Seasonal - Pitstops for Kids

Stocking ideas for families who travel

December 6, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Need help filling those Christmas stockings this year? We’re back with this year’s 10 stocking ideas for families who travel! Whether you have small children who need entertainment on long road trips or teens who love the outdoors, the following holiday stocking stuffers will fit the bill!

1. United by Blue Utensil Kit:

United by Blue has made a commitment to reusable products and the clean up of our planet. Their utensil kit includes two stainless steel straws, one silicone straw tip, one straw cleaner, one stainless steel spork, and one pair of stainless steel chopsticks. Mine fits perfectly in my tote or backpack to be at the ready for any on-the-go meal. The case it comes in is 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a water-resistant finish and velcro closure. Pick one up for anyone on your list for $24!

2. Haiku RFID Mini Wallet:

This tiny wallet packs a powerful punch, ready for any international adventure. You can fit your state ID and 3-4 credit cards in this slim wallet, which closes quickly with an elastic band. You get RFID-blocking technology in an CyclePET fabric made from plastic water bottles. Get one for $15.

3. North Drinkware tumblers, pint glasses, and coasters

An Oregon company, North Drinkware creates beautiful pint glasses, tumblers, coasters, blankets, and more inspired by Northwest mountains. Their handblown beer tumblers and pint glasses have the raised imprints of iconic peaks on the interior bottom, such as Mt. Rainer, Mt. Hood, etc. The perfect gift for the outdoorsy NW traveler! We love displaying our Mt. Hood coasters, too. See all their offerings here.

4. Buff Dog Reflective Neckwear:

Yes, it’s as cute as it sounds…a Buff for your dog! We love the reflective strip that keeps him or her safe on those nighttime walks or early morning jogs, and these Buffs come in multiple sizes and patterns, just like the human version. Pick one up for your pet for $12. Need one for your dog’s human, too? We love Buff’s new InsectShield line that protects everyone from ticks and mosquitoes.

5. Tesalate ultimate beach towel:

These beach towels fold down small for road trips, car rides, and camping trips, yet absorb so much water! (Great for pets, too!). They do not allow sand to cling whatsoever, so you don’t get pesky sand in your car, van, or RV. We can’t get enough of these, so we got the XL, which is big enough to work as a picnic blanket, too! Check out all the fun colors and patterns.

6. Juniper Ridge essential oils:

Can’t get out into the wilderness this holiday season? Bring the outdoors to you with Juniper Ridge’s set of essential oils, ready for any diffuser in your home. From Sierra Forest to Christmas Fir, you’ll be invigorated with the scents of the forest, helping with a sense of calm and relaxation when you can’t be outside.

7. Alpine Start instant coffee

Instant coffee that still tastes good? Yep! Alpine Start is the coffee pack to pick up for your next #vanlife adventure, camping trip, road trip, or socially distant travels. They come in a variety of flavors and pack sizes, including original or a super yummy dirty Chai. Packs are $8.99.

8. GSI Outdoors Glacier Camp Cup:

The perfect stocking stuffer for the camper or outdoor adventurer who has everything! This stainless steel camp cup has double-wall insulation and a snug-fitting lid, and is light enough to easily attach to any backpack for carrying from campsite to campsite. It comes in multiple colors so you can be sure you always know which cup of coffee (or whiskey) is yours. Pick one up on GSI Outdoors for $15.

9. Avana insulated water bottle:

These beautiful and functional water bottles are leak-proof, spill-proof, and come with a built-in straw. You get a triple layer of insulation and a cool carry loop on the lid. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes.

10. Six Moon pack pods:

Can you have enough packing cubes? Never. Six Moon Designs is a company we have long-trusted for their backpacks and shelters, and now their pack pods come in three size options for just $30. Ideal for storing miscellaneous camping gear, road trip snacks, or clothing. We like to keep some on-hand in every car and in our backpacks. Pick them up here!

Need more ideas? Check out more holiday gift picks from Pit Stops for Kids!

Photo credit: Flickr/popofatticus

Holiday stocking stuffers for family and outdoor travel lovers.

Five haunted hotels worth visiting this Halloween…if you dare

October 28, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

My kids tend to be frightened by kid-friendly haunted houses, let alone a haunted hotel, but if yours are made of heartier stock, a stay at one of the following haunted hotels might be just what you need for a memorable Halloween vacation.

The Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC:

Rumor has it that the ghost known as the Pink Lady has been haunting the hallways of the historic Grove Park Inn for more than half a century. If you happen to catch a glimpse ghost-hunters’ style, you’ll know her by her flowing pink gown. This young woman was a guest in Room 545 in the 1920’s before either jumping or being pushed to her untimely death in the Main Inn’s Palm Court five floors below. Sightings of the Pink Lady still occur, most often by children.

