Tours and Experiences - Pitstops for Kids

Southwest Missouri pit stop: Fantastic Caverns

July 3, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Southwest Missouri is filled with old-fashioned pit stops and slices of Americana. Case in point: Fantastic Caverns, ‘America’s only ride-through cave’.

Fantastic Caverns is one of those natural wonders that probably should be protected by the US government, but is instead a privately-owned tourist attraction, making you worry a little bit. But go anyway (despite, or maybe because of, the many highway signs pointing you in its direction).

The fact is, Fantastic Caverns truly is pretty fantastic. And while yes, you do drive through this natural cave, care is now being taken to educate visitors about its protection, and attention is given to the area watershed that feeds it and the animals that inhabit it.

The cave tour is conducted via tram, driven by a tour guide. While it’s a shame that many years ago, narrow paths had been carved out of the cave to allow this, the benefit today is that the many visitors who see the cave cannot touch the delicate stalagmites and stalactites, which could cause damage. The cave, which was created from the area’s plentiful limestone, has an interesting history, which families learn about on the tour. In short, it was discovered in the Civil War era, first explored by a hardy group of teenage girls, enjoyed a lively period in which it housed a Prohibition Speak Easy, then held musical concerts.

The large trams hold approximately 20 or more, by my estimation, and the tour takes about 45 minutes. The cave is quite long and deep, and the guide stops along the way to impart scientific or historical facts. I appreciated that our guide took the time to really help us grasp what the early explorers of the cave would have seen, compared to what we are able to see today, thanks to modern lighting. With all lights out, she lit a candle in a homemade metal can lantern and cast the light into the pitch black cavern: the dim light paled to the the spotlights now available for illumination.

The cavern is always 60 degrees, which can mean bringing a sweatshirt or sweater to wear in spring or fall, shedding a jacket to only a sweatshirt in winter, or enjoying a cool temperature without sleeves in the muggy summer months. Tours depart every 20-30 minutes, and there is a gift shop, of course, to browse while you’re waiting. Better yet, there’s a nice Ozarks nature trail that winds around the grounds. It’s only about one mile long, and perfect for parents with impatient kids.

Tour prices:

$23 for adults, $15 for kids 6-12. Kids 5 and under are free. At this price, the tour is worth it, but in our opinion, just barely.

Hours of operation:

I love that Fantastic Caverns is open right at 8 am. It closes at dusk. If you want a near-private tour, get there right at 8 am.

Directions:

The cavern is located at 4872 North Farm Road 125, Springfield Missouri. It’s located along a beautiful stretch of countryside, on windy, hilly roads, but is easily found thanks to all the handmade (looking) signposts en route.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced Fantastic Caverns as a guest of the operation, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

All-American pit stop: shopping at American Girl Place Chicago

June 30, 2015 By Sharlene Earnshaw

Francesca Mazurkiewicz is a Chicago-based travel blogger and working mom of two young children. Along with her family, Francesca is out to prove that she can have it all – a family, a career, and a travel lifestyle.

I’m not a girly-girl and never have been. I never played with dolls as a little girl but there is something about American Girl dolls… As a traveler and a history enthusiast, I was drawn to American Girl because the featured dolls represent girls from different time periods and varied cultural backgrounds.

As a parent, I appreciate American Girl’s messages, books, and activities to help young girls deal with difficult topics like self-esteem and social issues like others spreading rumors. Not only is it enjoyable for the young girls to play with the dolls, but it’s also educational and empowering. That’s a winning combination in any parent’s handbook.

My 6-year-old daughter, Lucia, has become a big fan of American Girl and often asks for new accessories and clothing for her dolls. Recently, the opportunity arose for us to visit American Girl Place in our hometown, Chicago, for lunch and a morning of shopping. I couldn’t pass it up. I decided I’d make the trip to go shopping at American Girl Place Chicago a surprise for Lucia. It turned out to be a success on all levels.

Any young lady interested in American Girl dolls should have the opportunity for a store experience at least once in her life. There are American Girl retail stores in Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York, Orlando, St. Louis, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

American Girl retail stores are worthwhile stops while on a family vacation to one of these cities, and they’ve also become travel destinations all on their own. Since we live in Chicago, an American Girl retail store experience was an excellent excuse for Lucia and me to ride the train into downtown and have a lovely mommy-and-me day.

Shopping:

American Girl Place Chicago is located in Water Tower Place on the famed Magnificent Mile. Walking into the store for the first time can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’ve got young girls to look after. This is why I suggest enlisting the services of a personal shopper. It is a complimentary service and advance appointments are required. Based on what experience the guests are hoping for, the personal shopper devises a game plan and leads the way. Ingrid, our personal shopper, knew that Lucia was to get a new doll and that we had lunch reservations at the in-store café. So we wasted no time in beginning our own American Girl retail store experience!

