Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

September 14, 2010 By

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, or OMSI for short, is both a landmark and beloved institution in Portland, Oregon. Situated right on the bank of the Willamette directly across from the downtown district, OMSI is one of the best places (and arguably the best place) to take kids in the area.

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Nate and his friend Jonah get a lesson in the Physics Lab.

With multiple exhibits (including Turbine Hall, Life Hall, Earth Hall, and Science Playground in addition to guest exhibits, an IMAX and a planetarium) for all ages, staffed science labs where kids don safety goggles and roll up their sleeves, stunning displays (the beginning of life display is particularly moving) and fun experiences (try the earthquake house), you can easily spend a day here. There’s also a working submarine to tour, a toddler and preschool area (with changing displays), and an entire hall of brain teasers that kept our grade schoolers busy for over an hour!

Tip: If you’re visiting from anywhere in the Northwest and have a membership at your local children’s museum or science museum, stop by the membership desk prior to paying admission and see if your membership can be applied toward free admission to OMSI. It did in our case! Even if you don’t have your membership card with you, the desk personnel are happy to call your local museum and verify your membership that way.

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Nate gets an astronaut’s perspective.

Date last visited: August 2010

Distance off the interstate: Five-ten minutes off either the I-5 or I-405 into downtown Portland.

Hours: Daily 9:30 a.m.—7:00 p.m. (until September 6). Fall hours:  Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m.—5:30 p.m. (starting September 7).

Admission: $12 for adults, $9 for kids. IMAX, planetarium, and submarine are extra costs (see website for pricing). Combo packs are the way to go if you plan to do extra things!

Food Services: Inside the museum is both the OMSI Cafe and Galileo’s. There’s also a sack lunch area.

Website: www.omsi.edu

Directions: From I-5 or the 405, take Naito Parkway (downtown) to the Hawthorne Bridge. Cross the river onto Hawthorne Ave, and turn right onto Water Ave.

Best Beach Towns: What to do with Kids in Bandon, Oregon

September 4, 2010 By

Face Rock State Park

Summer may be drawing to a close, but fall is the very best time to visit Pacific Northwest coastline! The Oregon Coast spoils families with miles upon miles of great beaches and beach towns, but one of our favorites remains Bandon. Located about midway up the coast, Bandon offers a little of everything: small town charm without being too touristy (but just touristy enough), gorgeous coastline, plenty of activities, and plenty of fresh, salty air. (Just be sure to bring a jacket, because Oregon beaches aren’t exactly known for bikinis and suntans!)

Where to Play: Bandon is all about the beach! Our favorite for beach combing, kite flying, and sand castle building is Face Rock Scenic State Park, right off Hwy 101 on the south side of town. (Follow signs from downtown). Be sure to check out the caves in the sides of the outcroppings of rock on the sand (at low tide). If you need a break from the sand, try your hand at picking cranberries (or just sampling them) at Faber Farms and Cranberry Scoop Gift Shop (from U.S. 101, head east 1 1/2 miles on State 42 South and turn right on Morrison Rd. Watch for the farm’s sign after about 1 mile.)

Where to Eat: Without a doubt, you’ll want to stop at the Bandon Fish Market for some fresh fish and chips, located in the Old Town Waterfront (right by the bay). (They also serve corn dogs and fries for the non-seafood-eating set.) Their seating is outside only, so bring sweatshirts as it gets chilly next to the water, but it’s fun to watch the fishermen on the wharf while waiting for your food. After your meal, cross the street to Cranberry Sweets and More. They’re not kidding about the ‘and more’ part: you’ll find chocolates, truffles, taffies, and every other kind of candy imaginable in addition to their signature sweets. The best part of this store is the abundance of samples. You can easily eat your way around the store, which makes it very fun for kids (and adults)!

Bandon Fish Market

Where to Stay: We usually opt to camp at nearby Sunset Bay State Park (north in Coos Bay area), but if you’re staying a full week, consider a home rental. There are many on offer, from sprawling beach houses fit for a family reunion to small cottages in town. If you’re only visiting for a day or two, we’re tried (and loved) The Best Western Inn at Face Rock.

Want a warmer beach town? Check out our Great Beach Towns article on Laguna Beach, CA!

