Family-friendly paradise: a stay at Velas Vallarta

January 16, 2012 By

Guests arriving at Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s Velas Vallarta resort should expect to be greeted in the spacious, breezy lobby by a friendly staff offering a cool, freshly scented towel and an ice-cold bottle of water. My husband and I were also greeted by a resident peacock.

Throughout our four-day stay, we also made the acquaintance of a trio of iguanas, a turtle, a school of koi fish, and the rumor of crocodiles residing in a nearby river. The adjacent Pacific teamed with schools of fish, after which majestic pelicans dove. Suffice it to say, our kids would have been in heaven.

Of course, much more than a menagerie makes Velas Vallarta ideal for families. The following amenities make for a stress-free, kid-friendly family vacation, all in a stunning beachfront location.

All-suite room configurations. Velas Vallarta began as a condo development. As such, every room, from studios to three-bedroom units, include kitchenettes with stove-top, mini-fridge, sink, microwave, dishes, cups, and silverware. Studios sleep up to two adults and two children (making use of a pull-out couch), and one to three bedroom units provide separate space for families up to eight.

All-inclusive food. Any parent who’s vacationed with kids knows the truth: not worrying about meals and their costs is worth its weight in gold. Velas Vallarta provides all-inclusive guests with three meals a day in up to three on-site restaurants (our favorite by far was La Ribera, located directly on the beach). In addition to meals, additional snacks, beverages, and desserts are available virtually 24 hours per day, through their swim-up Aqua Bar, poolside service, and room service. Each room’s fridge is stocked with bottled water, soda, beer, and snacks daily, all at no extra cost. We loved that by showing their resort wristbands, parents could keep their kids properly hydrated all day, and that families could eat casual meals wherever they choose: the beach, the pool, the restaurants, or the balcony of their rooms.

Family-friendly activities. On the resort grounds, families have the run of three connected, free-form swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts, ping-pong tables, beach volleyball courts, scheduled activities, a full kids’ club, and beach access (complete with cabanas to help reduce sun exposure). Velas Vallarta’s pool-side kids’ club is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily for kids ages 4-12, is professionally staffed, and is included in the all-inclusive nightly rate. Kids’ Club staff take kids to the pools, organize games and sport tourneys, teach arts and crafts, and provide meals. Each evening, themed entertainment is on stage in the lobby bar. Tip: for beach rentals such as snorkeling gear, kayaks, and boat rentals, Velas Vallarta recommends neighboring resort Malia Vallarta, located a 5-10 minute walk down the beach. We rented a kayak from their beach rental tent for $15/hour.

Attentive activities desk. Organized tours such as whale watching, snorkeling, hiking, or horseback riding in the nearby Sierra Madre mountains can be easily arranged by Velas Vallarta’s activities desk, located in the main lobby. Activities can be arranged once you arrive, or before your reservation date.

Proximity to town and airport. Velas Vallarta is only five minutes from the airport, and only a 10 minute (or 80 peso) cab ride from downtown Puerto Vallarta’s famed Malecon boardwalk (definitely worth touring). Though most organized tour operations do not pick up guests directly at the resort, it’s 2-3 minutes by cab or car to all Marina Vallarta pick-up points.

Relaxed atmosphere. When we travel with our kids, above all, we want to feel comfortable. Kids are welcomed with both arms at Velas Vallarta; in every pool (though one is designated ‘quiet’), every restaurant, and every activity. The Velas staff is friendly and attentive, from the poolside waiters who ensure you’re never wanting to the groundskeepers and service staff. Wherever you and your family go in the resort, you’ll hear ‘hola’ or ‘buenos dias’ or ‘hello’.

Options. Most guests at Velas Vallarta don’t realize the hotel actually has a sister resort, on the coastline in nearby Nayarit. The Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit defines five-star (and four diamond) luxury while still managing to be very family-friendly. I spent a good deal of time there, and can vouch for its elegance, attention to detail, and delicious fine dining. If you prefer a luxury stay, be assured that kids will be welcomed!

Tip:Velas Vallarta always has a lot going on, and guests need to know where to find information. Be sure to check the day’s poolside activities at the dry-erase board near the Aqua Bar; the evening entertainment is listed by the elevators. For any other activities or information, stop by the activities desk. Information is also listed on the Velas Vallarta website, but guests do pay for internet service (currently $16 per day).

