state - Pitstops for Kids

Five free things to do in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

September 4, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Sioux Falls is a surprising city in many ways: it’s larger than most visiting families would guess, and is well-stocked with family friendly activities and historical sites…many of them cheap or free. Read on for our top five cheap or free things to do in Sioux Falls.

1. Ride the Sioux Falls Trolley

This trolley system works its way from downtown Sioux Falls to the falls themselves at Falls Park. Along the way, families can use the system to access Washington Pavilion, the Old Courthouse Museum, and the downtown shopping district. Hop on the trolly at the Pavilion at :10 after the hour or :40 after the hour, or at the falls on the hour and half hour.

2. View the Light Show on the Falls

Any evening during the summer months, find a comfortable spot on the grass lawn and await twilight, when Sioux Falls’ Light Show guides viewers on a light display storytelling of Sioux Falls’ history, narrated in audio and punctuated by changing colors on the falls themselves. Before the show begins, climb Falls Park’s five-story viewing tower to get a great view of the city and falls.

3. Take the SculptureWalk

SculptureWalk is an exhibit of outdoor sculptures (available for purchase, should you want to make this event considerably less ‘free’!). Most interesting is the fact that the sculptures are rotated out annually, always featuring different artists. From May to September, cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award.

4. View European art

Believe it or not, Sioux Falls is home to Michelangelo’s David and Moses…or at least perfect replicas of them. For kids (and adults) who haven’t seen the real thing, this public exhibit serves as a great educational tool, and is fun for kids to discover for themselves. You can find David at Fawick Park, and Moses at 29th Street and Summit Avenue.

5. Go on a bike ride

Sioux Falls is surrounded by a full loop, easy-access bike and walking path with views of the Big Sioux River, downtown, and more. The Big Sioux River and Recreational Greenway literally wraps around the city. Bring bikes, or take a walk along a potion of the path before or after dinner.

Have you visited Sioux Falls? What family-friendly activities do you recommend?

A Southern California Ojai retreat: a stay at The Blue Iguana Inn

September 1, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

When you arrive at Ojai, California’s Blue Iguana Inn, the first thing you’ll feel is peace. If you have kids in tow, it will be because of the lush gardens, tucked-away lawns, outdoor pool, and spacious lodging options. If you’re vacationing kid-free, it will still be because of all those things, plus the hush of quiet and ample space for meditation, reflection, or simply a nap or two. Either way, The blue Iguana’s sense of timeless beauty cast by the surrounding mountains and exquisite landscaping and architecture will cause you to turn to the person next to you and say, ‘This is special.’

Located near the Sespe Wilderness Area 90 minutes from Los Angeles, The Blue Iguana and Ojai feel a million miles from the bustle of Southern California. The property is perfectly suited for slow days and languid evenings: everywhere you turn between inn rooms and bungalows, you’re met with winding paths, stone fountains, outdoor patios, and plenty of benches, tables, and lawn-side lounge chairs. During my stay, we made use of our full kitchen for perfect meals outdoors under the light of a tea candle on the outdoor table, and soaked in the hot tub and pool under a sky of stars. During the day, we explored Ojai’s many shopping and outdoor recreation options.

The Blue Iguana features inn rooms, suites, and bungalows (with up to two bedrooms) as well as a large Hacienda House which could house an extended family of up to seven (and enjoys its own large patio and lawn). If you’re visiting without kids or with teens, the Emerald Iguana Inn offers even more luxurious lodging for guests 14 and older.

Date last visited:

September 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Off Highway 33 (from Highway 101).

Lodging prices and amenities:

Lodging prices ranged from $129 for an inn room to $229 for a two-bedroom bungalow at the time of our visit. Our bungalow included a bedroom with king bed, living room area with double-bed futon, full kitchen, one bathroom, and an outdoor patio in front and back. Inn rooms can include patios or balconies. All ro

Dining:

The Blue Iguana offers a full-scale continental breakfast every morning with cereals, baked goods, healthy nut breads, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, juice and coffee. It’s more than enough to satisfy families and adults. Bungalows have full kitchens and dining space, and Ojai is only minutes away with many dining options.