The first stop was the store’s second floor and the new Truly Me doll display. Truly Me, formerly known as My American Girl, is American Girl’s newly-rebranded line of contemporary 18-inch dolls and accessories. Truly Me allows a girl to create a one-of-a-kind friend through a variety of personalized doll options, including 40 different combinations of eye color, hair color and style, and skin color, as well as an array of outfits and accessories. Ingrid pointed out the dolls that most resembled Lucia: fair skin, no freckles, bob-length blond hair, and brown eyes. Lucia knew right away which one was to be her new friend! Then it was off to find her some new clothes and accessories.

The great thing about having Ingrid join us is that she knew exactly where to find the items that most interested Lucia. Ingrid already knew that Lucia plays soccer and that she loves horses, so Ingrid took us to those sections first. Ingrid also carried our shopping bag filled with items we selected. It allowed me the freedom to browse the items with Lucia and to take all kinds of pictures!

Dining:

The American Girl Café serves brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, and also hosts private parties. Dining is offered only at set seating times and reservations are highly recommended. We had lunch reservations for the 12:30 seating and it’s a good thing we did; the sophisticatedly whimsical café was almost at capacity. Still, service was professional and efficient. To start, each table is served deliciously gooey cinnamon rolls, followed by a family-style platter featuring soft pretzel baguettes, melted cheese dipping sauce, fresh broccoli and baby carrots, red grapes, and mini corn-dog muffins. Guests then select an entrée from the menu (chicken tenders for Lucia; bleu cheese burger for me), and the dining extravaganza culminates in an adorable and delectable dessert plate. Adults will be relieved to know that beer and wine are available, as well.

Truly Me Signature Studio:

This interactive experience is available at American Girl retail stores in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. Using a tablet interface, girls get to be fashion designers and create custom designed outfits or backpacks for their Truly Me dolls! They choose from several images and patterns and the piece is printed right there at the studio. The pieces the girls design are completely unique; talk about being “truly me”!

Our visit to American Girl Place Chicago was the perfect way to kick off our summer of family fun. Here is some more information to help you plan your own American Girl Place Chicago experience:

I definitely recommend having a plan in place prior to your visit. Have an idea of what you’d like to do and be sure to make advance dining reservations and appointments for a personal shopper.
Water Tower Place is easily accessible by public transportation. The closest Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) “L” station is the Red Line – Chicago Avenue stop. Water Tower Place is also serviced by the following CTA bus lines: numbers 66, 10, 146, 147, 151 and 157.
Parking is available nearby at Standard Parking, 111 East Chestnut, and discounts are available for American Girl Place visitors. Bring your parking voucher and proof of purchase to the American Girl Place concierge desk to receive validation for a parking discount.

Directions:

The American Girl store is located at 835 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL.
Disclosure: our guest reviewer experienced American Girl Place and the Truly Me experience complimentarily, for the purpose of review.

Wet Planet Whitewater adventure rafting near Columbia River Gorge

May 25, 2015 By Sharlene Earnshaw

Julie Henning runs Road Trips for Families, a resource for families love to get out on the open road and let their adventures unfold.

Fed by underground aquifers and the glacial melt of nearby Mount Adams, the second-tallest mountain in Washington State, the White Salmon River never runs dry. A brisk 40 degrees, anyone venturing out on the river encouraged to wear a wetsuit, booties, fleece, a splash jacket and anything but cotton.

Running fast and high in the spring melt, the river was generating between Class I and Class IV rapids when I embarked on a half-day rafting adventure with Wet Planet Whitewater in mid-April. Wet Planet Whitewater is a rafting and kayaking outfitter located in Husum, Washington just off the Columbia Gorge Natural Scenic Area near Hood River, Oregon.

After receiving safety instruction and practicing paddling techniques on terra firma, our group of four women and one guide dropped into the middle of the rapids six miles upstream at the BZ Corner launch site. Thrilling as much as invigorating, we passed under majestic pines and along waterfalls tumbling into the river canyon that was once a lava tube (in fact, we made a brief stop into a shallow basalt cave formed by lava as it cooled millions of years ago).

Depending on the time of year the White Salmon River runs faster or slower (but never dry). In the summer months, groups may have the opportunity to make a 10-food drop down Husum Falls. Too dangerous during our visit, we gladly made a small portage around the falls as the rafts were roped downriver—a group of kayakers received our collective cheers as we watched them plummet through this rocky passage.

At this point in the trip, true thrill seekers may opt to jump into calmer waters from atop the Husum Street Bridge. If you decide to mark this off your bucket list, keep in mind the water temperature and know you might be chilly until the sun dries your clothes.

Immediately following Husum Falls and the bridge jumping is “the rattlesnake,” a series of rapids where Rattlesnake Creek runs into the White Salmon River. It’s here where rafters have the opportunity to “ride the bull,” a maneuver where everyone moves to the front edge of the raft and plunges feet-first into a concave wave of whitewater. Our guide described this experience as nature’s nasal cleanse and I ended up swallowing and then spitting out a giant gulp of the river.

Wet Planet Whitewater photographers meet up with the rafts at different points along the river and capture groups mid-adventure. The sequence of before/during/after shots of our group “riding the bull” were my favorite (for a laugh, click through some of the shots posted on the Wet Planet Whitewater flickr stream).

