Outdoor Attractions - Pitstops for Kids

Juneau Alaska with kids: lesser known Mt. Roberts Tramway hiking

September 2, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re experiencing Juneau Alaska with kids, you’re most likely arriving by cruise ship. If you’re very lucky, you’re cruising via a small-ship cruise, disembarking ahead of the masses, but even if you’re onboard a large cruise ship, families can escape the crowds of downtown Juneau. The trick is getting kids to pass up the Juneau souvenir shops lining the dock in favor of harder-to-reach but rewarding hiking spots.

The Mt. Roberts Tramway is located in the heart of touristy downtown, and costs a whopping $31 per adult, $15 per child to ride (we recommend you do so via a cruise excursion instead, or buy a combination pass), but once you’re on the tram, you leave downtown behind. The views on the ride up are amazing (even during partly foggy or rainy weather), and once at the top, it’s fairly easy to ditch the crowds by skipping (yet more) souvenir shops and the top-of-mountain restaurant. Head to the nature center, where (amid even more souvenirs!) kids can find information about the mountains here, including what wildlife to be looking for. Hint: there are mountain goats up here!

From the nature center, the Alpine Loop Trail is only .5 mile, but fairly steep with commanding views. (Bring binoculars.) From this loop, it’s easy to add more length by taking one of the many side trails (they all end up eventually back on the Alpine Loop and then back at the nature center.

If you want to escape humanity entirely, opt to hike the trail back down to Juneau (instead of taking the tram back down). The trail is clearly marked on Mt. Roberts’ trail maps (pick one up when you arrive), and doesn’t take as long as you’d think…probably because it’s all downhill. This said, the way is steep and often slippery. We recommend kids be at least eight years old (you are your child’s best judge) and that everyone has good footwear. Do not attempt in rain. The trail will deposit you on the opposite end of downtown Juneau from the tram (approximately a 10 minute walk back). The plus side of ending away from the tourist zone: you will pass several historic houses (including one resided in by Sarah Palin) en route back to the main drag.

Hiking in Juneau is a great way to experience the beautiful scenery here (and I bet you’ll still have time to buy a t-shirt or two). Stop for lunch after hiking at The Hanger, located right on the bay. The kids will enjoy watching the float planes take off and land, and the food is fast and delicious.

Summer activities at Utah Olympic Park

August 16, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re staying in Park City, Utah in summer, definitely take time away from historic downtown and your resort pool to play for the day at Utah Olympic Park. Fun in winter, the park is even more action-packed during the summer months. Here’s what you can expect in terms of summer activities at Utah Olympic Park.

See Olympians training:

The park was built for the 2002 Olympic Games, and remains a training ground for ski jump, bobsled, and more. Most days at the park, guests can watch youth and adults training at the facilities. There’s also a free museum on Olympic history that’s well worth checking out.

Play on the zip-lines and ropes course:

For only $40 per person (far less than the cost of a ski ticket in winter!), kids get unlimited use of zip-lines, high ropes courses, and more. Guests choose from three levels of Adventure Courses: our eight-year-old opted for the most basic course, but quickly realized he was ready for more. It was no problem to send him on his way to try the more challenging elements. We loved the flexibility of the courses, and the all-inclusive rate. Kids as young as five can start on the Discovery Adventure. The Canyons Adventure is designed for age seven and up, while the Summit Adventure is for the most daring. There’s even a Drop Tower for taller kids.

Try a chair lift ride:

For kids who are not skiers, a chair lift ride is a great way to experience a fun aspect of the sport. And the views from the top of the chair include most of the valley, plus a new perspective on the challenging ski jump chute. Rides are inexpensive and a great compliment to a museum visit for younger kids or adults.

Go on the bobsled:

Older kids can experience the thrill of a bobsled ride on the only full-length course in North America. This ride is less intense than its winter equivalent (and less expensive) but still offers 5 G’s of force as you twist and turn down 15 curves behind a professional driver.

Experience zip-lines:

The Utah Olympic Park zip lines propel riders 50 mph. We loved that there are two side by side, so family members can enjoy this together. There’s also a more kid-friendly freestyle zip-line, which is shorter and less steep.