Directions:

From Los Angeles, take I-405 to Highway 101 and then Highway 33. Travel 10 miles and pass the Hwy. 150 turn-off to Santa Barbara. At that signal, go straight. The Blue Iguana is located half a mile past on the right side just before the corner of Hwy. 33 and Loma Dr.

Open Air Adventure Park Estes Park

August 28, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Estes Park, Colorado, is known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. But mountains aren’t the only outdoor adventures you can find in this small town. Tucked off highway 36 on the way out to the Beaver Meadows entrance of the park is the compact but surprisingly extensive Open Air Adventure Park.

Open Air Adventure Park is a web of 32 aerial obstacles arranged around a central hub. There are two levels; the lower is 10 feet off the ground, the upper 21. What kind of obstacles? A row of chairs. A suspended canoe. A saddle attached to a zipline. A vertical net to pick your way across. A trail of tires, both vertical and horizontal. There’s even a rappel line to get you quickly from the upper level to the lower, or to ground level. Each element is labeled green, blue, or black to indicate difficulty.

Open Air Adventure Park Estes Park review:

Your Open Air Adventure lasts an hour and a half and begins with detailed instruction on the safety equipment. A staff member will check everyone’s harness and understanding of procedures on a ground-level mockup of the safety lines you’ll be using up in the matrix. This takes the first fifteen minutes of your time slot, but once you’re cleared, you climb a ladder to level one and are set loose to explore at will.

My oldest son and I have done three aerial adventures now, and what’s nice about Open Air is the freedom to choose your own adventure. If there’s an element you particularly like, you can return to it as often as the crowd allows. The distance across elements is relatively short, so if you’re new to the sport, you might find it less intimidating than launching yourself over a zipline so long, you can’t even see the other end.

Open Air staff members are stationed in several places on the course to monitor safety and help navigate transitions. And of course, the view of the mountains is incomparable.

Age Limits:

Technically, the minimum age is six, but exceptions can be made if a parent is willing to move around the matrix with a five-year-old. In order to explore independently, a child has to be able to hook their carabiners to lines 6 feet above the platform. I needed to shadow (and shepherd) both my 5 year old and my 8 year old, because neither of them could reach the safety lines.

I recommend that if you have small children and/or children who are new to aerial adventures, keep a one-to-one ratio of adult to child. My younger two turned out to be extremely timid, and we ended up causing quite a backlog of people waiting on us to get moving. We also didn’t get to explore as much as I would have liked, because it took them a long time to overcome their fear. A one-to-one ratio will facilitate a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Either way, minimum weight for participants is 40 pounds, and maximum is 250.

Preparing for your adventure:

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early, and be prepared for anything: an Open Air Adventure goes on rain or shine, stopping only for lightning. Wear sunscreen. Gloves are not required, but they’re a good idea. You’ll also need to sign a waiver for yourself and your children (it can all be done on a single form), which can be completed online ahead of time. The Open Air crew loans out lanyards with clear plastic phone cases attached so they are safe on your person while you’re up in the air.

Reservations and Fees:

Tim, one of the owners, told me Open Air tends to be busiest at opening time and in the evenings, but usually it’s less busy around the noon hour. Reservations are made online, with adventures starting every half hour. Fees are refundable with 24 hour notice

An Open Air adventure costs $35 per person, with a discount for parents who come up to shepherd their younger kids around the matrix. Not sure if you can handle the heights? If you try, but can’t make it off the first platform, Open Air offers a “scared out of my mind!” refund of $25.

Location:

Open Air Adventure Park lies at 490 Prospect Village Dr, Estes Park, CO 80517, just behind Fun City, adjacent to Highway 36 (Moraine Ave.). Parking is available on site.

Disclosure: We visited Open Air at a discounted rate, for the purpose of review. All opinion remains our own.