The remaining two miles of the eight-mile run remained scenic, but a bit calmer (more waterfalls, majestic pines, red tail hawks circling from above). Our guide explained how the area was impacted by recent flooding and talked about the history and controversy around the removal of a dam that transformed Northwestern Lake into Northwestern Park (and, consequently, led to a resurgence of salmon and steelhead populations in the White Salmon River).

Traveling back to Wet Planet Whitewater by van, we changed into dry clothes and reviewed the photos of our trip. Visitors in the summer months are encouraged to linger over a burger and a beverage on the shaded deck of the Wet Planted Whitewater café. Day-trips include a riverside lunch, but it’s still fun to linger and recount the day’s adventure.

Worth noting is the minimum age requirement for the half-day trip (rafters must be ten and older, and sometimes sixteen or eighteen depending on the trip). That said, Wet Planet Whitewater offers outdoor programs, adventure camps, and youth kayak camps specifically designed with kids in mind.

Please enjoy this video, embedded with photos and sound from our adventure on the White Salmon River. Special thanks to our Instructor and Trip Leader Giani Benevento for his interview and insight.

Date last visited: April 2015

Distance from the interstate: 15 minutes from Highway 84/downtown Hood River, Oregon. Note: You will need $1 to cross the Hood River Bridge between Oregon and Washington.

Pricing: Pricing varies based on the length and duration of the trip (note the minimum age requirements). I participated on the $65/person Half Day trip on the White Salmon River. Food is available seasonally at the Wet Planet Café.

Accommodations: Lodging is available in Hood River. For families, the best bet is the Hood River Inn or a vacation home available through the Oak Street Hotel.

Directions: Wet Planet Whitewater is located at 860 Highway 141 in Husum, Washington. From Oregon Highway 84 take the Button Bridge Road exit and cross over the Columbia River on the Hood River Bridge. In Washington State, take the first left onto State Highway 14 (Lewis and Clark Highway) and then turn right onto State Highway 141. Continue 6 miles on 141. Wet Planet Whitewater is located on the right-hand side of the road.

I received a complimentary half-day rafting trip on the White Salmon River from Wet Planet Whitewater for the purposes of this review. All opinions are my own.

Tubing on Kauai: Kauai Backcountry Adventures

May 4, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

One of the most unique excursions families can take on Kauai is a tubing adventure through a sugar cane plantation. This adventure is very hard to describe until you’ve tried it: essentially, families are guided through the flumes and tunnels of unused irrigation channels on a now-defunct plantation for a fun, beautiful, and pretty thrilling ride through Kauai’s jungle-like east side.

Start at the headquarters for Kauai Backcountry Adventures, located in Wailea. This big warehouse is the place to check in, get fitted for helmets and headlamps, and wet suit tops if you need them. Next, you’ll be placed into groups of about 12 and paired with a guide and driver, who will take you via van to the put-in site. This site is on the sugar cane plantation, about 20 minutes from the warehouse. You drive along roads for about 10 minutes, then dirt roads for another ten, arriving into the plantation where your guide tells you about the history of the area.

After a short stop at an overlook, which is a great opportunity to see some of the inland valleys of Kauai, you become acquainted with your inner tubes and the irrigation canals. You’re met with another, ‘back’ guide, who pairs with your head guide to help everyone navigate the flumes and tunnels.

We weren’t prepared for the cold temperature of the water, but found it refreshing. (The guides make a joke of this, banning the word ‘cold’ from everyone’s vocabulary, but we actually did find it perfectly pleasant, once used to it.) The flumes are fast-moving at times, slow and restful at others, but always active and fun as you bump into others as you float down the narrow canals. Everyone, from the grandparents in our group to the five-year-old, had a good time, though the youngest kids were unsure at first. There are five tunnels to go through, which are beautiful and just scary enough if you turn off your lights to keep the older kids entertained. Throughout the float, the Kauai forests and unused plantation lands surround you, with bird song at all times.

The actual float takes about an hour and a half, and ends at a nice picnic spot for a deli lunch that’s set out. It’s nothing fancy, but perfectly good and satisfying. After the return drive, the whole experience takes about three hours. We definitely recommend it, as it’s unique to Kauai and a fun way to see countryside you may otherwise not be introduced to.

Curious what the dark tunnels look and feel like? Here’s a short video clip!

What to bring:

You can take a day bag with you, which will be transported for you from the put-in spot to the picnic spot. We were glad to have dry shirts and light sweatshirts at that point. Also be sure to wear sturdy sandals, such as Keens or Chacos, because you’ll be pushing off from the concrete walls of the canals and walking on dirt roads a bit. Wear swim suits for the excursion. You’l also want towels.

Cost:

$106 per person, no matter what age. Budget for a tip for your guides as well (they will split it amongst themselves). Tours depart on the hour from 8 am to 2 pm, rain or shine. Our day was rainy, but it didn’t matter much!

Directions:

Find Kauai Backcountry Adventures at 3-4131 Kuhio Highway.

As we disclose whenever applicable, we tried out Kauai Backcountry Adventures at a media rate, for the purpose of review.