Try the alpine slide:

Perfect for younger kids, the alpine slide is tame enough for anyone (kids can ride with parents) but exciting enough to keep teens entertained riding solo. The slide is built with stainless steel construction, with straight-aways, drops and 18 banked turns.

Date last visited: June 2013

Distance from the interstate: minutes from I-40

Admission: Gold Day Pass is $65 for adults, $40 for kids, and includes everything except the bobsled ride ($75 extra cost). Some activities are unlimited. See details. Single activities can be purchased separately as well, for very reasonable prices between $5-$15.

Summer hours: hours for various activities vary, but generally, attractions start opening by 10 am and close at 6 pm.

Directions: The Utah Olympic Park is located at 3419 Olympic Pkwy. From Park City or The Canyons Resort, easily follow well-marked signage.

This post written in partnership with VacationRoost. We were not compensated for reviewing any of the activities above.

Visiting Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis Wyoming

August 7, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Approximately two hours outside of Cody, Wyoming and 2.5 from Yellowstone National Park, the town of Thermopolis Wyoming plays host to Hot Springs State Park, the oldest state park in Wyoming. Families may find themselves passing through en route to either aforementioned destination, and Thermopolis’ unique attractions make it an excellent pit stop.

Upon entering Hot Springs State Park, you’ll set aside any pre-conceived notion that as a state park and historical landmark, the hot springs will be removed from commercialism. Since 1900, Hot Springs State Park has been a tourist destination in its own right, and remains an attraction first, historic site second. The state park is right near town, with several motels on the grounds. The main draw is the geothermal hot springs, which, since 1900, have been piped into several area bath houses and pools. As you drive through the state park grounds, you’ll notice several large beehive-shaped mounds: these were once teepees erected around geothermal springs to capture their steam, and are now covered with a century of sulphuric residue.

Hot Springs State Park pools:

There are two main hot springs’-fed pool complexes on the state park grounds, both open to the public. The Teepee Pool is the lower cost option, used predominately by locals, according to the locals I queried. It includes an indoor and outdoor pool, one slide, and soaking tubs. The more expensive but more extensive Star Plunge Pool includes indoor and outdoor pools, soaking hot tubs, three slides, a kiddie pool, and a high dive. We opted to spend our day here, and were not disappointed.

Walking into the Star Plunge, one might think they’re entering a bowling alley or skating rink of the ’70’s. The dark interior sports a small selection of video arcade games, and next to the ticket counter is a ‘self serve’ snack bar of candy, chips, and sodas. Once past the front counter, there are locker rooms that lead into the large indoor pool. Be ready to be assaulted by the smell of sulphur: this is the real deal!

The indoor pool consists of several soaking whirlpools attached to the main indoor pool, plus a hot tub that can reach 104 degrees. The main pools are approximately 90-94 degrees. There’s an interior hydro-tube slide called Blue Thunder Run that deposits riders into a flume adjacent to the indoor pool, and the 21-and-old Vapor Cave leads you to a naturally-made sauna cut into the rock of the mountain upon which the Star Plunge is built. Bubbling hot springs water continually flows here, creating intense steam. I like saunas, but could not stand the heat like some of the locals can!

Outside another large pool beckons, with a small children’s slide called the Lil’ Dipper that’s still pretty intense at 60 feet, a kiddie pool above it, and a diving board. There are plenty of deck chairs and extra sun decks above the kiddie pool. Access to the largest slide, an outdoor half-tube called the Super Star 500 is inside next to the enclosed tube. Riders walk up a very steep path to the top after grabbing a mat to slide down on. The water pressure at the top is quite intense (2,400 gallons per minute), making the slide intimidating for young kids (it can be tricky to get yourself on your mat and sit down without taking off prematurely!).

There are at least 27 different minerals in the water at Star Plunge, and while they’re no longer considered to be medicinal, there still is an exercise and massage facility on-site. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours here to enjoy it all, taking breaks from the water to soak up the sun in the summer. The pools are open in winter, and likely very welcome during cold Wyoming days.