The Homestead, Hot Springs, VA:

One of the top family resorts in Virginia, the Homestead enjoys a long history since opening in 1766. Reportedly, the 14th floor remains haunted to this day after a jilted bride took her own life in the early 1900s. Look for her waiting for her husband-to-be’s return while not enjoying the Homestead’s many recreational family activities.

Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods, NH:

The Omni Mount Washington is known for its fantastic mountain scenery and outdoor activities, but indoors, the ghost of the wife of railroad tycoon (and resort builder) Joseph Stickney haunts the hallway surrounding Room 314. Visitors to this room have reported seeing the woman sitting on the edge of the bed. To play upon this haunted theme, the Omni is offering a Haunted Canopy Tour in late October, during which families can fly above the trees in the dark, dodging what may be more ghosts…and a goblin or two?

The Peery, Salt Lake City, UT:

The historic Peery Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member, is a Salt Lake tradition. Built in the late 19th century, the hotel is the oldest in the city and offers a rich history with Prairie-style architecture. Recently remodeled into a luxury boutique hotel this year, the hotel offers modern amenities but the past still haunted the hotel today. Guests have reported saying an old hotel guest still hasn’t checked out and still haunted the elevators. Some guests have even reported hearing bangs and seeing things slide across the floor. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, the hotel is the perfect place to stay in Salt Lake City where you’re near Temple Square, Capitol Theatre and within walking distance of downtown.

Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego CA:

A famed San Diego landmark, the Hotel Del Coronado is know for more than just luxury family vacations. As the story goes, the ghost of Kate Morgan, still haunts the hotel in the form of cold spots and breezes. Morgan checked into the Coronado to meet with her estranged husband, then shot herself on the nearby beach when he never showed. When not seeking out her ghost, families will want to take advantage of the Southern California sunshine and less traditional Halloween activities such a surf lessons and sandcastle building.

Have you stayed in a haunted hotel? Did you check out immediately, or enjoy the thrill of it?

5 haunted hotels to visit this Halloween

5 fun yet creepy places to spend Halloween

October 20, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re a wimp about the supernatural like me and my family, you’ll be content to spend Halloween safely at home, carving a few jack-o-lanterns and calling it a night. If however, you and your kids are made of heartier stock, read on to find five of the most fun, yet creepy places to spend Halloween this year.

1. Gettysburg, PA:

Don’t get me wrong…we love Gettysburg, but it can feel creepy after dark, no matter the season. If that’s your thing, stay at the Federal Pointe Inn, Gettysburg, PA, located right in town. The historic boutique inn was once a school in 1896. Today, the inn has been beautifully restored to complement its rich past and the history of the town. The inn is located within walking distance of downtown Gettysburg where you can take a candlelight walking tour. Find more tours and haunted offerings in our guide to the town of Gettysburg.

2. Virginia City, Nevada:

Want to spend Halloween in a lovely yet slightly creepy mining boomtown? Of course you do! Virginia City is a great place to teach kids about early pioneering and mining history in the Sierra Nevada, but in autumn, the area’s somewhat seedy past–filled with gunfights and card sharks–takes on a delightfully ghoulish air.

Affectionately called ‘Hauntober’, families can use the Virginia City Comstock Adventure Pass to gain entry into the town’s many museums, living history houses, and mine tours. There’s even a very frightful (yet also highly educational) cemetery in town. Step inside a dark mine, just as early miners did over a century ago, and if you’re brave enough, take one of the town’s many ghost tours (many take place in saloons but are still teen-friendly).

3. Salem, Massachusetts:

Want to be super creeped out this Halloween? Go to the epicenter for hauntings, Salem MA. Best known as the location of the infamous Salem Which Trials, this region plays up their place in history with psychic walks, dark tours, and haunted trolley rides, none of which is for the faint of heart. If you have kids who can handle the dark chapter in history, take a visit to the Witch House museum on the corner of North and Essex Streets. Want something a bit more tame? Salem also hosts a fun costume parade for children and plenty of harvest foods and street foods. Plan your trip to Salem here.

4. New Orleans, Louisiana:

Combine a scary Halloween night with some outdoor adventure and excitement with a visit to New Orleans’ eerie Manchac Swamp, where ancient trees and wispy Spanish moss cast an air of mystery and intrigue. If the hair on the back of your arm is standing up when you visit, there’s a reason: hundreds died in this swamp during a tidal wave, earning it the nickname ‘haunted swamp’.

In the city, plenty of evening walks, ghost tours, and lantern-light costume dramas vie for attention to creep you out. Then there’s the city’s love of voodoo…adding to the ghostly and otherworldly atmosphere. Check out Haunted History Tours in the French Quarter. Need somewhere to stay? Consider a stay at a New Orleans hostel.

