Educational Travel for kids: Orlando beyond the theme parks

December 17, 2013 By

When most families think of Orlando, two words come to mind: theme parks. We understand; after all, we offer Disney World tips for families and reviews of Disney attractions. However, families looking for educational travel ideas,  whether as pit stops en route elsewhere on Florida vacations, or during an Orlando vacation, will find much to engage kids’ minds. At the following Orlando attractions, Mickey may be absent, but fun is present and accounted for.

wonderworks-orlando

Orlando Wonderworks:

The building of the Orlando location for the Wonderworks chain of kid zones is upside-down…a sure sign that kids rule at this indoor play-and-imagination-mecca. Kids will immediately think Wonderworks is all about fun, but with over 100 interactive exhibits on science, perspective, and technology, they’re learning more than is let on. When they do catch on that lessons are being imparted, there’s always laser tag for ‘recess’. Admission is $24 ($19 for kids) but is not all-inclusive…be prepared to spend more. Located centrally on International Drive.

Orlando Science Center:

It’s tough being a science center in the theme park capital of the world…Orlando Science Center has steep competition for kids’ attention. However, once here, yours will most likely not want to leave. With an interactive Sesame Street exhibit for toddlers and preschoolers and science labs and a science ‘park’ for older kids, everyone will be occupied. Located on 777 E. Princeton Street, admission is $19 for adults and $13 for kids…a tad lower than your standard theme park admission costs. Read reviews of the Orlando Science Center.

Orange Country Regional History Center:

Need a new perspective on Orlando after too much stimulation, creative landscaping, and ‘experiences’? The History Center shows kids what Orlando looked like before Disney, starting with natural history and native plants and animals, then progressing through First People, First Contact, and pioneering history. And yes, there’s a permanent exhibit on Walt, too. The building is big and bright, and families get the feeling of being out-of-doors while still enjoying the A/C. Located at 65 East Central Blvd, the museum does close at 5 pm daily. General admission is $12 for adults and $9 for kids.

gatorland-orlando

Gatorland:

Orlando’s Gatorland is more than just a thrill for families who like to get up-close and personal with huge reptiles. Kids learn about swamps, alligator breeding programs, and alligator habits. Their Adventure Hour takes kids even closer to the action, and is only $10 per person more. Yes, there are also zip lines, making Gatorland more like a theme park than a zoo, but families spending a half-day here will come away with a decent education. Admission is $27 for adults (13 and up) and $19 for kids, and the park closes at 5 pm. Parking is free. Read reviews of Gatorland.

Not staying on theme park property? Find Orlando accommodations at Trivago.com.

Photo credit: Brian Marshall and Jim Moore

Wings and Waves Water Park

April 26, 2012 By

wings and waves

After lunch would be a good time to move from the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum to the Wings and Waves water park. (The exception to this rule would be during peak holiday weekends, when the lines for rides at the water park escalate by mid-day. This, however, is not the norm.)

You can’t miss the water park, which is adjacent to the museum buildings and topped by an Evergreen commercial craft (more on that in a minute). Inside, you’ll find a spacious and airy, well-lit, and very high quality water park four large slides (one body slide and three inner-tube style slides), a wave pool, a leisure pool with basketball hoops and a whirlpool vortex, hot tubs, and an activity water play structure with additional slides and a dumping bucket. The larger slides do have height requirements (42′ for the tube slides and 48′ for the body slide), but quite young kids probably won’t be up for them anyway: visitors climb countless (dang, I should have counted them!) steps up to above roof-level where they enter the bay of the aforementioned aircraft to the slide entrances.