How to see the Na Pali Coast Kauai: Holo Holo Charters

April 29, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Wondering how to see the Na Pali Coast Kauai? There are four ways to see the famous (and roadless) Na Pali Coast along Kauai’s west shore. Families can take a helicopter tour, kayak tour, hike the Kalalau Trail, or take a chartered sailing tour.

We opted for two of the four: we hiked several miles of the trail (the entire 11 miles requires a permit), and saw more of the coastline via catamaran with Holo Holo Charters. ‘Holo’ means adventure in Hawaiian; if someone says they’re going to ‘go holo’, they’re going adventuring. ‘Holo holo’ means a big adventure. Our excursion with Holo Holo Charters was just that: an exciting adventure.

We took their Napali Snorkel Sail, which took us from Port Allen to the Na Pali Coast on the Leila, a 50’ sailing catamaran that sailed at up to 18 knots. Our sailing was in March, and we experienced a mixed bag of winter and summer sailing conditions: the water was choppy and waves were quite large (in the opinion of this non-sailor).

Our tour began at 8 am (which required an early wake up for us on the North Shore, in order to complete the 1.5 hour commute to the South Shore in time to depart). After a brief safety talk, we were off to find an ideal snorkel spot along the South coast, where we were issued snorkel gear and spent about an hour in the water. While we had snorkeled off the shore several times already in Kauai, we saw more varieties of fish here than anywhere else, even in slightly murky water (due to waves). If you plan to focus on finding the best snorkeling beaches on Kauai, you may not ‘need’ this snorkel cruise, but if you want to be sure to find at least one good spot, this is your best bet.

Next, we set sail (literally) for the Na Pali, while the crew set out a continental breakfast. During the entire day, the coolers were self-serve for juice, water, and soda, and crew members were on-hand to assist with the open bar of wine and beer. Our captain even opened a bottle of champagne to make ‘Hawaiian mimosas’ with guava juice. We past empty beaches near the western end of the Na Pali (also where the Kalalau Trail ends), and saw its famed rugged cliffs and sea caves. It was fun for us to see this side of the Na Pali, since we’d hiked a bit on the eastern end. Now we’d seen both ends of the trail and coastline.

While our kids enjoyed the snorkeling, the most memorable part of the trip for them was laying flat on the mesh fabric at the front of the catamaran, allowing waves to rock them and soak them with spray as we sailed. If your kids like this sort of thing, they’ll have a blast!

On the return journey, we ate a nice deli lunch of sandwich fixings, pasta salad, and cookies, and along the way, we stopped to see humpback whales and spinner dolphins. Tours such as this one can never guarantee to see such wildlife, of course, so this was a very special treat: for the first time, our family saw whales fully breach, and we were close enough to note the calf—baby whale—jumping and playing while his/her mother swam beside. The dolphins surrounded our boat, playing in the waves and talking amongst themselves…a beautiful sight. We were indeed lucky.

A note about seasickness:

I get seasick easily, so I was concerned about this trip. I was right to be: several people did succumb to seasickness. I believe the only reason I did not was the Bonine I took beforehand. The crew also had ginger candies to suck on, and ginger ale. We may have sailed at a particularly choppy time, but the crew said they’d seen worse…and our boat was really rocking over the waves. While you can see shoreline at all times, you are on open ocean. It helps to sit at the back of the boat where there’s less movement, and it’s easy to be outside in the fresh air, but once sick, there’s little you can do. Take something for seasickness if you think it will be a problem. The crew was very helpful to those who did get sick.

What you’ll need to bring:

waterproof camera
sunscreen
sunglasses
sun-protective clothing
an extra long-sleeved shirt or sweatshirt for everyone (it does get chilly in the wind)
towels (at least 2-3)
wear any shoes…you’ll take them off before boarding

Safety onboard:

We had a crew of four for our tour (with approximately 20 people), and we felt safety was a priority. There are rules onboard the catamaran, such as how to hold on and walk on the decks, and crew members let people know when it’s best to stay seated. However, it’s a catamaran, so there are no railings along the edges of the boat. Children absolutely must be able (and willing) to listen to instructions and follow rules.

Cost:

The snorkel sail costs $134 for adults and $94 for kids (up to age 12), if you pre-order online. You pay when you arrive. Once you make your reservation, you cannot cancel for a full refund (only a half-refund). The only exception: if the tour is cancelled due to weather, you get a full refund. Please plan on tipping your guides.

Directions:

Holo Holo is located in the marina shopping center in Port Allen, at 4353 Waialo Road. After passing Lihue from the North Shore, take 50 until you reach 541, then turn at the McDonalds at Waialo Road.

Want a preview of additional excursions and activities to try on Kauai? Check out our video:

As we disclose whenever applicable, we toured with Holo Holo at a media rate, for the purpose of review.

Learn to surf in Hawaii: Hawaiian Surfing Adventures

April 27, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

If you want to learn to surf in Hawaii, you need to learn from the locals. The minute we checked in at Hawaiian Surfing Adventures in Hanalei Bay, Kauai, we knew we were with o’hana, or family. We met many members of the Alapa family, who have owned this business for years. We were met by an uncle, driven to the beach by the father, and taught by a son and cousin.