As I always disclose whenever applicable, my stay, transportation, and meals were hosted at Velas Vallarta by Velas Resorts, for the purpose of review. And as always, all opinions are my own.

Winter camping: extend your outdoor travel season

December 22, 2011 By

‘Tis the season for everyone at the Around the Campfire community to be talking about winter camping. What’s quickly become apparent, however, is that everyone’s interpretation of ‘winter’ and ‘camping’ is different. As an avid camper and backpacker, I’m glad to know so many versions of outdoor overnights exist; no matter what your comfort level or geographic location, there’s a way to continue to camp with your family in the winter months.

camping-in-winterUnless you’re a hardcore snow camper setting out on snowshoes or skis (next month, my family and I will be that brave!), you’ll need think outside the box to get full enjoyment out of your winter camping experience. The following tips will ensure happy campers while enjoying campgrounds and recreational sites during the winter months:

1. Seek out alternative shelter. You don’t need an RV to camp in winter! If you’re camping in a wintry climate that eliminates the possibility of tent camping, look for a state or national park that offers overnights in yurts, cabins, or teepees. Oregon State Parks offers all three, complete with heaters, electricity, and cozy beds. And if you camp in a less developed campground, take a look at this review for bringing a heat source with you! In fact, winter is our favorite season to camp in state parks: reservations for those coveted yurts are easier to come by, and parks are nearly empty!

2. Go south or go coastal. An obvious solution, if you can swing it, traveling south to camp rewards families with the same low crowds in weather that might feel downright balmy to northerners. My favorite picks include Georgia’s Reed Bingham State Park and Florida’s Florida Caverns State Park. For those in driving distance of coastal regions, heading toward the shore or beach can ensure milder weather. Plus, those seasonal storms off the ocean can be exciting (as long as you’re prepared!).

3. Sandwich backcountry overnights with lodge or hotel stays. Programs like CascadeHuts, which operates a network of backcountry huts in the Mt. Hood national forest of Oregon, provide warmth, shelter, and safety to backcountry campers. (We’ll be reviewing our own experience hiking the Mt. Hood wilderness with CascadeHuts next month!) Similar networks exist in or near most national parks, providing families with a string of cozy accommodations. When tackling difficult camping adventures such as this (especially for the first time), plan to sandwich outdoor stays between nights in hotels or lodges with more of the comforts of home.

4. Carry the right gear. Obviously, the more comfortable your family is, the more fun you’ll have. For winter camping (even in mild climates), we bring down, 0 degree sleeping bags (Kelty makes good quality ones for a reasonable price), propane heaters, and lots of extra clothes so everyone has dry layers. In snow, appropriate clothing is a must, and in any area, hats, gloves, and raingear are a good bet.

5. For a winter experience without the overnight, seek out sno-parks. Most mountainous interstates and highways have several sno-parks along its route: look for them as you would rest areas or service stations. In addition to providing some quick snow fun for kids, sno-parks often boast cross-country ski trails, winter animal sanctuaries, or sledding hills. Overnight camping is sometimes permitted (though you’ll need to go prepared for a night in the elements).

Little People, Big World’s Roloff Farms

October 9, 2011 By

If you’re a fan of the TLC program “Little People, Big World”, you’ll want to make a stop off I-5 this fall season to tour Matt Roloff’s very own family travel destination, The Roloff Farms, which he opened to the public earlier this month (to remain open throughout this pumpkin season).

The Roloff Farm consists of a 34-acre farm near Portland, Oregon, and harbors a pirate ship, a three-story tree house with all the trimmings, and an Old West town complete with a sheriff’s office, hotel and post office for kids to enjoy.

Open to the public, “Roloff Farms” will include a number of wagon tours, a pumpkin fun house, a giant hay pyramid, and a petting zoo with exotic animals including a baby tiger and pygmy porcupine. The farm will also be open this month in celebration of Matt Roloff’s 50th birthday.

According to Matt, always brimming with creative ideas, new attractions are being added every week, so visitors are encouraged to visit the Roloff Farms website for updates before arriving.

Distance from the interstate: 20 miles from I-5 and 16 miles from 405.

Admission cost: Access to the pumpkin patch is free, but parking is $2 per car. According to farm operators, parking has been expanded to prevent wait times. Two different tours of the farm are available, and cost $6 each or $10 for both.