Evergreen wings and waves

Our kids spent the most time in the wave pool (floating tubes and life vests are complementary) and leisure pool, but loved the slides as well. Evergreen describes their water park as an ‘educational water park’ and though I was skeptical, they really do deliver on this front. Upstairs (overlooking the wave pool) is an entire hands-on museum space coined ‘H20: Water Needs Life’, which features water cycle exhibits and play areas, hands-on water rocket launchers, a submarine to climb into, and even an ‘astronaut training’ fitness station. Best of all, kids can run around in their swimsuits, and no one cares if they get wet.

wings and waves slide

Date last visited:

April 15, 2012

Distance from the interstate:

The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum is located 45 minutes from downtown Portland, Oregon and 30 minutes from I-5 off Highway 18.

Hours of operation:

Hours vary depending on season. Check the most recent museum and water park hours.

Admission prices:

Admission isn’t cheap at $20 per adult ($18 per youth) for the museums and $30 per adult ($25 for under 42′). Combined admission is not yet offered. There is a non-swimmer rate of $10 for the water park, and kids 3 and under are free.

Tip: Another guest informed me that the museum does honor other Northwest children’s and science museum memberships for entry, though I was unable to confirm. If you need a car, an option is Easyrentcars.

Food and drink:

There is a concession area at the water park and a healthier cafe at the museum. Outside food and drink are not permitted, but a nice picnic area is located outside. Visitors are free to bring coolers to the outside areas.

Directions:

The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum and Wings & Waves Waterpark are located 3.5 miles southeast of McMinnville, Oregon, on Highway 18 across from the McMinnville Municiple Airport. It is approximately one hour from Portland and 40 minutes from Salem. If using GPS, insert the address: 500 NE Cumulus Avenue.

 

Portland on Dwellable

 

Northampton Parents’ Center

February 1, 2012 By

Visiting western Massachusetts with young kids this winter? A great option for a cold or rainy morning is the Northampton Parents Center, a co-operative community center for young kids (birth to kindergarten) and their caregivers. While most visitors live in the area (my kids are regulars at the parents center—we’re there each week!), there are always new families stopping by, many of whom are in the area for a visit with local family or friends.

The Northampton Parents Center is open Monday to Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30am, has music class on Thursday mornings, and often hosts special events, such as local storytellers, musicians, or puppeteers (check the website for an updated schedule). There is a big room for tumbling, tricycles, and ride-on cars; a smaller room with rice and play-doh tables; and another small room with books and toys for younger babies.

The Northampton Parents Center provides a comfortable, supportive environment for parents and plenty of fun and stimulation for kids. If you do stop by, be sure to ask for me—I’m sure we’ll be there!

Date last visited:

Distance from the interstate: About one mile off of I-91, in the center of Northampton, Massachusetts.

Hours of operation: Monday-Thursday 9:30–11:30. The Northampton Parents Center follows the Northampton public school calendar, and is closed during school holidays and during the summer (although informal summer playdates at local parks will be posted on the website). Be sure to check the website to plan your visit.

Admission: Everyone is welcome at the Northampton Parents Center, regardless of ability to pay. Visitors donate between $0 and $5 per family for a visit, or local families can buy a year membership for $100.

Food services: Coffee is always brewing in the kitchen! Also, snack time is provided for the kids at 10:15am. There are also plenty of spots nearby in the town center for breakfast or lunch before/after your visit to the parents center.

Directions: The Northampton Parents Center is located in the basement of Edwards Church (the parents center is not affiliated with Edwards Church, although the church generously provides space for the center) on Main Street in Northampton, but the entrance is located on State St. (you’ll notice all the strollers parked by the door!)

Hallmark’s Kaleidoscope

July 30, 2011 By

The following pit stop has been submitted by Julie of Kansas City and My Kansas City Mommy. Thank you, Julie, for sharing such a great pit stop!

Visiting Kaleidoscope does take a little bit of planning. They open during scheduled sessions (daily), which you can see on their calendar page here (which also includes contact information to reserve a ticket). Tickets are recycled, so can only be secured on the day of your visit. If you want to enjoy Kaleidoscope with your child, be sure to secure tickets for a family session. Kids five and over can also participate in the walk-in individual sessions!

Distance from the interstate: Minutes from I-35 or I-70.

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

Admission rates: Free for all ages.