Everyone took pride in the business, and best of all, seemed to have fun doing what they do. Their motto at Hawaiian Surfing Adventures is that surfing (and anything you do on Hawaii, actually) should be ‘easy’. They made that happen as we successfully surfed and had a blast doing it.

What to expect:

We found the business location easily enough along the main road of Hanalei, just last the liquor store if coming in from Princeville. We were asked to be there 30 minutes before our lesson time, and we filled out the usual waivers and got fitted for our rash guards. We then locked any valuables in our car and left the keys with the office crew, and hopped on board a surf jeep that took us on the short drive to Hanalei Bay Beach.

You’ll want sunglasses, sunscreen, and perhaps a camera with you at this point; we were advised we could bring towels too, but we actually never needed them. At the beach, we placed our belongings in a plastic bin (everything valuable should be at your car) and spend about 20 minutes learning how to paddle, stand up, and get back down on our boards while on land. We got useful tips on balance and stance—plus practical tips on getting out into the surf—from our teachers, Evan and Mitchell, before being let loose on the waves.

We entered the water, and here’s the good news: it was easier than I’d anticipated to paddle the board through the surf to the area where we’d be catching waves. Mitchell and Evan helped us know which waves to try for, and when to start paddling to catch them. The bad news: the hardest part for most of us was timing the waves to actually catch them. Luckily for us, the Alapa family motto of ‘make it easy’ ensured a nice push from the team to get us in front of good waves. Once we’d caught them, we were all successful in standing up and riding them. And yes, it was as fun as it seems.

Everyone in our group, from age 10 to 40, had a blast. Evan and Mitchell took care to ensure the kids were always helped and accounted for (which isn’t easy with our adventurous kids) and made them all feel great about their attempts. We enjoyed our hour on the water so much, we decided to return to Hawaiian Surfing Adventures later in the week to rent surf boards to keep practicing on our own. Rentals are only $15 for half a day, and they’ll deliver them to the beach for you. Again…they make it easy!

Pricing:

You can opt for private or semi-private lessons, but we found the ratio in group lessons to be excellent. Group lessons are $65 per person. Plan to tip your instructors!

Directions:

Find Hawaiian Surfing Adventures at 5-5134 Kuhio Highway 96714. Look for the yellow surfboard outside!

As we disclose whenever applicable, we experienced our surfing lesson at a media rate, for the purpose of review. We wanted to be able to tell readers what surfing in Hanalei is really like!

Earth Day every day: outdoor adventures that teach kids to love nature

April 22, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

In our part of the world, Earth Day usually dawns chilly and soggy. For many years, I dutifully took my kids out to the local celebration (always held outdoors, of course) so we could freeze for a few hours while batting around an oversized globe-patterned beach ball, learn about sustainable housing and bio-diesel, and eat local produce. Don’t get me wrong: there’s nothing wrong with any of that. But in the past few years, we’ve found a better way to celebrate. We now strive to honor Earth Day every day.

How? By teaching our kids to appreciate nature and the outdoor world that surrounds us. When kids have seen, felt, and interacted with nature firsthand, they’re much more likely to relate to it and strive to protect it as they get older. It’s true that as an outdoor columnist for OutdoorsNW, I have ample opportunity to expose my kids to the wilderness in our region, but the great thing about the outdoors is how accessible it is. Outdoor adventures are usually low-cost (or free), within easy driving distance, and great exercise. The following are our favorite ways to get outside with kids:

1. Go camping.

Camping is cheap, it’s available no matter where you live, and while it takes some effort, it’s a major kid-pleaser. Check out our favorite campgrounds along the Pacific coast, or check your own state park listings for a one-tank-of-gas-or-less getaway. If you’re ambitious, plan a multi-night backpacking adventure.

2. Kayak or river raft.

Kayaking and rafting are great ways to introduce kids to water sports. Families can start on still lakes and rivers, and most locations include a guide who can help you get started. You can opt to be on the water for only a few hours if desired, and can return to comfortable lodging afterward. Kids dig kayaking and river rafting because it’s more exciting than hiking, with the same explorative benefits. Our top favorite kayaking and river rafting adventures have included a family float along the Deerfield River in Massachusetts with Zoar Outdoor, an autumn kayaking trip in Oregon’s Cascade Lakes with Wanderlust Tours, and kayaking Vancouver Island Canada’s Ucluelet harbor with Majestic Ocean Kayaking.

3. Hike!

It doesn’t get more basic than this. Take the kids, give them a backpack and walking stick (both optional), and drive to the nearest trail head. Don’t know where to find one? Start at your local outdoor store and pick up a local hiking guide or simply ask the salesperson. Bring sunscreen, water bottles, and a picnic, and you’re all set. To keep kids motivated and entertained en route, allow them to set the pace and stop to explore, even if it means climbing every third tree or stopping to build (and dismantle) a dam along a creek. If you want to make a vacation of it, start with our top five Western mountain lodges, and spend your days on the trail and your nights in comfort.