Hours of operation: The farm is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Oct. 1st to October 30th. Hours are 10 am to 6 pm.

Food services: Porter’s Catering will be located at the farm, featuring “Cuisines from Around the World”, in addition to on-site BBQ, fresh cut chili cheese fries, and more!

Directions: From Portland, take Hwy 26 west to Exit 61 (Shute/Helvetia Rd). Turn right (north) onto Helvetia Rd at the exit. Continue for approx 3 miles and follow the signs to Roloff Farms.

Bonus! Fall festivals make for great family photo ops! Learn more (or share your vacation photo tips) at KOA Campfire’s ongoing discussion on photography:

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County Line Orchard

August 29, 2011 By

The following pit stop is submitted by reader Erica Smith.

Hobart Indiana’s County Line Orchard is located right on the Lake and Porter county line, and offers all kinds of outdoor activities in the autumn season. Kids can pick apples, press cider, and visit the Kids’ Farm, featuring a mini-maze, play areas, bee yurts, animals, and more. A full-sized corn maze and country store will keep older kids and adults happy, too!

Date last visited: Fall 2010

Distance from the interstate: One hour from I-94.

Hours of operation: Store: 8 am to 6 pm daily. Kids’ Farm: 10 am to 6 pm daily.

Admission cost: Families can purchase admission to individual attractions, or save money on an all-access pass ($10). Full admission information is found at the County Line Orchard site.

Dining options: The orchard houses a full grill, a picnic area, a donut shop, and a country store. Trust me, you won’t go hungry! (Their donuts are highly acclaimed locally!)

Directions: The orchard is located at 200 South County Road in Hobart Indiana. From I-80 & 94, take exit 15A, or from I-90 (the Indiana Toll Road), take exit 21 (Ripley Ave.) At the second stop light (approximately 3 miles), turn left (east), staying on Rt. 6. At the third stop light, turn right (south) onto County Line Road. The orchard is one mile ahead just past a stop sign, on the right (west) side of the road.

Regional Snow Parks: Winter’s Best Pit Stops!

December 2, 2010 By

Pit Stops’ kids enjoying winter recreation while on the road!

If you’re traveling by car this holiday season, or have a family vacation road trip planned for this winter, don’t forget that snow parks can offer a cheap, fun, and festive alternative to traditional play spaces or restaurant pit stops. Often free (or requiring only a parking permit available locally), snow parks are almost always located directly off regional highways and usually include such luxuries as groomed snow trails, ready-made sledding hills, warming huts, and bathrooms. Not a bad way to spend that hour or so out of the car on a winter afternoon!

Our family’s favorite snow park is located at Union Creek Oregon, right off Highway 62 en route to Crater Lake National Park. (By the way, if you haven’t seen this natural wonder in winter, what the heck are you waiting for?!) Adjacent to the cozy Union Creek Resort, this full-service snow park offers the best sledding around. A rope tow is operational most days, but you’ll still work up enough of an appetite for a bite at Becky’s, serving up the best pie and hot cocoa around. If you’re crossing from coastal Oregon to central Oregon, be sure to circle this spot on the map! (50 miles from Medford on Hwy 62.)

Will you be traveling across Washington State this holiday? A Pit Stops for Kids reader favorite is Lake Wenatchee State Park, north of Leavenworth on Highway 2. In addition to sledding hills, you’ll find miles of cross-country, snow-shoeing, and even dog sledding trails. And the quaint Bavarian village of Leavenworth is only 25 minutes away!

Need to find a snow park along your winter driving route? The best place to start is with the National Parks Service. Look up state parks by state or region to find parks offering winter recreation. Toss gloves, coats, and a sled or two into the car, and you’re ready to go!

Happy (and safe) winter driving!

Mt. Hood Railroad Polar Express

November 26, 2010 By

A very special guest on the Polar Express!

110 Railroad Avenue
Hood River, OR

It’s that time of year…when everyday roadside attractions become magical! The Mt. Hood Railroad offers scenic tours through the Hood River Valley and the Columbia Gorge, and during the holiday season, they take a detour to the North Pole! Let your kids read along with the Polar Express story as the train makes its journey to the North Pole, meet Santa, and then enjoy caroling, hot cocoa, a treat and a special gift (for each child). Kids can wear their pajamas; be ready for some very cute photo ops! Everyone is dressed up to capture the feel of the story, and the train is beautifully decorated.