Other park points-of-interest:

After swimming, take a few minutes to drive past the pools to a few look outs with plaques describing the thermal activity in the area. These turn-outs also have great views of the basin and the Big Horn River. You’ll learn a little more about this unique region with water literally bubbling beneath the surface, and it only takes a few minutes. There’s a drive where American bison (buffalo) still roam (though we didn’t glimpse any) and a small pioneer graveyard that’s of interest.

Date last visited:

June 2013

Distance from the interstate:

On Highway 20.

Admission price:

There is no fee for Hot Springs State Park. Admission to Star Plunge is $12.50 for adults and kids (5 and older) and $6 for kids under five. Senior rate is $10.

Hours of operation:

The state park is sunrise to sunset, and the Plunge is 9 am to 9 pm. Families can rent inner tubes and beach balls on-site for a few dollars.

Dining:

While the Star Plunge operates a grill on some days, usually only snacks are available. There’s no outside food in the pool area, but a picnic area is located on-site (get your hand stamped before leaving the pools) and there’s a large park across the street. Bring a picnic!

Directions:

Star Plunge is located at 115 Big Spring Drive (the state park address is 538 N. Park). After entering Thermopolis, simply follow signs to Hot Springs State Park. You can’t miss it!

What to do in Cody Wyoming with kids: a night out at the Cody Nite Rodeo

August 5, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

They don’t call Cody, Wyoming the Rodeo Capital of the World for nothing. Every night in Cody from June 1 through August 31, the Cody Nite Rodeo is held at Stampede Park. That’s right…every single night! This Western town is rodeo crazy, and after a night under the lights in the park with the backdrop of rocky bluffs overlooking the Shoshone River, you’ll understand why.

The Nite Rodeo is two hours of non-stop rodeo action, from bronco riding to barrel racing to roping to bull riding, and it draws rodeo athletes from all over the West. The emcee and rodeo clown keep everyone entertained between events, and the popcorn, soda, beer, and candy flow freely (which is not to say they’re free!).

We loved that while the Nite Rodeo grandstands were filled with tourists, locals certainly made their presence known: it was easy to see that this was as much their summer tradition as it was our vacation stop. Local cowboys rode in events, local kids sat astride the bull pen fence, and local families were in attendance. We’ve been to several ‘resort town’ rodeos, and it was easy to see that the Cody Nite Rodeo is the real deal. It’s low on frills, big on true American fun.

If you go, you’ll want to get tickets ahead of time (see below) to avoid waiting in line at the ticket booths, and we recommend crossing to the opposite side of the arena from the entrance to sit in the Buzzard’s Roost section. This side is equally shaded, but overlooks the bull pens, giving kids a better view. There’s a food concession on each side, as well as restrooms.

We ate hot dogs, corn dogs, and popcorn for dinner at the rodeo (no points for a healthy meal!) and they also serve standbys such as nachos, candy, and soda. Get there by 7:30 for the best seats, and by 8 pm if you don’t care about your view. Programs sells for $7, and they’re nice but not essential to follow what’s going on.

Be sure to have kids 12 and under participate in the Calf Scramble. This event allows kids to go down to the arena floor to chase a pair of calves around, attempting to pull a ribbon from their tails. Prizes are given and all kids have fun. (Toby won this event at his first rodeo in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, but we weren’t as lucky this time around.)

Hours of operation:

: Every night, the rodeo starts at 8 pm and ends at 10 pm. Bring sweatshirts as it gets chilly once the sun dips below the bluffs!

Admission:

Tickets are $18 for adults (13 and up) and $8 for kids. Age six and under free. Tickets can be bought on-site, or bought ahead of time at a number of Cody locations, including the Buffalo Bill Village. Tickets are good for any show June 1 through August 31.

Directions:

The Nite Rodeo is located at Cody Stampede Park. It’s located at the west of town overlooking the Shoshone River at 519 W. Yellowstone Avenue.

Top 10 Toronto kid-friendly activities for families

July 12, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

We love Toronto kid-friendly activities! Don’t let this bustling center for business and commerce intimidate you! Families visiting Toronto will find much to do with kids, and much to love amid the busy streets and lively waterfront. Plus, Toronto public transit is very intuitive and affordable: with only two major subway lines, you won’t get lost! Leave your car at the hotel, and ride, boat, or walk to all of the following top Toronto attractions. Don’t forget to buy a Toronto CityPASS or Go Card to save cash while you play!