Food services: None.

Website: www.hallmarkkaleidoscope.com

Directions: Kaleidoscope is located at 2500 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO. From I-35, Follow I-35 North to the Broadway exit (#2U). Turn right on Broadway and follow to Pershing Road. Turn left at Pershing and go to Grand. Turn right onto Grand. You can follow the signs from there!

From I-70: Follow I-70 West toward downtown Kansas City. Closely follow signs to Downtown/13th Street. Take the Downtown/13th Street Exit (Exit 2P). Continue west on 13th Street to Grand. Turn left onto Grand. Follow Grand to Crown Center.

Nike Town Portland

September 16, 2010 By

930 Southwest 6th Avenue
Portland, OR

Portland, Oregon offers a wealth of family-friendly attractions (in fact, I have so many to review, I’m behind!), but if you have a sports fan in your group, you’ll want to spend some time at Nike Town. The world headquarters of all things Nike, Portland outdoes itself with this two-story retail center in downtown (near Pioneer Square). Kids (and adults) love to see the newest shoe styles and apparel offered by Nike, displayed in their modern building with catwalks, glowing floors, and glass elevators. Various sports are represented in different rooms, and there’s a decent kids’ section upstairs.

Tip: If you’re not keen to pay the price for the top-of-the-line new products showcased at Nike Town, consider a stop at one of Nike’s outlets afterward for some serious (and more economical) shopping. We always find great deals at the Nike Outlet Store in Woodburn, OR (20 minutes south of Portland).

Date last visited: August 2010

Distance off the interstate: Ten minutes off either the I-5 or I-405 into downtown Portland.

Hours: Summer: 10am-7pm Winter: 10am-6pm

Food Services: None on site, but many options are at your disposal in the surrounding blocks. For something simple, Subway, McDonald’s, and a few other quick service restaurants are directly across the street.

Website: None. Their phone number is: (503) 221-6453

Directions: From I-5 south, take the Hawthorne Bridge onto Main Street. Follow Main Street east to 6th. Curbside parking is available, as are several parking garages. If you’re riding the MAX, you want to get off on the Pioneer Square South station.
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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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Raptor Reef Indoor Water Park

April 15, 2010 By

Wave pool at Raptor Reef

175 W. Orchard
Hayden, Idaho

Located in Hayden, Idaho as part of the Triple Play Family Fun Park, Raptor Reef is a massive indoor water park that’s easy to miss if you don’t realize it’s there. Stopping here makes for at least a half-day pit stop, but it’s well worth mentioning because of its availability to the public (unlike many other indoor water parks attached to hotels such as nearby Silver Mountain Resort, where you must be spending a night to enjoy the waterslides).

Says a member of the parent review site Trekaroo, “This is a great place for my 7,4,2,and 6 mo. old to play. It’s small enough that I feel comfortable letting my 7 year old go on the slides, and I can play with the other children in the kiddie area. The facility is clean, and I think the lifeguards do a good job of watching the pools.”

Raptor Reef houses a wave pool, multiple slides of varying lengths, hot tubs, and a climbing structure/aqua-play. Note that there are height restrictions for the bigger slides. Don’t forget to bring towels (or be charged $2) and swim diapers (required for all guests under age 2).

Date last visited: March 2010

Distance off the interstate: 10 minutes off I-90, one minute of Hwy 95.

Hours and Admission Prices: Raptor Reef is open Monday through Thursday: 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.,
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m

Over 42″ is $17.00
Under 42″ is $11.00

AAA and other discounts often apply, so check local media or call for best rates! (1-877-770-PLAY).

Bathrooms: Locker rooms and bathrooms located inside.

Food Services: None. The town of Hayden has plenty to offer in the way of fast food.

Website: http://www.raptorreef.com/RaptorReef.htm

Directions: From I-90 past Coeur D’Alene, take Hwy 95 to Orchard Avenue, directly south of the Super 1 Foods and Hayden Center in Hayden, Idaho.
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Kid Time! Discovery Experience

March 23, 2010 By

Kids are both chef and waitstaff in the play cafe.

