the lovely river walk along the Sacramento River, we had impressive views from our room of the Tower Bridge and Old Town. Our suite was convenient with two full rooms (one with a comfortable pull-out bed/couch, desk, and TV unit, one with a king-sized bed and TV unit) and one spacious bathroom (with tub).

The Embassy Suites had a nice indoor pool and hot tub which we were all too glad to use after a hot summer day exploring Old Town. Other amenities include an exercise room, valet parking ($25 a day), and a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and microwave in-room. There’s also a Guest Activities desk on-site to help you with any vacation plans.

Embassy Suites indoor pool.

In addition to the complementary breakfast, there are two restaurants on-site (with many more in walking distance). The Tower Bridge Bistro offers fine dining in their dining room or via room service, and the MarketPlace Cafe offers quicker service with sandwiches, burgers, etc.

Note: The Embassy Suites Sacramento does not allow for (or have) roll-away beds, so if you’re a family of five like us, plan accordingly. We made one child a bed on the floor utilizing the unused couch cushions, and it worked fine!

Date last visited: July 15, 2010.

Distance off the interstate: Right off I-5.

Room Rates: Best rate started at $229 at time of publishing. All rooms are suites, with two rooms and full bathroom. Railroad Museum packages are available.

Directions: From I-5, take the J St exit toward Downtown, then turn right at 3rd St. Take the 1st right onto Capitol Mall, then make a U-turn into property.

As I mention during any review opportunity, the Embassy Suites Sacramento hosted our stay at no cost. While we greatly appreciate their hospitality, this compensation came with no guarantee of a positive review.

I want to thank everyone who followed along with our 22 Day Road Trip! We had a wonderful time, and I sincerely hope that our reviews will be of assistance as you, my readers, plan your next adventures!
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A Pit Stop a Day (Day 22): Old Sacramento Historical District

July 18, 2010 By

California State Railroad Museum

We spent our last day, Day 22, driving from Laguna Beach to Sacramento CA on I-5, visiting Sacramento’s historic Old Town and staying our final night on the road at the Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade.

Sacramento’s Old Town is a state historic park covering 28 acres along the Sacramento River directly opposite from downtown. Wooden sidewalks, false storefronts, and cobblestones create the illusion that visitors have returned to the famed California Gold Rush days (although cheap souvenir t-shirt shops and the like seem to work equally hard to distract from this).

By far the best gem of Old Town is the California State Railroad Museum (111 I Street), located at the entrance to Old Town and commanding a distinctive presence in the district. This impressive museum is larger than life (especially for young kids entranced by trains): visitor’s can walk through historic train compartments (the sleeper car even sways and jolts under your feet as though in motion), learn about the building of the railroad, and watch a great film depicting the early railroad days. Upstairs, Thomas the Tank Engine lovers will find extensive train tables at their disposal.

Our favorite shop in Old Sacramento.

After exploring the museum, we walked through Old Town, which consists primarily of shops, restaurants, and a few other smaller museums (a Wells Fargo stagecoach museum and a military museum). The Sacramento River is one block from the museum, as is the historic Delta King riverboat (hotel) and a monument to the Pony Express.

Kids (and adults alike) will love stopping to browse the offerings at Evangeline’s, a joke shop boutique. Nearly all the joke items and gag gifts are suitable for children (apart from a well-closed off ‘adult’ section in the back) and you could spend hours laughing at all the items for sale (at least we could!). My kids finally settled on ‘handerwear’ (underwear for hands), clacking teeth, and joke mustaches.

If you’re in Old Town after dinner and have saved room for dessert, Sacramento Sweets Co has the best waffle cone sundaes this side of the Mississippi. Their Capitol Sundae feeds two (but you won’t want to share). Be sure to get it topped with their homemade caramel or hot fudge sauce!

Seasonal Tip: If your Sacramento vacation brings you to the city in late August, be sure to attend Old Sacramento’s Gold Rush Days. The streets are covered with dirt and allow only pedestrian or horse-drawn traffic, adding to the authentic old west feel. Living history exhibits and re-enactments are in play all weekend!

Note: Two other great Sacramento attractions include Sutter’s Fort (where California gold was first discovered) and FairyTale Town (located near the Sacramento Zoo).

Date last visited: July 15, 2010.

Distance off the interstate: Right off I-5.

Directions: From I-5, follow signs to Old Sacramento Historic District. Turn off I-5 at J Street, turn left onto 3rd, then turn onto I Street to the California State Railroad Museum.

Up Next: Or last, that is: we review our stay at the Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade!

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 20): Stops for Kids in Laguna Beach, CA

July 16, 2010 By
Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route ...

Image via Wikipedia

On Day 20, we drove from Zion National Park to Laguna Beach, CA, a route pretty devoid of pit stops! We were very glad to arrive in such a kid-friendly mecca of attractions, restaurants, and beaches!

Having grown up in the area (and returning to visit relatives every year since), we are quite familiar with Laguna Beach and its surrounding areas, and we’re convinced it’s one of the best beach towns in America. Below are our favorite picks for families:

Best Public Beach:

Main Beach is lively and fun (and perfect for a post-breakfast or dinner stroll), but to escape the summer crowds, we recommend heading south to Aliso Creek Public Beach. Aliso Creek is on the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) just outside of Laguna in South Laguna. (The Montage Resort borders it on the north-end, a wonderful hotel which caters to children more than you’d think; if it’s in your budget, this is a wonderful hotel option). At Aliso, you’ll find a parking lot (eliminating long walks to the beach while carting all your stuff), bathrooms and showers, a playground right on the beach, and over a mile of sand. (The creek that feeds into it is inviting to kids, but there’s no wading allowed.)

Best Park:

Again, Main Beach boasts a fun park along the boardwalk, but for pure kid fun, we prefer Bluebird Park on the Laguna hillside. From Hwy 1, take Cress Street up the hill (directions). At Bluebird, you’ll find extensive play structures (with new, space-age-esque designs) for the toddler set as well as older kids, fun slides built into rocky hillsides, a rocket, and scooter/bike paths. (Sometimes gets busy with the kids’ club located adjacent to the park.)

Nate enjoys some downtime in Laguna Beach!

Best Local Event:

If you’re in Laguna during the summer months, be sure to check out the Sawdust Festival! Located right on Laguna Canyon Road (Hwy 133), this art festival features the booths of local artists (from pottery to fine art to jewelry) and gives kids plenty to look at! Be sure to check out the glass blowing demonstration and stop by the kids’ art booth to let your children try their hand at the project of the day! (Admission: $7.75 for adults, $3.25 for kids 6-12, free for under age 6.)

Best kid-Friendly Restaurant:

Ruby’s Diner, located at 30622 Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) is fast, fun, and kid-centric. Designed like an old-time diner, kids will love the shakes and malts, burgers, and onion rings (as well as their own chef hats). On nice days, ask for outdoor seating: they’ll take you up to the roof!

Best Toy Store:

Main Beach Toys is a great place to stop while browsing art galleries and shops in Laguna (so kids can actually touch some stuff!). Be sure to stop here before hitting the beach, too: they carry lots of sand and water toys.

Date last visited: July, 2010.

Distance off the interstate: Laguna Beach is about 30 minutes from I-5.

Directions: From the 405 or I-5, take Hwy 73 exit to Beach Cities to Hwy 1 into Laguna.

Up Next: We take the kids (and nephew Homer) to Pretend City in Irvine, CA!

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