Tip! Save up to 43% on Toronto’s 5 best attractions at CityPASS. Shop Now!

Click on the arrow on the right of the first image to play the slideshow.

[slideshow gallery_id=”2″]

Photo credit: Pit Stops for Kids, Bobolink, waterfronttoronto.ca

Toronto on Dwellable

Toronto Islands: Centre Island activities kids love

July 8, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Visible from Toronto’s Waterfront and harbor, the Toronto Islands are easily accessible, easy to navigate, and easy to see in one day. Pick a sunny day of your Toronto family vacation to check them out! While a few islands are largely residential (or home to sailboat slips) or wildlife refuges, Centre Island is all about family fun. Here’s where to start for Centre Island activities kids love:

Franklin Children’s Garden and Park:

The first thing you’re likely to encounter after getting off the ferry on the islands is the Franklin Children’s Garden, Centre Island’s main picnic and playground park. This interactive garden–featuring Franklin the Turtle from the books series by Paulette Bourgeois–allows kids to explore in any manner they’d like. The garden is divided into sections, where kids can garden themselves, listen to storytelling, or play on hands-on sculptures from the Franklin series.

Gibraltar Point Lighthouse:

The Island Lighthouse is the oldest landmark in Toronto. Sitting on Gibraltar Point, it’s light has shone for over 150 years, guiding ships and boats into the Harbour of Toronto. The light is a good destination for a family bike ride: it allows kids to have a fun goal and the route is completely flat. If you’re riding bikes as a family on the islands, you can find them at Centre Island beach, or you can rent in the city and bring bikes across on the ferry.

Centreville:

With 600 acres of amusement park fun, Centreville is no doubt the prime destination for families on the islands. Centreville is from the old-school of amusement park fun: its 30 rides are all young-kid friendly and have been around for decades. In addition to carnival-ride fun, Centreville has a petting zoo, green spaces, over a dozen food vendors and restaurants, and entertainment. Don’t expect big theme park thrills, but rather low-key fun.

Centre Island Beach:

A short walk from the ferry docks, Centre Island Beach can get crowded on summer days…get there early to stake out a spot! Public bathrooms and showers are available, as are changing rooms and several food vendors (including pizza). The bike rental shop is near the pier. While there are a few other swimming beaches on the islands (including a clothing-optional beach…you’ve been warned!), Centre Island beach is most popular due to its proximity to the ferry and the rock breakwater, which is ideal for young kids. The water here is shallow and calm, and clean to swim in due to its position away from the harbor. Remember, however: Lake Ontario is pretty chilly!

Tip! Save up to 43% on Toronto’s 5 best attractions at CityPASS. Shop Now!

Getting there:

Access Centre Island one of two ways: 1. grab a ferry from the ferry terminal at 9 Queens Quay West ($6.50/adult, runs year-round and every 15 minutes in summer) 2. take a Toronto Harbour Tour (LINK), which drops families off if desired at the mid-way point of the tour, picking up on the hour ($15-$25). From the ferry drop-off, it’s easy to find Centre Island activities by signage, or grab a map!

What to do on the Toronto Waterfront with kids

July 5, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

The Toronto skyline sits comfortably on the shore of Lake Ontario, which families should put to good use while visiting this urban, multicultural city. If you’re spending the morning at Rogers Centre or the CN Tower, or even St. Lawrence Market, pair it with an afternoon and evening along the Toronto Waterfront. This part of the city is currently undergoing a revitalization project (as of 2013), but don’t let construction deter you. Here’s what to do on the Waterfront with kids:

Harbourfront Centre:

Access the Waterfront from Kings Street (at Sincoe or John), then explore the harbor side walking and biking path that connects to Harbourfront Centre. To one side, you’ll find the ice skating rink (which is converted to a pond with paddle boats in summer) and outdoor concert facility, and to the other, a large collection of waterfront shops and restaurants. Adult-sized bikes can be rented at convenient coin-operated kiosks in several locations (also throughout the city), or bikes can be rented at local shops. If you have bad weather, duck indoors to peruse the shops, but otherwise, stay by the harbor to check out the historic ships (you can go into the largest to see free exhibits inside), watch the ferry boats, and see planes land at the unique Centre Island airport.