Distance from the nearest interstate: Right off I-84 in Hood River, Oregon. (Approximately 1 hour from Portland, OR down the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.)

Hours: Departures at 2 pm, 4:30 pm, and 7 pm nearly daily until December 23rd.

Ticket Prices: $26 per adult, $18 per child (age 2 and up).

Dining options: Cocoa and cookies are included in your ticket price, but no other food or drink are sold on the train. Passengers are welcome to bring their own bottled water and snacks. If you’re looking for a place to eat before or after your ride, I suggest either Hood River’s Andrew’s Pizza (107 Oak St), or, if time permits, a meal at the Multnomah Falls Lodge dining room in Cascade Locks on the way to or from the train ride.

Website: http://www.mthoodrr.com/Polar_Express/polar_mt_hood.html

Directions: From I-84, take the US-30 exit toward W Hood River/Westchill Dr. Turn right at US-30 E, then arrive at 110 Railroad St.

Keeping kids safe this holiday season: SafetyTat review

November 18, 2010 By

Are your kids prone to wandering off while on a family vacation, at a theme park, or just out for the day? Mine can be. (I like to call it ‘being inquisitive’, not disobedient!) One memorable summer day at SeaWorld San Diego, I actually lost sight of then-three-year-old Calvin for a full five minutes (and as any parent knows, that’s a long time!). As I looked for him urgently, I knew the chances of him remembering my cell phone number (or even his full name) if found by park personnel was not likely.

Luckily, I found him mesmerized by the sea lions a moment later, but ever since, I’ve made sure to take important safety precautions with my kids whenever we’re in a crowded or unfamiliar environment. We always review where to meet in case of separation, who to ask for help if needed (we believe mothers with strollers make for the easiest and generally safest demographic to seek out), and write contact information somewhere on their person.

Toby demos the Quick Stick Write-On SafetyTat.

The company SafetyTat has made that process easier than ever. These temporary tattoos, customized with your emergency contact information, last for up to five days, are waterproof, and are fun for kids to wear. Pit Stops for Kids tried both their original SafetyTat Child ID Tattoos and their Quick Stick Write-On applique (sticker), and both worked beautifully. I love that they’re waterproof (you don’t have to worry about them fading or coming off while your child is swimming, and applying sunscreen doesn’t damage them in the least), and that the Quick Stick variety stay on so well (they’re made of medical-grade adhesive).

There are many designs and styles to choose from with their online ‘Tat Builder’ (so both your princess and your sports fan will be happy), and SafetyTat has included alllergy and autism alert options as well. As a Search and Rescue volunteer, I know how important information like this is to searchers and other authorities. If you’re traveling with a larger group of family or friends, the Write On variety is ideal; it comes with a waterproof pen to customize your SafetyTats with different mobile phone numbers. (Remember not to write kids’ first names on tats.)

We’ll be using SafetyTat on our next trip, at the airport, at our next holiday parade, and during our next visit to a theme park!

SafetyTat generously provided Pit Stops for Kids with the aforementioned products at no charge. This compensation did not come with any expectation of a positive review.

Coeur d’Alene Resort’s Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole

November 11, 2010 By

Photo credit: Coeur d\’Alene Resort

Bet you never knew the North Pole is in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho! Celebrate this holiday season while in the Eastern Washington/Northern Idaho area with a family Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole, hosted by the Coeur d’Alene Resort.

These 40 minute cruises offer spectacular views of the many floating holiday light displays decorating lovely Lake Coeur d’Alene. The most memorable point in the journey, at least for the kids, lies across the lake, as the boat momentarily pauses by Santa’s workshop, where the big man himself awaits amid a magical snowfall (although in Coeur d’Alene, chances are certainly good for the real deal)! Best of all, in the spirit of the season, children are FREE!

When my family and I attended this cruise several years ago, cookies and hot cocoa were served to all the kids in the boat en route, and holiday music was played. The atmosphere was festive, and my three-year-old had a great time!

Note: Be sure to bundle up! Even a mild night can feel chilly on the lake, and while the boat has an interior section, kids will want to spend time on deck to view the light displays. Expect wait time on the dock as well.

Distance from the nearest interstate: Right off I-90.