5. Estes Park, Colorado:

Estes Park makes the list thanks to the town’s creepiest hotel, also known as one of the most haunted in the nation. The Stanley Hotel is known for two things: its ideal views and location near Rocky Mountain National Park, and being the inspiration behind Stephen King’s The Shining. Multiple witnesses (aka guests) have declared the hotel haunted, as well as the hotel’s founder, F. O. Stanley.

Of course, after braving a night in the lovely Stanley Hotel, take some time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, which is breathlessly beautiful in the late fall. You might even forget how frightened you were.

Check out five more haunted hotels to visit this Halloween.

5 fun yet creepy places to spend Halloween

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Grown-up Getaway: What to do in Breckenridge in fall

October 18, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Why would you go to Breckenridge in fall? As one local resident, mountain bike pro, and chef put it, “Why wouldn’t you?” Autumn is a special time in this Colorado mountain town.

When I arrived in mid-September, I half-expected a ghost town: after all, Breck is known for skiing. Instead, I found a town alive with a quiet, happy hum of activity: tourists and locals alike were enjoying the fall weather while hiking, biking, and enjoying special events only found in Breck in fall. Here’s what to do with a weekend getaway with or without the kids:

Go hiking:

Leaf peeping is at its peak in September! For a challenging hike, head up Spruce Creek Road (just a few miles out of town off Hwy 9) and park at Spruce Creek Trailhead. The Spruce Creek Trail takes hikers through alpine forests for just over two miles, then connects with the Mohawk Lakes Trail. This final 1.7 mile section gets steep, past snow melt waterfalls and the remains of mining structures en route to Lower and Upper Mohawk lakes…well worth the effort. Look for mountain goats and plenty of fall color on the slopes opposite.

Need more ideas for local hikes or want to hike with an expert? Contact CBST Adventures in town and go with a pro!

Get a massage:

While in Breck, I had the best massage of my life at Harmony Health Massage and Wellness Spa. What made it so special? Owner and massage therapist Inanna Hall, who took on the task of getting travel day stress out of my shoulders and neck from a holistic, almost spiritual approach. Her philosophy is to approach any massage from an intuitive angle, and it showed. I had one of her synergy massages, and added a session with oxygen for only $30. This is a smart thing to do while adjusting to Breckenridge’s high altitude.

Get on a mountain bike:

There’s more mountain biking in and around Breckenridge than you’ll know what to do with. Pick up a hiking and biking trail map when you arrive, and use the universal green (easy), blue (intermediate), and black (expert) color coding to pick your routes. Most of the marked trails around town are single or double track, though dirt roads can be tacked on for good measure. As a beginner-intermediate mountain biker, these are the trails I tackled:

Lower Flume: Access the Lower Flume trail directly from town via the recreational bike path (more on that below). From the Breckenridge Recreation Center, follow the path out of town to where it connects with Lower Flume. Or, follow Main Street down to the 7-Eleven, turn right, and access from the recycling center.
Betty’s Trail: Find this intermediate trail right off Reiling Road. It’s just under one mile, and parallels the road most of the way (you won’t get disoriented). While it goes up and down, it’s not too rocky, though you’ll want to take care on the sharp turns.
Turk’s Trail and Reiling Drudge Trail: Further up Reiling, a parking lot offers access to a wider network of trails, including intermediate Turk’s and easy (and short) Reiling Drudge. Turk’s has quite the incline and tends to be rocky, but intermediate to advanced riders will love that it connects to more in the blue category, or can be looped with easy B&B.The Reiling Drudge Trail is fun because of the historical plaques marking remnants of mining history in the area.
XLOU8: My favorite intermediate trail I experienced, XLOU8 can be accessed from the same Reiling Drudge parking lot, and connects to Minnie Mine trail. It’s up and down, fairly free of rocks, and has an interesting mine to ride past.
Pence Miller: This intermediate trail can be accessed directly from Mountain Thunder Lodge via a short access trail. It winds above the resort area at the bottom section of the ski runs.

Pick up a mountain bike to rent for the day or multiple days at Avalanche Sports, located on North Main. They’ll give you a helmet, which is essential. Also bring water, a snack, and a layer or two for any ride. While it’s easy to return back to town fairly quickly from most easy and intermediate trails, it’s still good to be prepared for any weather. Find trail maps here.

Not sure you want to mountain bike? Take the recreational bike path through town instead. This paved path runs almost to Keystone!

Take a distillery tour:

The Breckenridge Distillery has a tasting room on Main Street, but also a full factory tour offered at their distillery on Airport Road. This tour is fascinating…and yes, it includes samples. Each tour is 30 minutes, and takes guests from a tasting area to the distilling rooms and barreling rooms. Our tour guide knew the business inside-out, and answered all our questions relating to both the distilling process and the variety of spirits created (which include vodka, bourbon whiskey, bitters, and seasonal specialties). Tours are free! Must be 21 or over.