Montana dude ranch vacation: Flathead Lake Lodge

August 23, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

On my very first morning of a week-long dude ranch stay at Flathead Lake Lodge in western Montana, I sat down to breakfast in the historic lodge dining room and couldn’t find a spoon. I looked about, but the wait staff was busy, so I turned to a fellow guest…a veteran of many summers at the dude ranch. “Oh, just start checking the drawers,” she said, pointing to a cabinet. “I think they’re in the second from the left.”

I felt odd, digging through a restaurant’s silverware, but before I’d reached the second drawer, I had more help. “Spoon? Oh yeah, right here,” a man said, directing me to the correct drawer. When looked up to thank him, I realized the owner of the lodge himself, Doug Averill, had come to my rescue. “We’re really causal here,” he assured me, waving away my sheepish apology for helping myself. “Whatever you need, just feel free.”

I quickly learned that this sense of ownership and familiarity is typical at Flathead Lake Lodge. Take the mid-week morning, for instance, that I rounded the corner from the main lodge toward the outdoor volleyball court to see my eighteen-year-old giving a new eight-year-old buddy a piggy back ride toward the barn…a little boy we’d never met before that week. Or the time my 12-year-old informed me he couldn’t tell me where he was headed, because he and a gaggle of other middle schoolers had found themselves a ‘secret’ hideout never before discovered. Or the time the owners took their staff out on Flathead Lake one evening for an appreciation party, leaving with a cheery, “Try not to burn the place down!” in farewell.

Guests at the ranch would never mistake this casual approach to hospitality for neglect, however. The ranch staff, from wranglers to housekeeping to water sports instructors, were attentive, friendly, and enthusiastic, without exception. The difference was, we were treated like family rather than like visitors. And at a ranch like Flathead Lake Lodge that caters to providing a full but relaxed family vacation, this treatment made all the difference.

We’ve now stayed a week at three different dude ranches, and have learned extensively about many more. They each offer their own take on the dude ranch experience, but I have taken to calling Flathead Lake Lodge a ‘dude ranch plus’. More than any other ranch we’ve reviewed, it embodies a full mountain vacation experience. Horseback riding and ranch life is a big part of it, but by no means defines it. Flathead Lake Lodge is just as much an ‘all inclusive lakeside resort’ as it is a dude ranch.

What to expect from a Montana dude ranch vacation at Flathead Lake Lodge:

Flathead Lake Lodge sits on 2500 acres of lakefront and forest on Flathead Lake, Montana. It’s just a short walk from the quaint town of Bigfork, and about 45 minutes from both the airport in Kalispell and the entrance to Glacier National Park. On the property, guests enjoy private shoreline of the lake, with a small but well-stocked marina that includes three small sailboats, two larger sloops, several cruiser boats, motorboats, a ski boat, and a collection of paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. Also on the lake front are docks to fish from and swim from, a swimming pool, and plenty of lounging space on rolling lawn.

Just up from the lake sits the historic main lodge, which dates from 1945. This houses the communal dining room with its massive stone fireplace, the kitchen, bar, and the lodge office. The main lodge is a central hub at the ranch, where guests and staff alike relax, eat, and mingle.

Tucked around the lodge is a smattering of small cabins, ranging in size from one to three bedrooms, which house guests, as well as the South Lodge, which offers lodge rooms for guests who don’t require an entire cabin. Our family of five stayed in the South Lodge in two adjacent rooms, one of which included an upper loft. All lodge rooms have their own bathrooms. The sand volleyball court sits between the South Lodge and the main lodge, and a path up the hill away from the lake leads to the gift shop and laundry facilities, tennis courts, and barn.

If the main lodge is the central hub for meals, the barn is the central hub for horseback activities and the central play area for children. How so? Above the working space of the barn (where horses are saddled, etc) the upper level houses ping pong tables, a pool table, and other games. Kids tend to gather here before or after their rides. Below the game area, a well-stocked and staffed arts and crafts room occupies a large space. Behind the barn is a large horseback riding arena, with pastures on other sides.

