If your image of Oregon consists of only evergreens and rainy days, it's time to visit Central Oregon's high desert. One of our favorite regions for Oregon family vacations, Central Oregon offers beautiful mountains, lakes, and rivers for whitewater rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, golf, and every snow sport you can think up. It's also home to a number of family resorts, including Bend … [Read more...]
Where to stay in Parksville, BC: Tigh-Na-Mara Resort and Spa
September 4, 2012 By
The first thing my kids noticed upon entering the grounds of Parksville BC's Tigh-Na-Mara Beach Resort was the pool house. Then the kids' club space. Then the playground and the basketball and tennis court. Finally, they spotted the beach access leading to one of Parksville's famous warm sand beaches. The first thing I noticed was the Cedars restaurant and Grotto Spa. To say Tigh-Na-Mara has it … [Read more...]
Where to stay in Tofino BC: a review of MacKenzie Beach Resort
August 24, 2012 By
As you might guess, the outdoor excursion, storm-watching, and surfing mecca of known as the west side of Vancouver Island offers more lodging in Tofino than anywhere else we visited on our July 2012 Vancouver Island trip. Families can choose from B&Bs, five-star resorts, vacation home rentals, and our favorite, beachfront resorts with individual cottages for let. We made the MacKenzie … [Read more...]
Where to stay in Ucluelet, BC: Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
August 13, 2012 By
What everyone needs after an active day hiking, kayaking, or touring Vancouver Island's west coast: a plunge pool and hot tub, rain shower, and cheery fire waiting at their resort. Families vacationing in Ucluelet BC get all that and more in Black Rock Oceanfront Resort. What, precisely? Try heated bathroom tiles, dramatic views, and fine dining, but more importantly to parenting traveling with … [Read more...]
Where to stay in Vancouver BC: Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites
August 9, 2012 By
Vancouver, BC may be one of the best cities to tour with kids. It's full of outdoor experiences active kids crave--biking, beaches, parks and suspension bridges--while retaining the sophistication parents enjoy and seek to introduce to their children. And all within a stone's throw of the action (but please don't throw stones) is the Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites Hotel. Located in … [Read more...]
A stay at the Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage, CA with SPG Kids’ Pass
August 2, 2012 By
The desert oasis of the Westin Mission Hills is located adjacent to Palm Springs, CA in Rancho Mirage, CA. While it may seem slightly on the crazy side to visit this part of the California desert in summer, we had a wonderful stay here, even in July. Our plan of action: tackle Palm Springs family attractions in the morning, then spend every afternoon near the pools! The Westin Mission Hills is a … [Read more...]
Downhill mountain biking with Northstar Bike Academy
July 25, 2012 By
In the process of soaking up all the summer ski resort activities on offer at Northstar California this July, the whole family took part in the Northstar Bike Academy Bike 101 package. Bike 101 includes a full day lift ticket, half-day bike and protective equipment rental, and Bike 101 lesson, and is perfect for families new to the sport of downhill mountain biking. Families sign up for Bike … [Read more...]
A family lodge stay: The Lodge at Suttle Lake, Sisters Oregon
July 23, 2012 By
A mountain lake lodge that's equally appealing to adults and kids isn't easy to find...unless you're in Oregon. (It must be something about my home state's laid-back, outdoorsy atmosphere.) The Lodge at Suttle Lake, located just outside of Sisters, Oregon, is one of them. Easily accessed from Highway 20 (30 minutes from Bend, Oregon on Highway 97 or two hours from Salem, Oregon on I-5), the Lodge … [Read more...]
5 things to do at Northstar California in summer with kids
July 20, 2012 By
Think ski resorts are only for winter? Families can get great ski resort lodging deals in the summer, and pair them with outdoor seasonal activities perfect for all ages. We spent a sunny three days at Tahoe, CA's Northstar this July, where we were faced with enough recreational and event options to last any family a month. How did we pick the best summer activities at Tahoe? We turned to … [Read more...]
A stay at Omni San Francisco with kids
June 14, 2012 By
When we first stepped into the opulent lobby of the Omni San Francisco with our three excited kids, lots of luggage, and a cooler of snacks, I thought, 'Uh oh.' It was so beautiful, and so peaceful, and somehow smelled so good (citrus?) I couldn't imagine this elegant San Francisco hotel could be a good fit for families. I was completely wrong. From the moment of check-in, my boys were greeted … [Read more...]