Courtyard by Marriott Portland/Beaverton

August 30, 2010 By

Courtyard by Marriott Beaverton

8500 S W Nimbus Drive
Beaverton, Oregon

The Courtyard by Marriott in Beaverton makes for a nice, centralized home base while exploring the Portland area. While we’d normally stay downtown and take advantage of the MAX system, if you plan to visit the suburbs as well as the city center, Beaverton is a good option.

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We had a mixed bag of service at this location. Prior to arrival, I was given incorrect information about the type of room we had reserved (I was told a roll-away bed could fit, when in fact it couldn’t). Had I been given the correct information, I would have known to bring extra bedding for one child, or upgraded to a larger room (none were available at check-in). Note: Unless you upgrade to a large suite, families of five cannot be  accommodated.

The rooms are on the small side, but clean, and we liked that one of the beds converted into a couch for extra floor space during the day. The indoor pool/hot tub area was large and a great place to spend the morning hours as we waited for the Portland fog to clear. There’s also a nice exercise facility and free wifi both in-room and in their large business center off the lobby.

Date Last Visited: August 2010

Distance from the Interstate: 15 minutes from I-5.

Room Rates: Rates range from $89 to $135, with many online and seasonal deals. Be sure to check what’s available!

Dining Options: The hotel offers a buffet breakfast in their on-site cafe, which regularly charges $10 per person, but is included at no extra cost for most room rates. This is not advertised, however, so be sure to ask at check-in whether your room qualifies. If so, it’s a great deal, with a very good variety of hot and cold breakfast items. If not, I’d walk across the street to the collection of fast food restaurants (including a good bagel place and a Starbucks) instead of paying $10 a person.

Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pdxcy-courtyard-portland-beaverton/

Directions: From I-5, take the 217 Beaverton/Tigard Hwy. At Exit 4, take ramp and follow signs for SR-210/Scholls Fy. Road. From Scholls Fy, turn left onto SW Hall. Turn left onto Nimbus.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

August 19, 2010 By
Clarno palisades, John Day Fossil Beds Nationa...
John Day Fossil Beds (Image via Wikipedia)

Kimberly, OR

Eastern Oregon offers much in the way of outdoor exploration for families, but the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is often overlooked. There are 3 locations along Hwy 26, but the visitor center and main displays are at the Sheep Rock Unit on Hwy 19 off of Hwy 26 (about 70 miles east of Prineville). There is a fantastic visitor center kids really enjoy with huge dioramas with sound effects depicting the area millions of years ago. There is also a big room with art projects and hands on displays for kids. Short (1 mile round trip) hikes and an even shorter nature trail are in the area.

Note: These fossils have nothing to do with dinosaurs! So don’t let the little ones get their hopes up for dinosaur bones!

Distance off the interstate: On Hwy 19, two miles from Hwy 26.

Admission: Free!

Tip: The visitor center is free and has nice restrooms, but no food services.

Hours: Summer: 9am-5pm Winter: 9am-4pm

Food Services: None on-site. A nice pit stop on the way is at Prineville (on Hwy 26 between Redmond and John Day). There’s an indoor McDonald’s Play Place and Dairy Queen, but even better is the lovely city park. (Make a left on N. Elm off Hwy 26 to Ochoo Creek Park). The park boasts a community pool, restrooms and a creek. There is also a fire fighters memorial for 9 local smoke jumpers who died in a Colorado fire.

Website: http://www.nps.gov/joda/

Directions: The Visitor Center at the Sheep Rock Unit is located on Highway 19 between the towns of Dayville and Kimberly, 2 miles from the junction of Highway 26 and Highway 19.
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This post included in Trekaroo’s Talking Trekaroo for Spotlight Thursdays!

Inn at Otter Crest

July 23, 2010 By

Inn at Otter Crest

301 Otter Crest Loop Road
Otter Rock, OR

This pit stop submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader Renea. Thank you for your support of Pit Stops for Kids, Renea!

Touted as ‘a place to play on the Oregon coast’, the Inn at Otter Crest is comprised of condominium-style accommodations right on the Pacific in a perfect location for family fun.

A 35-acre forested complex located between Lincoln City to the north and Newport to the south, visitors to The Inn at Otter Crest have miles of beaches, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, hiking trails, and dining and shopping at their fingertips.

When booking, families can choose between traditional hotel rooms and suites and mini-suites. There’s a heated pool and hot tub (seasonal), basketball and tennis courts, fitness center, and children’s playground.