4. Horseback ride.

Many rustic or outdoor resorts now offer horseback riding. For roughly the cost of any outdoor excursion (or round of golf or spa treatment) you can introduce your kids to the cowboy (or girl) lifestyle…for a few hours. We love horseback riding while on vacation because it accomplishes two important goals: fun for the kids and the chance to see more of the outdoors up-close. Even kids as young as five can often ride solo. Our favorite horseback riding operations have included those at Brasada Ranch and Colter Bay in Grand Tetons National Park.

5. Mountain bike.

Mountain biking is an expensive way to enjoy the outdoors if you own your own bikes and equipment, but surprisingly affordable to rent for the day at most local bike shops (whether you’re on vacation or at home). Because you can’t always mountain bike on pedestrian trails (but sometimes can), it’s important to pick up a cycling trail map where you rent your bikes. If you want to go extreme, try gravity-based mountain biking at a ski resort in summer. It’s one of the activities my kids (and I) have enjoyed most in the past few years! Learn more by checking out our biking experience at Northstar California.

Best of 2014: Best destinations for families you can book now!

December 22, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Every December, we take time to reflect upon the past year of travel, and select five experiences—yes, just five!—that we crown the best of the year. Last year, our top travel experiences of 2013 took us from Alaska to the Caribbean. This year, we’re focusing on the American West and MidAtlantic, showcasing everything from five-star city hotels to cabins. We stand behind these picks as the best destinations for families, 2014.

Best Destinations for Families: our picks from 2014

Experience Grand Teton National Park ‘behind the scenes’:

You’ve heard it from us before: no outdoor tour operation does family adventure better than O.A.R.S. We loved their Rogue River itinerary, so we embarked on their OARS Jackson Lake 2 night adventure confident we’d have an amazing time. What makes it so great? Beyond the near perfect guest service we’ve found consistently with O.A.R.S., the Jackson Lake kayaking adventure allows families to see a new side of Grand Teton National Park. We slept literally in the shadow of the peaks of Grand Teton, hiked to lakes less traversed by car camping families, and swam on the far banks of the lake, inaccessible to anyone without a boat. Check out our full review of the O.A.R.S. Jackson Lake 2 night kayak tour.

Play cowboy or cowgirl for a week:

Also located within the boundary of Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, Triangle X Ranch is has been around for generations as a working ranch and guest ranch. For many, it’s become an annual summer tradition; when we visited, we were surprised to learn that almost 80% of guests are on a return visit. That’s your true review, right there! While at Triangle X dude ranch, we got to ride our personal horses for the week two times per day, hike, relax at the ranch, go on Snake River float trips, and enjoy plenty of family bonding time around the campfires, in the kitchen and dining rooms, and while on the trail. Want to take your whole family to summer camp? This is it. Read our full review of Triangle X Ranch.

Learn US government and history in our nation’s capital:

School-aged kids get so much out of Washington DC! Truth be told, so do parents. I didn’t expect to love our time in the nation’s capital as much as I did; Washington DC is safe, walkable, and family-friendly. Best of all, almost all the attractions you’ll want to visit are free to the public. Many tours do require advanced planning, however, so best get started for your spring or summer visit! We recommend a Club-level stay at Grand Hyatt Washington: it’s a spurge, but also makes good travel sense. You’ll be close enough to the action to walk everywhere, and can eat most meals in the relaxed atmosphere of the club. Read our full review of Grand Hyatt DC.

Step back in time in Gettysburg:

What a sobering, awe-inspiring, and important historical landmark to visit with kids! Gettysburg, PA is a must-do with kids old enough to learn about Civil War battles in the context of US history. We recommend this trip for kids ages 8 and up, and suggest families stay 2-3 days before or after a trip to study more American history in Williamsburg or Philadelphia. The Gettysburg historic battlefield is best toured with a licensed battlefield guide; book one to ride with you in your car for the absolute best experience. Be sure to leave time to explore the town, too. Read our full review of our time in Gettysburg.

Play in the snow in the Colorado Rockies:

Keystone Colorado is arguably the most family-friendly ski resort in the Rockies. It certainly goes out of its way to cater to kids. However, this doesn’t mean Keystone isn’t up to the challenge of serious skiers and snowboarders: behind kid-centric Dercum Mountain, two more peaks await, with steeps and deeps, cat-accessed terrain, and plenty of bumps. After each ski day, Keystone pulls out all the stops, with daily Kidtopia activities geared just for kids 12 and under, weekly parades, and even fireworks displays. No wonder Keystone has been compared to Disney…on ice. Check out our long weekend at Keystone.

Where did your family’s 2014 travel take you? What are your top picks?

Flying for the fun of it: Take a trip with San Juan Airlines

October 27, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Yes, you read that right: flying can be fun! In an era when it’s 99% hassle (even for kids!), I had a great time remembering what I love about flying when I spent a morning with San Juan Airlines. Check out my flight from Seattle to Friday Harbor, WA:

Yes, I’m smiling. Actually, I grinned most of the flight. Why? On a small plane–in this case, a Cessna 172 three-seater–it’s easy to remember why flying is fun! Gone are the barriers between you and the act of flight, such as large airline cabins, in-flight service, and movies on your laptop. Gone, too, are the discomforts: overcrowded conditions, delays, and grumpy fellow passengers. Instead, it’s just you and the pilot, an empty runway before you, and the heady sense of disbelief when you actually do defy gravity.