Guests arrive and depart on Sundays. Upon arrival, we were shown to our rooms and given the chance to get settled, then were able to attend an orientation at the barn, which introduced us to the wrangler staff and horse program. I liked that there’s a chance for guests to get up on a horse Sunday evening; this is perfect for people who are less familiar with horses and want to get their feet wet in the controlled space of the arena under the watchful eye of a wrangler.

It’s not necessary to sign up for horseback rides, as they’re offered daily with no reservations required, but on Monday morning, guests have the opportunity to sign up for additional activities that do require advanced notice. These activities include the ones offered by outside outfitters or operators, such as guided fishing trips, mountain laser tag (more on that later), whitewater rafting, clay pigeon shooting, massages, and yoga. These activities come with an extra charge. Monday morning is also the time and place to sign up for horseback riding lessons in the arena, guided hikes, and guided or non-guided mountain biking, which are offered by lodge staff (of these, some hikes and mountain biking do come with an extra cost).

Here’s what’s always included in your stay, and do not require a Monday reservation:

horseback riding
water sports including waterskiing and wake boarding
canoe, kayak, and paddle board use
sailing (sailing on the large sloops requires a day-of sign up)
horseback lessons (you can sign up for these on Monday but also make reservations later)
hiking or mountain biking on your own (with your own bikes)
long rides (that include lunch or breakfast)
all meals, including the ‘riding’ meals to a steak fry dinner and to breakfast
tennis
volleyball
kids activities, including campout, fire truck riding, and kids’ rodeo

Meals are served in the main lodge, and include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast cereals and pastries are available from about 7 am on, with either a hot buffet or plated breakfast (depending on the day) served at 8:30 am. Lunch is buffet style, served at 12:30 pm. Dinner is served buffet style for kids at 6 pm and as a plated meal for adults at 6:30 pm (one choice of entree, with specialty options such as vegetarian or gluten free meals offered with advanced notice). Kids can absolutely eat with the adults; the 6 pm buffet simply gives you the option in case you have kids who would rather eat and run. My teens ate the adult meal with us every evening, while my 12-year-old opted for the kid fare so he could go play with friends.

On the schedule, there are also kids’ meal times for breakfast and lunch listed (30 minutes before adult dining), but we found these times to be more of a suggestion: the food is the same, but the lodge staff simply puts it out half an hour earlier for kids should they want it. Adults can certainly jump in line with the kids. As noted above, everything is causal at Flathead Lake Lodge.

We found the food served at Flathead to be well above average for a dude ranch. Dinners were exceptional, with entrees such as salmon, beef tenderloin, and chicken with risotto on the menu. Lunch buffet was so good, we often over-ate…I tried very hard to utilize only the well-stocked salad bar at lunch, but often found myself tempted to sample far more. The buffet items included a pasta bar, Mexican and Chinese food days, and seafood. Breakfast included fresh fruit and berries, plenty of cereal and granola choices, and hot dishes that usually included breakfast meats, eggs, hash browns or potatoes, or pancakes. Between meals, snacks are always on offer on a counter in the lodge, and water, lemonade, and tea are always available, as well as coffee.

Kids’ activities such as lawn games are usually scheduled for the 6:30 hour so adults can know they’re busy doing something with staff while they eat dinner, but everything is optional, and there’s no formal childcare or kids’ club (you’re responsible for your kids). Before dinner, there’s always a happy hour in the bar from 5:30-6:30 pm. The way the bar operates is unique: while some bottles of wine and beer are available for purchase, guests are encouraged to bring their own liquor, beer, and wine to the lodge, label it with their last name, and store it in the bar. During happy hour, the bar is staffed and the bartender will mix drinks and pour wine, with appetizers served. This is a great time to chat with fellow guests about the day. At any other time, guests can treat the bar as their own, stepping behind the counter to access their own alcoholic beverages.