Stroll around town:

Main Street runs from the ski resort village all the way down to the far end of town, and is chock full of great dining and shopping. And no, it’s not dead in the fall. Instead, it’s intimate, with locals emerging after a busy tourist summer season. Check out the shops, eat a crepe at Crepes a la Cart, grab a craft cocktail at Modis, and just take in the scene. While walking downtown, consider taking a historic walking tour from the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance.

Need dining recs? We have them!

Take in the Breck Film Fest:

The Breck Film Fest takes over town one week every September, and is a fun opportunity to see Hollywood in the mountains. Come for opening night, and grab affordable tickets to the opening show or opening night party. We were lucky enough to see the feature film for the festival’s Adventure Reel, Snowman. The atmosphere is relaxed, casual, and ultra-cool.

What do you like to do in Breckenridge? In what season?

Spooky Pit Stops: Salem Massachusetts

October 8, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

If you have kids who laugh in the face of fear, this pit stop is for you! (And if you don’t, keep reading anyway; there’s something here for the fainter of heart as well!) The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 placed Salem, Massachusetts on the map as one of the spookiest places in the U.S., and while thankfully, superstition and ignorance have gone the way of pilgrim hats, the town still does a great job of scaring you silly throughout the weeks leading up to Halloween.

Located off I-95, Salem is an easy detour during road trips, and you can easily enjoy their haunted attractions in a few hours. Throughout the month of October, enjoy their Haunted Happenings, which run daily and include pumpkin festivals, harbor cruises (highlighting Salem’s rich pirating history), a street fair and carnival, and trick-or-treating. The truly scary stuff starts after dark, with witch trial reenactments and candlelit walking tours such as the Terror Trail and Witch Trial Trail (not for young kids).

If you have school-aged kids who can handle the dark subject matter, the Salem Witch Museum (19 1/2 Washington Square North) is one of the best of its kind, with life-sized replicas of the key players in the witch trials, audio/visual displays, and reenactments. (Young kids can enjoy the autumn weather and play with an adult on the beautiful grounds nearby.) The Haunted Neighborhood at the Salem Wax Museum (288 Derby Street) is also excellent, but again, not for anyone frightened easily.

Dates offered: Now through October 31st

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

Hours: Most attractions open daily. See daily itinerary and schedule below for details.

Dining options: A comprehensive list of family-friendly dining choices can be found here.

Website: This site has a calendar of events for the town and community.

Admission: Varies by activity. Nightly walking tours are $12 for adults and $5 for kids under age 17. If you think you might do it all or a bit of everything, combination tickets are available. Ask at any single museum or attractions, or at the visitor’s,tourist center.

Directions: Slight left at MA-128 N. Take exit 25A to merge onto MA-114 E/Andover St toward Salem.

Five fall weekend getaways to take on a budget

September 14, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

School’s in session, and magically, travel costs have dropped! Resorts and theme parks across the U.S. are offering discount packages to entice autumn travelers, but what if you only have weekends free? Try any of the following give fall weekend getaways that won’t break the bank. Bonus: not a crowd in sight!

1. Visit a local farm

We can’t say enough good things about farm stay vacations. Most states have farm stays within a half day’s drive from urban areas, making it easy to get away from it all and still leave Friday night after school and work. The best farm stays offer the chance to get your hands dirty (we love feeding time at dusk and herding sheep…harder than it looks!), but plenty are hands-off if you’d rather hike, bike, or sit on a porch swing, taking in the views. Farm stays are affordable, include breakfast (and sometimes additional meals), and include built-in entertainment of the outdoorsy sort. Be aware that many farm stays book rooms ‘B&B style’, which means there may be a fee for more than two people in a room. If you’re unsure whether a farm is kid-friendly, call and ask: almost all farm stays are small businesses, ensuring you can easily connect with the folks right on the property with one phone call. Can’t get away overnight? Make it a day trip, patronizing a U-Pick orchard or berry patch.

2. Stay the night in a yurt or fire tower

Fire lookouts (functional and retired) are enjoying a period of rebirth as exotic sleeping quarters, and they’re not just for the summer months. In fact, fire towers, coastal yurts, and other unique camping accommodations often remained booked solid from June-August, making the autumn months ideal for families with more flexibility. In fact, our favorite fire tower trip took place in February! Bring plenty of warm clothing, but rest assured that unlike tent camping, you’ll have a roof over your head and usually electricity and heat. Fire towers cost less than $75 per night, making them the cheapest ‘motel’ you’ll find with views like these! Bring card games, books, and plenty of hot chocolate. Find additional northwest yurts, towers, and cabins.

