Nike Town Portland

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) … [Read more...]

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

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. Nate and his friend Jonah get a lesson in the Physics Lab. With multiple exhibits … [Read more...]

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

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 … [Read more...]

Submarine Force Museum

1 Crystal Lake Road Groton, CT 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 … [Read more...]

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 … [Read more...]

Mystic Aquarium

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 … [Read more...]

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 … [Read more...]

Bumper Jumpers Indoor Playground

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 … [Read more...]

The Amaz’n Jackson Hole 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 … [Read more...]

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation

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 … [Read more...]