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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Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

September 14, 2010 By

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, or OMSI for short, is both a landmark and beloved institution in Portland, Oregon. Situated right on the bank of the Willamette directly across from the downtown district, OMSI is one of the best places (and arguably the best place) to take kids in the area.

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Nate and his friend Jonah get a lesson in the Physics Lab.

With multiple exhibits (including Turbine Hall, Life Hall, Earth Hall, and Science Playground in addition to guest exhibits, an IMAX and a planetarium) for all ages, staffed science labs where kids don safety goggles and roll up their sleeves, stunning displays (the beginning of life display is particularly moving) and fun experiences (try the earthquake house), you can easily spend a day here. There’s also a working submarine to tour, a toddler and preschool area (with changing displays), and an entire hall of brain teasers that kept our grade schoolers busy for over an hour!

Tip: If you’re visiting from anywhere in the Northwest and have a membership at your local children’s museum or science museum, stop by the membership desk prior to paying admission and see if your membership can be applied toward free admission to OMSI. It did in our case! Even if you don’t have your membership card with you, the desk personnel are happy to call your local museum and verify your membership that way.

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Nate gets an astronaut’s perspective.

Date last visited: August 2010

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

Hours: Daily 9:30 a.m.—7:00 p.m. (until September 6). Fall hours:  Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m.—5:30 p.m. (starting September 7).

Admission: $12 for adults, $9 for kids. IMAX, planetarium, and submarine are extra costs (see website for pricing). Combo packs are the way to go if you plan to do extra things!

Food Services: Inside the museum is both the OMSI Cafe and Galileo’s. There’s also a sack lunch area.

Website: www.omsi.edu

Directions: From I-5 or the 405, take Naito Parkway (downtown) to the Hawthorne Bridge. Cross the river onto Hawthorne Ave, and turn right onto Water Ave.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

August 19, 2010 By
Clarno palisades, John Day Fossil Beds Nationa...
John Day Fossil Beds (Image via Wikipedia)

Kimberly, OR

Eastern Oregon offers much in the way of outdoor exploration for families, but the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is often overlooked. There are 3 locations along Hwy 26, but the visitor center and main displays are at the Sheep Rock Unit on Hwy 19 off of Hwy 26 (about 70 miles east of Prineville). There is a fantastic visitor center kids really enjoy with huge dioramas with sound effects depicting the area millions of years ago. There is also a big room with art projects and hands on displays for kids. Short (1 mile round trip) hikes and an even shorter nature trail are in the area.

Note: These fossils have nothing to do with dinosaurs! So don’t let the little ones get their hopes up for dinosaur bones!

Distance off the interstate: On Hwy 19, two miles from Hwy 26.

Admission: Free!

Tip: The visitor center is free and has nice restrooms, but no food services.

Hours: Summer: 9am-5pm Winter: 9am-4pm

Food Services: None on-site. A nice pit stop on the way is at Prineville (on Hwy 26 between Redmond and John Day). There’s an indoor McDonald’s Play Place and Dairy Queen, but even better is the lovely city park. (Make a left on N. Elm off Hwy 26 to Ochoo Creek Park). The park boasts a community pool, restrooms and a creek. There is also a fire fighters memorial for 9 local smoke jumpers who died in a Colorado fire.

Website: http://www.nps.gov/joda/

Directions: The Visitor Center at the Sheep Rock Unit is located on Highway 19 between the towns of Dayville and Kimberly, 2 miles from the junction of Highway 26 and Highway 19.
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This post included in Trekaroo’s Talking Trekaroo for Spotlight Thursdays!

Submarine Force Museum

August 17, 2010 By

1 Crystal Lake Road
Groton, CT

Submarine Force Museum (photo courtesy of Mystic Country)

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

Planning a family vacation that takes you through Connecticut or just driving down I-95? You’ll want to stop in the submarine capitol of the world and tour the FREE Submarine Force Museum to give your kids an up-close and personal view of our rich naval history. Located on the Thames River, the museum sits next to the actual US Naval Submarine Base and across the river from the Coast Guard Academy, and features a real and formerly operational nuclear submarine. Says Karin of Mystic Country: “Every kid I know who has gone thinks this is a cool site to see!”

Submarines are also built built here along this river, and if you’re lucky you might see a sub coming in or going on a tour of duty (sightings are rare but exciting as there are no schedules for these for security reasons). Read more about this museum: http://seemysticcountryct.com/family-fun/our-rich-nautical-history-comes-alive-at-the-submarine-force-museum.html

Distance off the interstate: Right off I-95 north or south in Groton, Connecticut.

Admission: Free!

Tip: Not open on Tuesdays.

Hours: 9 am-5 pm (summer hours) Call 800.343.0079 for up-to-date hours for other seasons.

Food Services: There are limited vending services on-site. In the summer of 2009, the museum opened their “90 North Cafe at the north end of the parking lot. It’s open for food seasonally, but you can bring your own picnic lunch and enjoy their picnic area on the Thames River.

Website: http://www.ussnautilus.org

Directions: Off I-95 exit 86 N or S in Groton, CT.
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The Dinosaur Place

August 12, 2010 By

Shaking hands with a predator (photo courtesy of The Dinosaur Place)

1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike
Oakdale, CT

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

Whether you’re visiting Mystic, CT as a family or just passing through on I-95, The Dinosaur Place makes for a great pit stop complete with educational activities, fun and games, the chance to stretch your legs, and food. Along their nature trails, spot 30 life-sized dinosaurs, then let the kids loose in the playground or splashpad (summer only). Kids can also dig for gems in a candle-lit mine, pan for gold, and play paleontologist (recommended for ages 5 and up)!

Extra Tip: Plan on spending several hours (and lightening your pocketbook a bit…although you can find discounts by packaging activities).

Distance off the interstate: 10 minutes off I-95.

Admission:

Outdoor Adventure: ages 2-59 $11.99 in off-season, $18.99 in summer (with splash-pad)
Indoor Adventure: separate admission for each indoor activity, such as jackpot mine ($10.99) and Bone Zone ($12.75).

Hours: Open daily.

Food Services: The Cobalt Cafe is located in the main building and offers pizza, sandwiches, wraps, etc. There’s also an ice cream shop and a snack shop. A picnic area is available.

Website: http://www.thedinosaurplace.com

Directions: From Mystic, CT: Take I-95 South to Exit 82, Route 85. Turn right onto 85. Travel about 6 miles. Dinosaur Crossing is on your left, see Monty, the T-rex!
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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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