Kid Time!, previously K.I.D.S, is a great place to stop and play while driving I-5 or just visiting the Rogue Valley, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating. A large, hands-on kids’ museum and play space, Kid Time has lots of imaginary place areas, including a store, a kitchen, a lemonade stand, a full stage and costumes, a camping set-up complete with tent, picnic table, and camping supplies, and more. They have a jungle room for climbing and playing (it even has a low rock wall!), and a large art area, water play area, and outdoor section for when the weather is nice.

Date last visited: March 2010

Distance off the interstate: 5 minutes

Hours and Admission Prices: Monday- Saturday 10:00-5:00,
Sunday 11:00- 4:00. $3.00/adult, $6.00/children (under age 1 is free).

Bathrooms: Two bathrooms are situated on opposite sides of the museum.

Food Services: The ‘Break Away Cafe’ is currently closed, but due to open again soon. When it was last open (under different management), it featured many healthy options at decent prices, and even foods adults like!

Website: http://www.discoveryspace.org/

Directions: Kid Time is located at 106 N. Central Avenue, Medford, OR. It’s less than three minutes from I-5.

Splash! Lively Park Swim Center

January 11, 2010 By
Splash Lively Park Swim Center in Springfield, OR

Splash Lively Park Swim Center in Springfield, OR

6100 Thurston Road
Springfield, OR

We’ve driven up and down I-5 through the state of Oregon dozens of times, but until a neighborhood family told us about it, we had no idea Splash! Lively Park Swim Center existed!

A wonderful pitstop when you have two or more hours to spend, Splash is much more than a community pool; it’s an indoor waterpark complete with a 144 foot slide, wave pool, water activity pool (complete with water basketball) kiddie/splash pool, and hot tub! The best part? It boasts community pool prices!

Date last visited: June 2009

Distance off the interstate: 10 minutes off I-5.

Hours: Complete hours and prices are listed here. At the time of this posting, the center is open in the evenings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday.

Admission prices: Toddlers (under 3 yrs.): $4.25, Single (3+): $6.25, Family of 4: $19 ($3.25 for each additional family member). Group prices are available and discounted prices are offered during certain hours (see website).

Bathrooms: Yes, with locker rooms and showers.

Food Services: A snack counter is open year round, during pool hours.

Website: http://www.willamalane.org/pages/swimcenters/lpsc.shtml

Phone: (541) 747-9283

Directions: Take I-5 to exit 194A and take I-105 east to Main Street. Turn left onto Main Street, left on 58th Street and right on Thurston Road. Lively Park is on the left two blocks ahead.
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KidZone in Club Northwest

April 7, 2009 By

2160 N.W. Vine Street
Grants Pass, Oregon

You can’t miss KidZone from I-5 (see photo of the outside of the building), but you will be left wondering what it is you’re looking at, it’s so poorly marked from the outside. Put simply, it’s kid-heaven: 60,000 cubic feet of tubes, slides, and ball pits, housed within Club Northwest, a fitness and health club. It’s open to the public, and while it may lean toward the spendy side for a quick pit stop ($6.95 per child admission, parents free), it’s worth its weight in gold on a rainy Oregon day.

KidZone is divided into three sections: Bigs (5 and up), Gettin’ Bigs (2-5), and Lil’ Bitties (under 2). If you have a ‘Bitty’ who has no intention of spending his or her time in the designated 0-2 section, or a ‘Big’ who would rather play in the smaller, more manageable areas designed for younger kids, don’t fear: as long as a parent stays with the child, he or she can wander wherever. The age categories are put in place for local members of the adjacent gym, who have the option of dropping off kids to work out. (But if you see yourself spending quality time in the tubes with an excited toddler, ask for kneepads at the front desk…trust me on this one.)

KidZone also has a great security system in place: no child can leave the facility without his or her wristband matching a parent’s.

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