Harbour Tours Toronto:

If you feel like going out on the water yourselves, you have two options. Ferries depart from the main ferry terminal at 9 Queens Quay West on a regular schedule for Centre Island for only $6.50 per person, or you can opt to take a ride with Harbour Tours Toronto. This harbor and islands tour also departs regularly (it was every 30 minutes at the time of my visit in early summer), will drop off passengers on Centre Island if desired (and pick them back up!) but otherwise cruises between the Toronto Islands and through the harbor on a one hour tour. Tickets are steeper at $25 for adults and $15 for kids (with online booking discounts available), and for the price, families get a somewhat silly, entertaining for kids narration from a guide, plus many photo opportunities as the glass window and open-air boat tours the harbor. Along the way, I learned quite a bit of history about the islands as well as what they’re used for today (recreation, residences, and wildlife preservation, depending on the island) during my tour.

Tip! Save up to 43% on Toronto’s 5 best attractions at CityPASS. Shop Now!

Sugar beach:

Located on Lower Jarvis Street, south of Queens Quay, Sugar Beach is in comfortable walking and biking distance of Harbourfront Centre and offers beach atmosphere for families without the time or inclination to head over to Centre Island. Imported white sand and playful pink beach umbrellas make Sugar Beach a great place to let kids play in the sand, and a creative water feature allows for cooling off. (Swimming is not allowed in the harbor.) There are plenty of restaurants nearby, as well as picnic tables, and event space for seasonal festivals and entertainment.

Roundhouse Park:

Created in the 1990s, Roundhouse Park is located above the Waterfront by approximately two blocks, en route to the CN Tower (head up Simcoe). A great place to let kids loose before waiting in line for the tower or taking in an event at Rogers Centre, Roundhouse Park is the home of the Toronto Railway Historical Association, which operates a live steam miniature railway, displays engines and other train cars, and replicas of early train station offices. Kids can see a full roundhouse featuring a fully restored locomotive turntable, and adults can grab a brew at Steam Whistle Brewing. There are additional green spaces and park squares with benches and room to run around, though this is open to streets. Roundhouse Park is a great last stop of a fun family day at the Waterfront before heading back to a downtown hotel or getting on the subway.

Summer at Park City Mountain Resort: Mountain Biking trails

June 24, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

The Canyons Resort in Park City has the only gravity-based mountain biking in Utah. Expert riders will be well challenged on the miles of black diamond-level single track trails and terrain features in the Canyons Bike Park. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t something for everybody. Whether visitors crave the adrenaline rush of lift-served bike park fun or the cardio boost of hilly mountain biking trails, Canyons Resort in Park City have both all summer long…at every level.

We visited at the start of their second full bike park season, and found a full operation under way. Start at Canyon Mtn Rentals, where families can buy Red Pine Gondola tickets for just $10 per person or High Meadow bike park tickets for $30. The difference: the gondola ticket will grant you access to mountain bike trails and single track with uphill and downhill, whereas the bike park ticket will allow you to enjoy chairlift served downhill only trails.

Bike rentals are also available at Canyon Mountain Rentals, of course, for $110 all day, $85 half day. This sounds steep (no pun intended), but these are top rate downhill mountain bikes, and come with a protective gear package. (Gear can be rented separately if that’s all you need.) We rode with a 14-year-old and 12-year-old, and protective arm and leg pads were not available in their sizes. Full face helmets were available, however. After my 14-year-old crashed hard, sending a pedal into his shin, he’d recommend opting for the leg pads even if they’re a bit big.

Note: Bike sizes are on the adult-sized end of the scale. We found bikes that properly fit our kids, but anyone under age 10 may have a hard time. (For this reason, our eight-year-old did not participate.)