Typical unit in forested setting.

Distance off the interstate: Right on Hwy 101. 1.5 hours from I-5.

Food Services: The Flying Dutchman is located on-site. Additional dining is minutes away in nearby Newport and Lincoln City.

Rates: To check rates and make reservations, call: 1.888.505.5735

Website: http://www.innatottercrest.com/index.html

Directions: Take I-5 to the Highway 34/Corvallis exit. Turn right and head West on Highway 34 to Corvallis. Take the Highway 20 exit and head west to Newport. At Newport turn right onto Highway 101 and head north. Travel approximately eight miles north to Otter Rock. Take the Otter Crest Loop exit and proceed to the resort entrance.

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A Pit Stop a Day (Day 2): Hyatt Place Portland OR

June 26, 2010 By

 

9750 NE Cascades
Portland, OR

Our first overnight of our road trip was spent at Hyatt Place in the Portland Airport Cascade Station area.

What a great hotel for families (especially families of 5)! The Hyatt Place is definitely geared with convenience in mind, from the spacious lobby with ‘guest kitchen’ (where you have access to space to heat your own foods or buy freshly-made items) to the 24-hour indoor pool to the great floor plans of the rooms. Our family-style suite had two double beds in one area and a large couch that pulled out into an extra double bed on the other side of the room divider (not a full wall). Unlike most standard hotel rooms, it easily accommodated our family of five. Add a large bathroom with separate vanity area and a kitchenette-area with fridge, microwave, coffee-maker, and counter space, and we had it made.

Bedroom area

Sitting area/pull-out bed section

More than enough room for a family of five!

Hyatt is also currently in the midst of their Big Welcome Back promotion (there’s still time to take of advantage of this!*), one reason why the chain is precisely the type of hotel Pit Stops for Kids likes to champion. They cater to traveling families in every way, from their sincere efforts to win your return business to their great floor plans and convenient-for-families suites.

Date last visited: June 2010.

Distance off the interstate: About 15 minutes from I-5 (5 minutes from I-84 to I-205).

Room Rates: At the time of this visit, $125 for a standard room.

Food Services: The Hyatt offers a great complimentary breakfast (right next to the pool by the lobby). There are plenty of dining options nearby as well.

Website: Hyatt Place Portland Airport

Directions: From I-5 (north), take exit 300 to merge onto I-84 E/US-30 E toward Portland Airport/The Dalles. Take exit 8 to merge onto I-205 N toward Seattle/Portland Airport. Take exit 24A for Airport Way W toward Portland Airport, then merge onto NE Airport Way. Take the Frontage Rd exit, then keep right at the fork to continue toward NE Lombard St and merge onto NE Lombard St. Continue onto NE Mt Hood Ave, then turn left at NE Cascades Pkwy.

As I disclose whenever compensated while reviewing a location, my family did enjoy a heavily discounted media rate while staying at Hyatt Place. This compensation came with no expectations or agreements for a positive review.

Up next: we drive from Portland to Spokane, WA where we review the Mobius Kids Museum!
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A Pit Stop a Day (Day 1): Portland Spirit River Cruise

June 25, 2010 By

The Portland Spirit leaving downtown Portland.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Portland, OR

Our Day 1 route (see map) took us from our home in Southern Oregon four hours north on I-5 to beautiful Portland, where we were fortunate to embark upon the Portland Spirit for a cruise down the Willamette River.

The Portland Spirit is a 150′ yacht with three public decks, two of which are enclosed and climate controlled. We were met at the dock by the skipper (and a photographer), and shown aboard. The kids immediately made their way up the stairs to the top (outdoor) deck to take in the views (and try to climb the rails…we had to implement a safety talk at this point).

Toby and Calvin scope out downtown Portland.

Toby was fascinated by the many steel bridges along the Willamette.

There are several maps of the Spirit’s routes on-board.

The Spirit embarked at 7 pm and cruised south down the Willamette River to Lake Oswego (there are also cruises which will take you down the Columbia Gorge and a jet boat which takes you toward the coast by Astoria). You can eat a gourmet meal aboard the Spirit, or can buy a sightseeing-only ticket; we opted for the latter, and spent the bulk of our time taking in the views on the top deck (although you’re free to explore the entire yacht).