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Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa review

August 21, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Want to be central to LegoLand and San Diego, but stay at a hotel with a distinct ‘beach’ feel? The Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa is located one street off a lifeguard-manned beach, with ocean views from both rooms and the outdoor pool and lounging complex, and is still within easy driving distance to area attractions.

Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa review:

Located in Carlsbad, one of my favorite family-friendly beach towns, Hilton Oceanfront is decidedly upscale while remaining casual. We found the staff to be extra friendly and courteous, and loved the cool-tone colors and water-and-sand vibe. The outdoor areas featured local vegetation, cabanas, papasan chairs, and fire pits.

Room amenities:

This hotel is very family-friendly! We stayed in a standard room with an ocean view, which had a mini fridge, microwave, and coffee-maker. We loved the ability to make easy snacks and breakfasts in-room. First-floor rooms in our category include a patio, which we enjoyed to look out over the ocean. Note: you do have a street separating you from the sea. The Hilton also offers suites and less expensive standard rooms without views.

Hotel amenities:

The pool area is the best feature of the Hilton, as far as my kids are concerned. The salt-water pool features a zero-depth entry, and is nicely heated. There’s a decently-sized kiddie pool/wading pool and a hot tub. All pools are outdoor, with plenty of seating, lounge chairs, and fire pits adjacent.

An onsite restaurant overlooks the pool area and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and room service is available. There’s also a nice coffee service in the lobby. The exercise facility is not overly large but has everything you need: cardio machines, weights, medicine balls, and yoga mats. It overlooks the pool as well, which I always find to be a nice touch when I’m working out.

You’ll need to hop in your car to access other local dining, but self-parking is free! WiFi is free to Hilton Honors members (this is a free membership you can sign up for anytime). In short, the number of included amenities really makes Hilton Oceanfront stand out as family-friendly. Most hotels we experience in this category charge piecemeal for wifi and parking, and certainly don’t include microwaves in the rooms.

Rates:

Rates started at $195 for a standard room during the time of our visit (spring). Rates vary by season, of course.

Distance from the interstate:

Located right off I-5.

Directions:

From I-5, exit at Poinsettia Lane/Aviara Parkway. Turn west onto Poinsettia Lane, then south onto Carlsbad Boulevard. Turn east onto Ponto Road and resort entrance is immediately on the right at 1
Ponto Road, Carlsbad.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we stayed at Hilton Oceanfront as guests of the resort. Hosted visits make up-to-date reviews on Pit Stops for Kids possible.

WilloughVale Inn and Cottages, Vermont

August 18, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Few places are as beautiful and family-friendly as Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Think brisk fall days, clear lakes, and great hiking. If you’re looking for a great place to stay while visiting, I highly recommend the WilloughVale Inn and Cottages at Lake Willoughby. Lake Willoughby is cool, clear, and beautifully situated between two steep mountains, making it an idea spot to swim and play in summer and hike and boat in autumn, all while enjoying the view. The WilloughVale Inn sits right on the shore, and even has a lakeside playground with a play structure, a shed full of lawn toys, and a water trampoline moored about 30 feet off the shore. There are also canoes, kayaks, and a paddleboat available to guests of the inn free of charge.

We stayed in one of the lakeview cottages, and enjoyed a full kitchen, living room (with a fireplace!), two bedrooms (one with a Jacuzzi tub!) and a beautiful porch with stunning lake views. The cabin made it easy to serve the kids an early breakfast, accommodate naptimes, and put the kids to bed early without hiding out in a hotel hallway waiting for them to fall asleep! Dinner at the inn was a breeze too: Gil’s Bar and Grill has a nice selection for adults and kids, and even serves a popular local delicacy: Ben and Jerry’s!

What to do at Lake Willoughby:

The lake will keep you busy, especially if you have water babies in your group, but just in case you encounter a rainy day, there are plenty of day trips in the Willoughby area. The WillougVale Inn has a list of activities including the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium in St. Johnsbury, VT and (in season) the Vermont Corn Maze in Danville, VT. We lucked out during our visit and caught the Sunday afternoon show at Bread and Puppets, a local theater company specializing in…you guessed it…puppets! The Bread and Puppets campus has a puppet museum and produces shows during the summer (check the website for times and dates). Bread and Puppets is a unique experience, and I’ll only recommend it if no one in your group finds giant papier mache puppets, um…creepy.