The Video Review:

Where to go:

Grab a bike trail map at the base, and head up the Red Pine Gondola. From the Red Pine Lodge, it’s easy to access the bike park with a High Meadow pass, or start on regular mountain bike trails without. Either way, you’ll want to return to Red Pine Lodge for lunch: during the summer months, this quick service option serves favorites from all the winter restaurant venues. The salads in particular are excellent, and the sun deck makes for a great place to compare feats (or injuries).

In the bike park:

If you’re a novice, definitely start with White Rabbit, the easiest course. Progress from there to Flying Salmon, a green beginner trail, then be advised that the next trail up, Wild Mouse, is quite a bit harder. We had been gravity-based biking only once before, and the beginner runs at The Canyons were just right for us.

On the trails:

It’s easy to get on the wrong trail as you navigate the mountain, even though the trails are marked. Disregard the ski run signage, and follow the smaller bike markers. For beginners and intermediates, the popular Mid-Mountain trail is challenging with some fairly steep ups for the first mile. (To access, start at the zip-line hut just above Red Pine Lodge.) Unless you’re an expert, you’re better off skipping the black diamond bike trails (as they are downhill only and can include steep switchbacks and drops. We found ourselves unwittingly on one at one point, and navigated it very slowly (a luxury only possible in non-bike park areas). Even so, we had some falls and injuries. Respect the trails, and follow the advise of the ratings.

For a nice four-mile ride from Red Pine Lodge to the base area, take Mid-Mountain to Ambush (both intermediate). If you miss the corner to Mid-Mountain at the Orange Bubble Express, as we did, you can connect with Richochet (expert, but we navigated it ok) to Short Swing (intermediate, but I crashed hard), to Ambush.

Note: Trust the level ratings of the trails, but know that conditions, such as loose rocks, mud, etc can change. For this reason, an intermediate trail one day may prove more challenging to you than an expert trail. Go slowly when in doubt! Secondly, have your kids ride in front of you: my worst wreck occurred while turning my head to look back to make sure my 12-year-old was behind me!

Single track trails also depart the Red Pine Lodge area the opposite way (west), but deposit riders a good distance from the base area. Plan to ride in the bike park or on mountain single tracks for at least 2-4 hours at the minimum, and all day at the max!

Hours:

The gondola runs 10 am to 5 pm, and the High Meadow chair (servicing the bike park) runs from 10 am to 4:30 pm (staying open late on Wednesdays all summer until 7:30 pm). Rentals are available from 9:30 am, and yes, it will take you the full half-hour to get your gear.

Want to learn about more to do in Park City and The Canyons in summer? Check out our Park City guide!

Disclaimer: Our family was hosted at The Canyons to experience the mountain bike park for the purpose of review.

What to do in Park City in the summer with kids

June 20, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Park City, Utah is truly a year-round resort town. It’s one of our Best Ski Town picks, but that doesn’t mean families shouldn’t visit during summer months: on our visit in June 2013, Main Street was bustling, and parking was challenging to find. Restaurants and bars were hopping, and some shops were open late. Summer in Park City offers much more than just town life, however. Read on to learn what to do in Park City in the summer with kids:

1. Mountain biking:

Mountain bike single track trails can be found throughout the Park City area and surrounding mountainsides, but Canyons Resort sports the only gravity-based, lift-accessed bike park. Novices through experts will be challenged here with rollers, jumps, and switchbacks on downhill trails of every level. Bike rentals (and costs) can be found at Canyon Mountain Rentals. Read our full review of mountain biking at Canyons.

2. Hiking and fishing:

At Canyons Resort, well-marked, designated hiking trails take ambitious hikers as high as Ninety-Nine 90 Peak; on the Fantasy Ridge trail (access from Tombstone trail) or beginners can easily trek to Alpine Lake on the Alpine Lake trail. (Paddleboats can also be rented on Alpine Lake, but don’t let the name deceive you: this body of water is more like a large pond. Kids will enjoy seeing the large trout in the waters, however.)

3. Utah Olympic Park activities:

The site of the bobsled, ski jump, and additional winter Olympic sports during the Salt Lake City games, the Utah Olympic Park has lots for non-Olympic hopefuls to do as well. Families can tour the free museum, take a tour of the facilities (which includes the chance to stare down the distance of the ski jump), and watch Olympic training in progress. There’s also three zip lines, a three-level high ropes course, and an alpine slide. Parents can buy experiences a la carte, or give kids access to all three activities for $40…a great deal! In the busiest summer months, expect some wait times, but staff and instructional support staff are very friendly here.