I cannot say enough about the views afforded on this cruise. The scenery was beautiful, and we had fun checking out all the mansions along the banks of the river by Lake Oswego. The many rowing and sailing clubs out on the water kept the kids’ attention, as did the many bridges we cruised under. The entire crew on-board was very friendly and helpful. On the top deck, the First Mate and Skipper were on-hand to let the kids know when the bridges would open up to let us pass and even gave them a turn at the wheel in the bridge.

Uh oh…it’s the Pit Stops crew at the helm!

Hmm…which delicate instrument should I touch first?

A few practical notes for parents: the cruise takes over 2.5 hours. Very young children might get squirmy (although there’s plenty of room to let them walk around and play). If you want to buy additional snacks or drinks aboard, plan accordingly. We spent an extra $20 on drinks for a family of five (a cocktail each for the adults, lemonade for the kids) and $10 for a souvenir photo. There is also a small gift shop on-board.

Extra Tip! Bring sweatshirts (even in summer) if you plan (or your kids plan) to stay outside on the deck. It gets windy, and weather in the Northwest is always unpredictable.

Date last visited: June 2010.

Distance off the interstate: Approximately 10 minutes from I-5. (Be aware of possible rush hour traffic from 5-6 pm!)

Hours: The evening (dinner and/or sightseeing) cruise boards at 6:30 pm and departs at 7 pm, returning to the dock at 9:30 pm.

Admission Prices:

$68 Adults
$63 Seniors and Children
Sightseeing only (no dinner): $28 per person

Food Services: If you’re interested in eating aboard the cruise, you’ll be booking the dinner cruise. If you opt for sightseeing only, the bar is still open to you. You can buy drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and snacks at any time.

Bathrooms: Located on-board.

Website: Portland Spirit

Directions: The cruise departs from the Salmon Street Springs Fountain in Tom McCall Waterfront Park. From I-5, take exit 299B on the left for I-405 W toward US-26 W/City Center/Beaverton, then take exit 1A on the left toward Naito Pkwy/Japanese-American Plaza. Merge onto SW Harbor Dr. Turn right at SW Naito Pkwy. The park is on the right-hand (river) side of the street, and you want to look for the cross-street of Salmon St. We found a parking garage for only $3 for the night (on a Thursday after 6 pm) in the World Trade Center building directly across from the Salmon Street fountain.

More parking in the area:

Smart Park Garage at SW First/SW Jefferson
Pay lot underneath the Hawthone Bridge, accessible to northbound traffic on Naito Parkway
Pay lot north of the Hawthone Bridge, accessible to southbound traffic on Naito Parkway

As I disclose whenever compensated while reviewing an activity or location, my family and I were hosted on the Portland Spirit at no cost. This compensation came with no expectations or agreements for a positive review.

Up next! We spend the night at Portland’s Hyatt Place!

Sunset Bay State Park

April 25, 2010 By

Sunset Bay State Park on Oregon’s beautiful scenic coast is one of our family’s favorite destinations. Situated between the tourist hot spots of Bandon to the south and Cannon Beach to the north, it works as a wonderful pit stop along Hwy 101, whether for a picnic, a whole afternoon, or an overnight (or two).

sunset-bay-yurt

If you plan to stay only a short while, park at the picnic/group camping area and enjoy one of the most scenic beaches on the pacific coast. Explore the tide pools if you’ve timed your arrival right, or let your kids play on the huge pieces of driftwood or run along the sand. If they (or you!) are daring (or just crazy like my kids), take a dip in the cold Pacific. If time permits, take the Oregon Coast Trail right from the beach to Cape Arago State Park to see their stunning gardens over the ocean (4 miles). If you want a shorter hike, follow the signs from the mouth of big creek to the viewpoint overlooking Sunset Bay (1/2 mile).

If you’re staying overnight, consider booking a yurt. Oregon state parks are well-known for these unique accommodations. One part tent and one part hut, state park yurts are heated, wired with electricity, and come furnished with comfortable bunkbeds (sleeps 5 easily), a table and chairs, coat pegs, and covered porches.

We’re not usually campground campers (preferring to backpack far from the crowds) but given coastal Oregon’s lush landscape, the sites felt very private (and the yurts are located on their own loop). Hint: come in the off-season when prices drop and the campground is nearly a ghost town! You’ll have the run of the place! Read more about our yurt adventures!

yurt-exterior

Distance off the interstate: 15 minutes from Hwy 101.