For a tamer option, the Cabot factory is about 30 minutes away in Cabot, VT and the Ben and Jerry’s factory is always a hit (about an hour away in Waterville, VT).

Date last visited:

7/15/2012¬–7/17/2012

Distance from the interstate:

About 20 miles off I-91 at exit 23 in Lyndon, VT.

When to visit:

Summer and fall are the peak seasons at Lake Willoughby, but the WilloughVale is open during the winter, and I’m willing to bet it’s a beautiful place to spend a few snowy nights as well!

Lodging rates:

Summer prices are from $99/night in the main inn; up to $319/night in the lakefront cottages.

Food services:

Gil’s Bar and Grill at the WilloughVale is open Tuesday–Sunday during the summer (Wednesday–Sunday during the shoulder season, and weekends only after October 15th) and offers casual food such as burgers and ribs, as well as a kids’ menu. There is also a tasty roadside stand (think frosty-freeze) about 2 miles north on route 5A. (This roadside stand even serves poutine, for those of you who have spent time in northern New England/Cananda and aren’t worried about your cholesterol!)

Directions:

Directions and driving times to WilloughVale Inn from nearby cities are listed on the website.

As we disclose whenever applicable, we were hosted at WilloughVale for the purpose of review. While we appreciated the chance to experience Lake Willoughby, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

5 fun ways to view the total solar eclipse in Oregon

August 16, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

On Monday, August 21st, a total solar eclipse will cross over 14 U.S. states. In the week leading up to this rare event, tourists from across the world will converge to see the moon’s shadow touch the earth. The shadow (called the umbral cone) will make landfall in Oregon just north of Newport at 10:15 am PST, then make its way east across the state. Hotels along the path of the eclipse are already maxed out, and reservable Oregon campsites are completely filled.

If you haven’t made your reservations yet, don’t worry! Try your luck with dispersed camping on Oregon public lands, opt for a first-come, first-served campground, or check out one of these fun ways to view the total solar eclipse!

Bring the family to a Willamette winery:

Brooks Winery, located along the path in Amity, Oregon is hosting a Total Solar Eclipse Event August 20th-21st. On the 20th, families can participate in a BBQ supper followed by live music and a star talk, then are invited to camp right at the winery. On the 21st, the day will begin with yoga followed by a sparkling wine brunch and a talk by Professor Ethan Siegel, an astrophysicist from Lewis & Clark College. The eclipse viewing will then be followed by pizzas from the winery’s wood-fired oven and, yes, more wine. Families are also invited to bring their own picnics and explore the grounds. The two-day package will set you back $350, with a discount for just the 21st.

A little further south, Illahe Vineyards will host a similar eclipse viewing from 9 am – 12 pm on Monday, August 21st. Light food will be available for purchase, as well as complimentary eclipse viewing glasses for a prime panoramic viewing experience. Day only tickets are only $50, and include a wine flight for the adults and light food.

Attend Central Oregon’s Moonshadow Festival:

Running August 18-22nd, the Moonshadow Festival will be held at Wine Down Ranch near the Crooked River Valley. This 2100 acre traditional western ranch will provide camping options for both tent camping and RV camping, or day passes can be purchased for any of the four days of the festival. We recommend getting tickets early, however! Day passes are $50, and camping for the festival will set you back as much as $600 (still much less than a hotel room).

Go to the Willamette Country Music Festival:

This year’s festival is August 17-20th in Brownsville, but event planners have decided to extend one day to include eclipse viewing on the 21st. Tickets are only $25 for Eclipse day, and camping on site is another $200. There will be live music and entertainment during the day, as well as a fireman’s breakfast. Gates will open at 7 am on the 2st.