4. Exploring Park City’s Main Street:

Shopping is fun even for the kids in Park City, with ample touristy t-shirt shops to check out, bookstores, and candy stores. Adults will find gallery-quality art and collectables as well. Have dinner at our favorite, Main Street Pizza and Noodle Company, then stop at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for ice cream or a caramel apple for dessert.

5. Mini Golf or Disc Golf:

Do both in one day at The Canyons: mini golf is located at the base and open from 10 am to 5 pm in summer, and disc golf is located at mid-mountain, starting at the Red Pine Lodge. Get tickets to either in the base area, and plan to wear sunscreen for either high mountain outdoor activity!

Wondering where to stay in Park City? Check out our reviews of Hyatt Escala, Westgate Park City, and The Grand Summit, all of which offer great outdoor pools and on-site recreation.

Cliff Creek Cellars: family-friendly vineyard and tasting room

May 29, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Located in the heart of Southern Oregon’s wine region, Cliff Creek Cellars is a family-friendly vineyard that makes for a great stop for families vacationing in Ashland Oregon or enjoying fishing, hiking, or rafting along the Rogue River. Surprised? Don’t be! More and more wineries are becoming family-friendly destinations, and Cliff Creek is a prime example.

What makes Cliff Creek great for families?

Location:

Cliff Creek is easy to access from I-5, making it a great alternative to a road-side rest stop. And if you’re not traveling I-5 en route elsewhere, it’s easily woven into the fabric of a family day outdoors in Southern Oregon. As part of the Upper Rogue Wine Trail, Cliff Creek is situated adjacent to the base of Table Rock outside of Gold Hill, making it the perfect post-hike rejuvenation spot. Or perhaps you’ve rafted the Upper Rogue (meandering nearby) or fished the morning away. No matter what your outdoor fun in this picturesque valley, Cliff Creek is nearby as an end-of-day oasis.

Setting:

Cliff Creek’s low-key atmosphere, partnered with plenty of outdoor space, makes it naturally family-friendly. When we visited on a sunny Sunday afternoon in May, we were far from the only patrons. However, because we could spread out along the casual picnic tables dotting the tidy lawn, no one else cared that we’d brought along two energy-filled kids. In fact, we were greeted with smiles from Cliff Creek’s staff and a wag from Max, the resident dog. While the kids ran out into the open space adjacent to the tasting room to explore the water feature and pond, sculptures and vineyards, we settled nearby to enjoy Cliff Creek’s tasting flight.

The wine is excellent, but truth be told, we’d come for the scenery and ambiance. Cliff Creek sets out lawn games for kids (and adults) to enjoy, and if the kids get bored, someone is on-hand to bring out corks so they can have ‘Cliff Creek cork races’ down the small creek leading from the water feature. Kids are welcome to explore the vineyards (you can easily see them from the lawn), and additional entertainment comes in the form of chasing the very willing Max around the property.

Snacks and drinks:

While Cliff Creek is certainly a full-scale winery, the emphasis here is on a social experience. Groups enjoying tastings happily mingle, and for the kids, root beer or water is always on-hand. We ordered one of Cliff Creek’s cheese plates, and were happily surprised by a house-made charcuterie spread that fed all of us. Guests are welcome to bring picnics to the winery; it’s a great place to eat and sip some wine after a family hike.

Distance from the interstate:

15 minutes from I-5.

Cost:

A flight of tasting wine is $10 per person. Cheese and charcuterie plates range from $8-$11. Bottles of wine, at the time of our visit, ranged from $15-$35.

Hours of operation:

Thurs-Mon from 12 pm to 5 pm

Directions:

Cliff Creek is located at 1015 McDonough Road Gold Hill, Oregon. From the Gold Hill I-5 exit, take OR-234/Sams Valley Highway. Turn left on Ramsey Road, then right on Sams Valley Road, and finally another left onto McDonough Road to the vineyard.