3. Ride the rails

Amtrak vacations are expensive…but not in the fall! We priced a ride on the Cascades line through Oregon and Washington, and found fares to be 65% lower in September than in June. And there’s no need to book the pricier sleeper cabins: plan an itinerary that takes you 4-6 hours from home, book one night in your destination, and return home the next day. The kids won’t mind the travel time: while on Amtrak, it’s fun to check out the views from the panoramic cars, eat in the dining or cafe car, and play games in the parlor car. Parents can relax instead of drive, or plan out the day’s itinerary at the destination.

4. Take a city field trip

Remember those hotel discounts I mentioned? You’ll want to take advantage of those! Autumn is our favorite time of year to tour major cities: their museums are less crowded (and school field trips haven’t amped up yet), restaurants have less wait time, and hotel pools are frequented only be the occassional business traveler…and you. Grab CityPass booklets when you go, as we did in San Francisco: you’ll likely have time to actually see all the attractions on a quiet fall weekend!

5. Sleep in a national park lodge

Remember how those fire tower stays get booked fast for summer? That goes double for national park historic lodges. Take advantage of America’s national parks’ off-season and stay in comfort. We especially love Oregon’s Crater Lake Lodge, and Montana’s Many Glacier Lodge. Fall is a great time to spot wildlife, hike trails without summer heat, and canoe across lakes. Just be aware that some seasonal activities, such as horseback stables or swimming beaches, may be closed until spring. Tip: now’s the right time to book your national park lodge stay for next summer, too!

Still not seeing what you’re looking for? Check out more fall getaways!

5 fall weekend getaways to take with the kids

Where do you plan to go this autumn? Tell us about your trip in the comments!

Five back to school getaways to take right now!

August 26, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

September, October and November are the perfect months for short family back to school getaways. Kids (and parents!) are ready for a break from the busy back-to-school schedule, and hotels and resorts are less crowded and keen to offer fall discounts. Where to go to combine fun autumn activities with discounted lodging? We’ve checked out almost a dozen family trip ideas in the past few months in order to pass along our favorites school year getaways to you. Below is a round up of our top five getaway ideas across the country for a fall family getaway:

1. Omni Mount Washington, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire:

Not only do Omni Resorts go all-out for kids, but the Omni Mount Washington embraces Halloween with its very own ghost: be on the lookout for the widowed bride of the resort’s original owner, said to haunt the hotel. Supernatural happenings aside, the Mount Washington location offers outdoor activities perfect for fall. Families can hike or bike right from the resort, or take a day trip to explore the Mt. Washington Cog Railway or Crawford Notch State Park. Then introduce the kids to the fun of ‘leaf peeping’ along New Hampshire’s winding highways.

2. Northstar California, North Lake Tahoe, CA:

Beat the skiers to Tahoe with a trip to Northstar before the snow flies. (You might even get the added bonus of an early snowfall.) There’s plenty for families to do at Northstar in the fall, from biking and hiking to riding the gondola for views. Roller skating is available on the ice rink, and the village shops are sporting pre-season sales. We love the discounts to be found in the village condos or the homes for rent near the golf course. The beauty of Lake Tahoe is only minutes away, offering more hiking even if it’s too cold for a plunge.

3. House on Metolius, Sisters, Oregon:

House on Metolius is a fly fishing and hiking oasis tucked into the woods outside of Camp Sherman, OR (approximately 45 minutes from Bend). Families can choose between a cabin or lodge room stay, and explore this 200 acre property full of meadows, mountains, and wildlife. The Metolius River cuts right through the resort, allowing for no-hassle fishing and play. Hiking is nearby, as is kayaking on Suttle Lake. Mostly though, families will enjoy cozying up by the fireplace for some downtime.

4. WilloughVale Inn and Cottages, Lake Willoughby, Vermont:

This lake-side resort also offers both cabins and lodge rooms, and complimentary canoe rentals every day. Kids will enjoy the nearby Montshire Museum of Science, and parents will feel relaxed in the gorgeous fall foliage as they stop with the family at the many farmer’s markets and roadside stands. Fall discounts are available, and the dining ranges from gourmet farm-to-table to family diner style.

5. Blue Iguana Inn, Ojai CA:

It may not exactly feel like fall in Ojai, a desert retreat 90 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, but your family will feel as though you’ve gotten away from it all. Kids will love the lush garden grounds of the Blue Iguana, and the novelty of taking a dip in the outdoor pool and hot tub even in November. Parents will enjoy the art scene in town (there are plenty of galleries to haunt) and kids will be occupied by the large playground and many area hikes through botanical gardens. Visit a working olive oil factory or just hang out at the inn between meals in award-winning restaurants that still hold kid-appeal.