Date Last Visited: November 2009

Hours and Admission Prices: Day visitors pay only $4 per car. Open sunrise to sunset. Nightly camping fees range from $12 for a tent camp site to $27 for a yurt in the off-season to $19 for a tent site to $36 for a yurt in the peak season (starting May 1st). Full RV hookup sites are available as well. To book, start at Oregon State Parks.

Bathrooms: All very clean, well-lit, and heated. While we visited in the off-season, there were no lines for showers and plenty of hot water.

Dogs: Select yurts are dog-friendly (as is the case in most Oregon coast state parks). Check for the dog-friendly ‘paw print’ when reserving your yurt online.

dog-friendly-yurt

Food Services: None at the state park. You’ll want to stock up on supplies in nearby Coos Bay (10 miles), where you can find a Fred Meyer or Charleston (no major grocery stores, but a few decent mini-marts). Coos Bay also has fast food and casual dining.

Directions: From Oregon Coast Hwy/US-101, take the 1st left onto W Beaver Hill Rd, then a slight right at 7 Devils Rd. After six miles, turn left at Walker Ave, then take a slight left at Cape Arago Hwy. Stay on Cape Arago Hwy for 2.5 miles, and the state park will be on the left.

Sunset Bay State Park

Umpqua Discovery Center

April 20, 2010 By

Photo courtesy of the Reedsport chamber of commerce.

409 River Front Way
Reedsport, Oregon

Set along a boardwalk on the Reedsport Riverfront, The Umpqua Discovery Center is a cultural and historical museum designed to teach visitors about daily life in the town back when it revolved around whether the tide was coming in or going out. (This story not only applies to Reedsport but also to any number of river towns along the Oregon Coast.) From the official site: “As you enter the exhibits, you hear the sounds of the river rushing and feel nature surround you as you journey back through history.”

Great for all ages, the center serves as an educational starting off point as you drive up the Oregon coast. Interactive “Tidewater Community” exhibits and programs illustrate how land, water and people have shaped each other over time.

Distance off the interstate: Five minutes from Hwy 101.

Hours and Admission Prices: Open 7 days a week. Summer hours (June 1 through September 30) are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Winter hours (October 1 through May 31) are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission ranges from $2.00 for kids under age 5 to $8.50 for adults, and group rates are available.

Bathrooms: Located within the center.

Food Services: Try lunch at the Schooner Inn Cafe, located adjacent to the center on the river front. Called ‘the best restaurant on the Oregon Coast’ by many TripAdvisor reviewers, it’s well worth the stop!

Website: http://www.umpquadiscoverycenter.com/

Directions: From Hwy 101, take Hwy 38 (Umpqua Highway) into Reedsport. Umpqua Highway turns into Fir Avenue. Take Fir to River Front Way. Turn left and continue to the center entrance.

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Tillamook Cheese Factory

April 13, 2010 By

Tillamook Factory Visitor\’s Center

4175 Highway 101 North,
Tillamook, Oregon

Located conveniently along scenic Highway 101 between the tourist towns of Cannon Beach and Lincoln City, the Tillamook Cheese Factory makes for a great pit stop and picnic lunch spot (1-2 hours max). You can take a self-guided tour of the production floor (viewed from above), then sample all the cheese you want (yes you read that right!). Definitely try the curds (they’re surprisingly great!) and stop by the store, too!

From the official website: “See our cheesemakers and packaging staff at work. Hear about our history and the cheesemaking process. Touch the interactive kiosk screens to learn about our cooperative and our products. Smell the delicious aroma of freshly baked waffle cones. And best of all, taste our award-winning cheeses, 38 flavors of ice cream and the hearty meals available in our Farmhouse Cafe!”

Date last visited: We were last there in July 2006.

Distance off the interstate: Directly off Hwy 101.

Hours and Admission Prices: Free. Hours are: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Labor Day through mid-June)
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Mid-June through Labor Day).

Bathrooms: Bathrooms are clean and spacious, and have changing tables.

Food Services: The Farmhouse Cafe offers lots of kid favorites, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and more. Ample tables are also available for picnicking.

Website: http://www.tillamookcheese.com/VisitorsCenter/

Directions: You can see the factory directly off 101!

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