Do I really do this all the time?

Not like this!

San Juan Airlines, like several other small carriers in the Northwest, operate flights primarily between the small islands that dot the landscape between Seattle and Canada. They fly out of Bellingham, with stops in Anacortes, Friday Harbor, and smaller island and mainland destinations. However, they are also available for charter flights to over 16 destinations, from Spokane to Kamloops BC. Occasionally, they fly out of Boeing Field in Seattle, which is where I caught a ride.

When to consider a small carrier flight:

Obviously, flying on a 2-3 passenger airline is rarely going to be the economical choice. However, it’s worth considering whenever you’re traveling to hard-to-reach destinations, because sometimes, it will make the most sense. When I flew San Juan Airlines, I did so because I needed to be on San Juan Island at a specific time, and had I driven and taken a ferry, I would have had to leave my home 24 hours earlier in order to make the schedule work for me! In this case, time was indeed money.

Other times, flying instead of driving may be the best choice if you want to make your travel day as memorable as your vacation. On my San Juan Airlines flight, my pilot, Brett, doubled as a tour guide, pointing out many landmarks as we flew. When I wanted to see something closer, he happily did a circle around the harbor, allowing me to get all the photos I wanted. We’ve paid for scenic helicopter flights when on vacation before; I’d consider a flight with San Juan Airlines to be just as exciting and fun (plus you’re actually getting to your destination!).

Plus, consider this: no security lines, no boarding passes, no baggage carrousels…no waiting! Now that’s flying!

How to book with San Juan Airlines:

Their website makes it pretty clear, especially if you’re traveling their regular route. If you’d like a charter flight, simply fill out their form or give them a call. They’re a small operation, which means you’ll talk to a real live person when you pick up the phone. Tell them what you need, and they’ll work with you to find the route that’s best. Since I had flown into Seattle at SeaTac, for instance, I needed a flight from Boeing Field (in Seattle), not their regular location in Bellingham. Luckily, a flight was available for me!

How to find San Juan Airlines at Boeing:

Boeing Field is located less than 10 miles from SeaTac, but it’s a big place. San Juan Airlines operates out of the Landmark Terminal, which is located at 7149 Perimeter Road. Give your cab driver the exact address, or you could be circling around Boeing for a while! If you don’t get lost, the cab fare will be about $25 in normal traffic conditions. The waiting room is casual and comfortable, with fresh fruit, coffee, and wifi available.

Have you taken a charter flight? Where?

Couples getaway: Oregon cycle tour with LifeCycle Adventures

October 22, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

At Pit Stops for Kids, we’re fans of adventurous travel for kids, so it will come as no surprise that when we want to get away for an adults-only vacation, my husband Charlie and I prefer an active, outdoorsy pursuit of our own.

We also love wineries, outside-the-box local lodging, and farm-to-fork dining, indulgences absolutely possible to enjoy with kids, but— if we’re being honest here —even more enjoyable as a couples getaway. How to combine everything we like into one getaway? We found LifeCycle Adventures, an Oregon cycle tour company that offers customized cycling getaways.

Check it out!

LifeCycle Adventures hosts tours in Oregon, California, Hawaii, and the San Juan Islands of Washington. Because their Oregon tour routes are in our backyard, we headed to Portland, where we overnighted downtown at Hotel Monaco PDX (our favorite Kimpton hotel) before meeting LifeCycle Adventures owner Tony Blakey for a three-day ride.

Tony’s Oregon itineraries include a Willamette Valley tour, focusing on area wineries and featuring rolling terrain and quaint college towns, and a Columbia River Gorge tour, which takes cyclists around Mt. Hood before dropping them into the spectacular Columbia River Gorge at Hood River. We sampled a bit of both, so I could tell all you cycling parents out there which to book. As it turns out, we couldn’t decide which we liked better, so the good news is, you can’t go wrong.

Willamette Valley experience:

LifeCycle Adventures’ Willamette routes take cyclists from the outskirts of Portland through Forest Grove to McMinnville or Newberg, both in the heart of wine country. I say ‘routes’ instead of ‘route’ because every tour is customizable. Before embarking, we had communication with Tony via email or phone, during which we outlined our cycling experience (not much) and our objectives for our trip (to work up just enough of a sweat to ‘earn’ nice meals each evening). From our information, Tony compiled three route options per day, all ending at the same lodging location but offering various mileage. We could then choose our route as late as the day-of, after assessing sore muscles.

We started our journey with a quite easy 20 mile ride from beautiful Stewart ‘Stub’ State Park along the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, which is a car-free bike path. At the tiny town of Banks, we transitioned to quiet country highways en route to Forest Grove. We had a great lunch at Maggie’s Buns, then transferred by van (hello, Tony!) to our accommodations in McMinnville. Along the way, we stopped at several Willamette Valley wineries, which we absolutely could have accessed on bike, had we wanted to ride all the way into town.