Photo credit: KimberlyKV.

Budget-friendly Spring Break destinations you haven’t thought of

March 15, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Planning a Spring Break vacation? With only a week or so off school, it can be hard to find a vacation that’s both easy to plan and easy on the wallet. Below, we have over a dozen ideas throughout the US, Caribbean, and Mexico for budget-friendly Spring Break destinations.

Desert destinations:

An easy way to enjoy a warm-weather vacation while saving money is to head to the desert instead of to the beach. Bonus points if you can easily drive to any of these California and Southwest locations:

Borrego Springs:

Never heard of it? I’m not surprised! This oasis in Southern California is generally off the radar, but a great fit for active families. Head to the Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort, a boutique clamping resort where families can stay in vintage Airstreams and hike trails location less than two miles from the resort. February, March, and April is the time to come to see wildflowers, and always, the night sky displays brilliant views.

Death Valley National Park:

Located an easy drive from Las Vegas, NV, Death Valley is our top pick for outdoorsy families looking for a warm-weather destination. Camp in the park to save money, or stay at Furnace Creek Resort. Our kids love the wide open grassy spaces, the tennis and basketball courts, and the spring-fed pool. In the park, multiple hikes await: go in the mornings and evenings and spend the middle of the day swimming!

Scottsdale, Arizona:

Family travel website Global Munchkins recommends Scottsdale for spring break…even if you’re not a baseball fan. For a splurge, stay at the Westin Kierland Resort and get a full water park for the price of your stay. Be sure to take kids to the fun shops and dining options in downtown Scottsdale, and visit Phoenix, and sure, spring training, while you’re in the area!

Tip: Pick up youth baseball equipment to ‘get in the game’ before a trip to watch spring training!

On the way to… destinations:

Let’s get real: sometimes, you’re spring break trip is really just a stopover en route to Grandma’s house, a sporting event, or a longer vacation. We’ve compiled the best ‘on the way to…’ locations from top bloggers.

Bowling Green KY:

Often a stopover on the way to Florida or other southern locales, Bowling Green, Kentucky is right on I-65 and is home to an astounding 21 cave tours in the immediate area. Road Trips for Families highlights the best, along with dining and lodging recommendations in the city. If nothing else, be sure to see Mammoth Cave National Park, and perhaps stop at an area museum. You can even at at a dairy and see a car museum on the same day!

West Georgia:

Already vacationing (or living) in Atlanta or St. Simon’s Island? Field Trips with Sue has a full itinerary of West Georgia for an affordable spring break getaway. Highlights include Providence Canyon, Gaines (complete with frontier fort) and the Warm Springs pools. This type of tour offers kids a lesson in history and ecology without them realizing they’re learning…away from school.

French Lick Springs:

For those in the middle of the country, AdventureMom suggests taking a chance on scenic French Lick Springs Resort, Indiana. This resort is known for its stunning architecture, but it also offers activities year round (not just in the summer months). Families can have kids join the kids club, play foot golf, learn about the history of the hotel, and swim in the pools year round. Oh, and parents can get a spa treatment.

Beach destinations:

Want to be warm and feel sand between your toes? You can still book a beach vacation at spring break affordably! Here’s where to go:

St. John, USVI:

Going to the Caribbean for spring break may not seem like a new idea, but St. John is an unique location you may not have considered. Trekaroo recommends spending your Virgin Islands vacation on St. John because of its low-key, quiet atmosphere, and the many outdoor activities afforded. Virgin Islands National Park is here, complete with multiple hiking trails and beaches, and snorkeling is abundant. Stay in a vacation home to save money!

Ventura, CA:

Just an hour north of Los Angeles, Ventura County West is an easy-to-reach section of the California coastline. Families get both seaside charm and inland adventure. Don’t miss the whale migration at this time of year, taking place through mid-April. When we visited, we used Island Packers; rates start at $37 for adults and $27 for kids. Time your visit right, and you may also see the Celebration of the Whales Festival (March 20, Oxnard) or the California Strawberry Festival (May 21 & 22, Oxnard). Either way, definitely head out to the Channel Islands!

Zihuatanejo, Mexico:

I’d never heard of Zihuatanejo until it was recommended by Pint-Sized Pilot: see the top 10 things to do in this Mexican beach destination! This authentic, non-touristy resort village is quiet, scenic, and affordable with local eats. Visit Zihuatanejo markets, enjoy its festivals, and play in its beaches. It’s located on the Pacific side of Mexico, by Ixtapa.

Loreto, Mexico:

Located on the gulf side of Baja California, Loreto is a great pick for families who want to find an alternative to the all-inclusive resort scene. Walking On Travels recommends finding accommodations in town in her Loreto travel guide, to take advantage of local dining opportunities and the town vibe. Snorkeling, whale watching, and swimming is not far away!