Hours: Departures are scheduled at 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, and 7:30 pm nightly November 27th-January 2nd. (A special fireworks cruise kicks the season off on Nov. 26th!)

Ticket Prices:

Adults – $15.95
Seniors (65 yrs. & over) – $14.95
Children (12 yrs. & under) – Complimentary

Room rates: If you decide to make a trip to ‘Idaho’s North Pole’ an overnight (highly recommended!), The Coeur d’Alene Resort is offering several Fantasy Cruise packages, starting at $155.

Dining options: Our family’s favorite area restaurant is Tito Macaroni’s with their make-your-own-pizza for kids (210 Sherman Ave).

Website: http://www.cdaresort.com/activities/holiday_lights

Directions: Fantasy Cruises depart from the Coeur d’Alene Resort dock, located at the back of the resort (just ask in reception). The resort is located at 115 S. 2nd St., Coeur d’Alene. From I-90, take the Northwest Blvd. exit and drive into the city. Turn left on Sherman Ave. and right on 2nd.

 

 

Spooky Pit Stops: Fernbank’s Pirate Weekend

October 25, 2010 By

Ahoy mateys (and kids of all ages)! Fernbank is serving up some swashbuckling fun!

767 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta, GA

By this time of year, you have all your little ghosts and goblins ready to hit the streets in pursuit of candy (which reminds me I need to buy new bed sets after creating costumes out of our old ones!), but Pit Stops for Kids’ quest for spooky pit stops continues! We love family-oriented museums like Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, GA, and are happy to let readers know about their upcoming Pirate Weekend!

Does Fernbank sound familiar? We’ve reviewed their great children’s programs before! If you find yourself in the greater Atlanta area, stop by to set sail for a swashbuckling adventure with both Yo-Ho-Ho and H2O during this special weekend inspired by Fernbank’s newest family-friendly exhibition, Water: H2O=Life, which looks beneath the surface, above the clouds and all around the world on a hands-on exploration of the amazing power of water.

Best of all, Pirate Weekend activities and the water exhibition are included with museum admission and free for members! (See below for regular museum admission.)

Dates offered: November 6-7.

Distance off the interstate: Right off I-75/I-85!

Hours: 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, noon to 4 pm on Sunday. (Museum hours longer.)

Dining options: The Fernbank Cafe, located inside the museum, offers sandwiches, salads, pizza, and more!

Website: http://fernbankmuseum.org

Admission: $15 for adults, $14 for students and seniors, and $12 for children ages 12 and under.

Directions: From I-75/I-85/GA400 head toward downtown Atlanta. Take exit 248C Freedom Parkway (GA 10 East). Go 1.7 miles to Ponce de Leon Avenue and turn right. Go 1.7 miles to Clifton Road and turn left. Go 1/10 mile to the Museum entrance and turn right.

Spooky Pit Stops: Harmon’s Tree Farm

October 21, 2010 By

Harmon’s offers seasonal fun all year long!

3152 Augusta Highway (US Highway 1)
Gilbert, South Carolina

Looking for a family-oriented fall festival in a beautiful setting? Want to add a haunted house, corn maze, and spooky hay ride to liven things up? Harmon’s Tree Farm, located half an hour outside of Columbia, SC has it all! Their ‘Boo House’ is tame enough that most young kids can have fun touring the spooky exhibits (the haunts will not jump out and startle you), while older kids will love the challenging corn maze and haunted hay ride.

Dates offered: Harmon’s has farm events for all seasons, but their fall attractions are open now through October 31st.

Distance off the interstate: Ten minutes from I-20 (directly on US-1).

Hours: Monday-Friday 1 PM-6 PM, Saturday 10 AM-6 PM, Sunday 1:30 PM-6 PM

Dining options: None on site.

Website: Harmon’s Tree Farm

Admission: Prices are reasonable, and vary by activity. Check their full list of fall activities and Halloween events for exact pricing.

Directions: From Columbia SC, follow US-1 N/Us Highway 1 to destination near Windy Hill Road.

While you’re in the area: Check out nearby Riverside Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo!

Not in South Carolina? Be sure to check out our other Spooky Pit Stop picks: Salem, Massachusetts. Or if you’re looking for something truly scary (not for the faint of heart, young or old), check out this directory of haunted houses listed by state!