Along the way, Tony was only a phone call away, should we need him or the services of his passenger van, outfitted with bike racks, extra water bottles, the rest of our luggage, and plenty of Clif Bars.

We spent the night at A’ Tuscan Estate, a quiet and understated B&B located just a few blocks from downtown McMinnville. Quite possibly, A’ Tuscan Estate is the loveliest B&B we’ve ever experienced. Owners Jacques and Liz are perfect hosts, with a fountain of knowledge about food, dining, and the hospitality industry (just read any of the numerous books on these subjects authored by Jacques, all available for perusal in the living spaces).

We strolled the quaint downtown of McMinnville, stopping in at tasting rooms and concluding our night at La Rambla, a polished downtown eatery with Spanish cuisine. At A’ Tuscan Estate, we enjoyed an entire suite in the inn’s Craftsman bungalow, where we had a full kitchen, patio, garden, and living room should we need it. For breakfast, chef Jacques put together an amazing three-course feast, which included three kinds of juice, local fruit, a light-as-air quiche, and homemade pastry. Try getting on your bike and riding after that!

Columbia River Gorge experience:

Cyclists opting to tour the Columbia River Gorge start in or around Government Camp, Oregon, at the edge of Mt. Hood. Those wanting to go further can start lower, and begin with a climb…no thanks! We coasted from Cooper Spur, picking up speeds up to 30 miles per hour on the steep decline from the mountain. Once deposited into the fruitful valley, we stopped for a picnic lunch at a fruit stand (there are plenty en route) and then geared up (pun intended) for a steeply rolling route into Hood River. We tackled closer to 30 miles on this day, and found that with just a few stops (once to try a flight of ciders at Red Tail Fox Farm, once to take in a view of the river and Gorge), the mileage was very do-able. We rolled into Hood River around 5 pm, and checked into Villa Columbia.

This beautiful B&B is situated right off the Columbia, with views from just about every corner. The comfortable living room and dining room are available for guest use, as are the porches and an upstairs sitting room. We were in easy walking distance of Hood River dining, and decided that after our longer ride, we deserved a beer. Full Sail Brewing overlooks the river, where we could watch kite surfers while enjoying a flight and burgers.

From Hood River, cyclists can continue to follow the Columbia on day 3: we opted for the Historic Columbia River Highway, closed to cars, which parallels the river toward the Dalles. More ambitious cyclists could continue on the historic byway, but 20 miles was enough for us on Day 3!

What LifeCycle Adventures provides, and who it’s for:

We are on bikes about once a month at home, and do not consider ourselves to be serious cyclists. Because LifeCycle Adventures customizes all their itineraries, it’s a perfect getaway for anyone who is active and comfortable on a bike. For those who are ready to go out and kill it, Tony has routes for you, too.

During our trip, we came to think of LifeCycle— and Tony —as our personal concierge. He picked us up daily, transported all our luggage to our B&Bs, checked us in (so we could just jump into a shower the minute we arrived), provided us with lunch and dinner recommendations, and, best of all, provided us with detailed route instructions, tailored specifically to us.

Here’s an example of our itinerary. In addition to this, Tony offers many more maps and support documents. We felt safe and in control at all times.

This customization was perfect for us: we are familiar with the area and comfortable on bikes, but not familiar with biking the area. Every morning, we had a briefing with Tony, during which he showed us our route on a map, then —and this is the kicker —provided us with detailed step-by-step directions and maps, which we could keep at the ready on our bikes. We were equipped with bike pumps, directions, snacks, and phone numbers, so we never felt overwhelmed by routes or road challenges.

Before our trip, Tony meticulously created a customized tour book with our exact routes and mileage, plus town guides for each of our destinations. I’ve never seen such detail put into a customized itinerary. If you want to try an cycling adventure but don’t want to be responsible for planning out a complicated route based on abilities, traffic, and road conditions, absolutely leave it to Tony.

Included in a LifeCycle tour is use of bikes and helmets, full route planning, overnight accommodations, which are also customizable (you pick your price range), and full ground support. Our accommodations provided breakfasts, and we bought lunches and dinners on our own.

Can kids go?

Tony welcomes families with kids, and reports that older kids and teens do best. When deciding whether to bring the kids, keep in mind that while the riding can be modified to fit almost anyone, the general pace of a cycling trip is more leisurely than most kids enjoy. We lingered over meals, slept in (wow!) and spent most of each day on a bike or at a winery or fruit stand. Kids who are very into cycling will love it. Others may be looking for a more varied trip by Day 2. You decide!

How to book:

There’s a wealth of information on the LIfeCycle Adventures website, and I recommend doing a thorough reading, then calling the company to talk to someone in person. Tony and his team will be able to plan something perfect for your abilities, budget, and time frame.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced our cycling itinerary as compliments of LifeCycle Adventures, for the purpose of review. All opinions…and sore muscles… are my own.