Ski destinations:

Haven’t gotten enough ski days in yet? I’m with you! Some of our favorite spring break ski destinations are smaller, hometown resorts that won’t break the bank.

June Mountain:

Located adjacent to Mammoth Mountain in Northern California, smaller June Mountain offers affordable lift tickets and lessons amid the most scenic runs out there. In the backyard of Yosemite National Park, June also has a very friendly atmosphere…the lodge is cozy and warm, the instructors cheerful and not rushed, and the lift lines are usually nonexistent. Stay near Mammoth to get the best of both worlds!

Angel Fire:

Heading to New Mexico this spring break for some warm sunshine and some skiing? Get both by combining a trip to Santa Fe with a stay at Angel Fire. Trekaroo recommends this ski resort because of its great amenities for families at The Lodge and the ability to night ski here (a big plus for teens). For spring breaks without much snow, there’s a wide variety of summer activities at Angel Fire as well.

City destinations:

We love city vacations, and during spring break, we like to head somewhere that’s less likely to have frigid temperatures and snowstorms. These outside-the-box ideas fit the bill!

Seattle, WA:

Blog With 2 Kids in Tow recommends Seattle and neighboring Bainbridge Island as a temperate getaway with both an city and outdoor-venture vibe. Kids love taking the ferry, checking out the city markets, and burning energy in the excellent city parks. If the weather turns rainy, as it does in this part of the state often, several high-quality kids museums and science museums await.

Tallahassee, Florida:

Don’t overlook Tallahassee for family fun in a warm-weather environment. Family Travels on a Budget recommends this nature-studded city for its zip-lining, kayaking, and hiking. Wakulla Springs State Park offers river boat tours, and in the winter and early spring, it’s possible to spot manatees as they migrate up the river. Horseback riding and lighthouse tours are also on offer for families.

Bonus spring break pick:

The Burren, Ireland:

Ireland Family Vacations, the expert on all things families and Ireland, recommends this unique part of Ireland specifically during the spring. During this low-tourist season, families can spot baby animals in nature sanctuaries, go on cliff walks, and try kid-friendly foodie tours. Learn more at Ireland Family Vacations!

Want even MORE ideas? Here are an additional 18 spring break destinations!

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Squaw Valley CA with school-aged kids and teens: where to stay, dine, and ski

January 5, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

A ski vacation is the perfect socially-distanced getaway, in the outdoors! Every ski resort experience is different this season, so visit Squaw Alpine’s website for the latest COVID updates and regulations..Squaw Valley CA has long enjoyed a reputation for challenging ski terrain for advanced and expert skiers. In the last several years–most recently after their merge with neighbor Alpine Meadows ski resort–Squaw has also been working hard to earn the reputation of family ski destination. While the resort has made great strides toward this goal during their 5 Year $70 Million Plan (partway through in 2013), for us, it remains the go-to Tahoe ski resort location for steep, varied, and challenging mountain terrain. Does this mean it’s not a family resort? Not at all: it’s an ideal ski resort for families of advanced to expert skiers.

Skiing Squaw with advanced skiers and snowboarding kids:

While Squaw has a great beginner’s area at mid-mountain (which makes for more interesting skiing for newbies than being delegated to slopes adjacent to the parking lot), the ski boundary boasts so much great bowl, tree, and cornice skiing that it would be a shame to waste. Put another way: beginners will find what they need here, but they won’t get to experience the best of the mountain.

So what is the best of Squaw Valley with school-aged kids and teens? The varied, multiple ways to get your black diamond skiing and snowboarding on. From the village base, skiers and riders can head straight up KT-22 chair, made famous in the 1960 Olympics, and spend the day exploring all the nooks and crannies around its bowls and ridges. Just as satisfying is the Granite Chief region at the other end of the resort, where powder and trees reign. Headwall chair takes skiers to the top and great moguls, whereas Siberia offers steep groomers and access to the terrain park and half pipe. If the phase ‘something for everyone’ has crossed your mind, you’d be right.

There’s plenty of blue square intermediate runs in-between, and the aforementioned beginner areas, but after spending four ski days at Squaw in the 2013 season, its steeps and deeps impressed us more than anything else…unless you count the views, which are some of the best in the Sierras.

Squaw Valley lodging:

Squaw Valley Village Lodging is ideal for families wanting to hit the slopes early and hard. In Village 1, we were steps from the Funitel Gondola and even closer to dining, tickets, and the Olympic House base lodge. After working hard on the slopes, it’s very welcome to skip a car or shuttle ride and deposit skis and boards directly into in-house ski lockers before hitting the hot tub. Village housing includes 1-3 bedroom units, all of which include a fireplace, full kitchen, and tubs as well as showers. Hot tubs are in Buildings 2-5, so if you opt for Building 1, you’ll be closer to the lifts and enjoy arguably better views, but will have to walk outside and back in to access the hot tub and fitness center.

Squaw Village dining:

We only stay in ski lodging with kitchens, so we can make some meals in-room to save money. Plus, we’re often just too tired in the evenings to go out! If you do venture out, you won’t need a car: the Village offers everything from burgers to bistro fare to sushi. We had a great meal at MamaSake sushi and a al fresco lunch at KT Base Bar. A small grocery will have whatever you forgot at home to make meals in, though you’ll want to do the bulk of your grocery shopping in Truckee or Reno before arriving.

Lunch is available at mid-mountain at the Arc and at High Camp (more on this destination below), or at the base cafeteria-style, deli-style, or sit-down service style at Olympic House. Another perk of village lodging: we ate several lunches in the comfort of our condo, where we made sandwiches, put our feet up, and hung out on the balcony overlooking the village. Plan on a 15 minute ski down to the base from mid-mountain, and longer to get back up via lifts or gondola after eating.

Village and High Camp activities:

If you have energy left after skiing Squaw’s expert terrain (or more likely, if the kids still have energy), the village offers a fun SkyJump (bungee trampoline) for $12 for 5 minutes that’s worth doing once, as well as an indoor climbing wall. If you have lift tickets, they’ll also get you up the Tram to High Camp, where you can ice skate while watching skiers on the slopes, or in spring and summer, swim in the High Camp pool and hot tub. (In summer, the ice skating rink converts to roller skating.) You’ll find a small Olympic museum at High Camp which is worth a short visit (it could use work, but is free and paints a general picture of the 1960 games), and the trip is worth it for the views alone.

If you have beginners or very young kids:

Squaw Kids features group and private ski lessons, though we have not experienced them firsthand. By High Camp are no fewer than three lifts dedicated to beginners, and even our advanced and expert kids really enjoyed the small/medium terrain park located off Belmont Chair in the beginner area. By the end of our visit, they had graduated to the large terrain park off Gold Coast Chair (which also offers lots of nice intermediate groomers).

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Squaw Valley as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

10 easy ways to decorate your hotel room for the holidays

December 4, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

The Pit Stops for Kids crew will be spending the holidays in a Tahoe vacation home this year, so I’m making plans now to make our stay as festive as we’d enjoy at home. If you, too, will be spending your winter holidays away from home, we have 10 easy ways to decorate your hotel room for the holidays…or any condo or vacation home!

Decorate condo or hotel room windows or porch with a string of battery-operated Christmas lights. Find these at your local dollar store! Tip: you can wrap them around the handle of strollers or even around ski helmets to be festive on-the-go!
Buy a local wreath or garland. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, explore your immediate area by looking up a farmer’s market or holiday bazaar, where you can buy a locally-sourced wreath for your condo or vacation home door.
Check condo and vacation home storage closets for decorations. Most will have a stash of holiday decorations stored in a utility closet or pantry. Ask the home owner or lodging association if it’s ok to put these up (and take them down). I’ve never been told no!
Bring a holiday-themed tablecloth and candles for the table. It’s a small touch, but it goes a long way!
Buy a permit and cut down your own tree upon arrival. Going somewhere rural? Look up where to buy a Christmas tree permit before you leave home, and stop by for it en route to your condo or vacation home. Your first vacation activity can be a hike through the snowy woods for your own tree!
Decorate your cruise ship cabin door. Buy or make your own holiday magnets for cruise ship cabin doors, which are magnetic. The practice can get quite competitive, so bring your A game!
Play holiday tunes. Don’t underestimate the power of music to set a holiday mood. Bring a portable speaker and sync it with your smart phone or an iPod set on a holiday radio station.
Have a small tree delivered. Don’t have time or space for a regular-sized tree? Buy a small, live potted tree to use as a table-top centerpiece. Purchase at a local nursery, and decorate with a select few of your favorite ornaments from home, or order one.
Bring holiday bedding. Kids love curling up in their very own holiday-themed sheets and blankets, and these decorate the room, too. Bring your own bedding from home, or make a gift of new holiday bedding, which is easy to bring to a condo or vacation home.
Decorate yourselves! Buy the family holiday-themed pajamas to wear, or a matching set of Santa hats. When you’re all dressed up for the holidays, the feeling of celebration will live in your vacation home, hotel room, or condo with or without the decorations.

Remember: in addition to decorating your temporary living space, you’ll want to safeguard your actual home while you’re away. During our absences, we ask a friend to check on our house regularly, leave porch and holidays lights lit, lower heat and unplug appliances, and let ask multiple neighbors to watch our home.