Head to the Salem fairgrounds:

In addition to an event at the actual capitol building, Salem will host an eclipse event at the state fairgrounds, hosted by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). The event will start at 6 am, with the viewing at 10:17 am. OMSI is only selling 8,000 tickets at $8 apiece for adults and $6 for kids. Parking is only $5. As this is the best deal we’ve seen yet for eclipse viewing, ticket will go very fast!

Look for smaller events on the Oregon coast:

Want to escape (some) of the crowds? Head to where the eclipse will first be viewed, in Pacific City, Depoe Bay, Lincoln City, and Newport. Try to get a campsite in one of Oregon’s first come, first served state campground sites on the north coast or better yet, try camping on Oregon’s public lands, then drive to the eclipse towns early in the morning. Remember that most campgrounds will be hosting small events as well, including informational talks. Good luck to you!

A stay at Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel with kids

August 9, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Parents might assume a Ritz Carlton hotel is too, well, ritzy for a family vacation. In fact, the family-friendly offerings at Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel make the acclaimed resort a smart choice for families looking for great vacation value.

Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel with kids:

The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel is located right on the Pacific Coast between the beach towns of Laguna Beach and Dana Point, CA. While a stay is expensive by any standards, your room rate stretches beyond luxury accommodations (which are often lost on kids): families will enjoy excellent service, a completely relaxed atmosphere, hassle-free access to a beautiful beach, and local expertise tapped from the team of concierges, bellhops, and front desk staff.

Kid-friendly offerings at Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel:

Families looking for an ideal beach day can take advantage of the Ritz Carlton’s Beach Butler Service, which not only brings your family straight to the beach via beach shuttle, but also keeps your hands free: ‘beach butlers’ will bring all your essentials to you (and always have towels and sunscreen on-hand).

The Dana Pool is tucked into a garden courtyard, with exposure to sunshine but not wind. Located adjacent is pool dining and beverage service, and ice water is always available. We loved that plenty of pool toys were available, and that kids were welcome in the hot tub. An additional pool exists on the Monarch side of the hotel, and tennis courts and basketball courts are also available for families, as well as a full-service fitness center for adults.

On site at the Laguna Niguel property is Eco Adventures, with opportunities for families to experience the local environment with sea hikes, snorkeling, surfing, and more. We attended the then-called Forests Under the Sea snorkeling program, which included a fun (and informative) naturalist talk followed by a full snorkeling trip to nearby Woods Cove in Laguna Beach.

Check it out on the Pit Stops for Kids YouTube channel:

We were able to learn more about the sea life we’d been spotting while snorkeling on our own, and learned what we could do to help sustain the beach and ocean life eco-system. Tip: Ambassadors of the Environment is available to non-resort guests as well, and is a great value for those looking for an informative half-day ocean excursion.

Date last visited:

July 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Right off PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) in Orange County, CA.

Room rates:

Room rates vary by season and type, from $500-well over $1000. At the time of our visit, we stayed in an oceanview fireside room, located off the Dana Lawn. This location was great for kids: it featured an outdoor fireplace and small patio leading to plenty of lawn space for kids to play on (complete with a horseshoe pitch). Rooms include marble bathrooms, luxury bedding, and in the case of an oceanfront room, amazing views. Note: one thing our Ritz Carlton room lacked was complimentary coffee and tea service, standard in almost all luxury hotel rooms. (Secondary note: my kids are only frowning in the following photo because the sun is in their eyes. They didn’t care about the lack of coffee service…that was all me.)

Dining:

The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel offers several dining options for families, all featuring wonderful service and ambiance (but all costing families accordingly). We ate an incredible meal at Raya, where our server couldn’t have been more friendly to the two kids I had with me (ages 11 and 13). The food was delicious, but even more impressive was the sunset seen over the Pacific from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Raya is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and while dining here for every meal will not be budget-friendly, I do recommending budgeting for at least one special meal here.

For faster, easier-on-the-wallet fare, the Marketplace serves up a nice, quick breakfast. The poolside dining offers high-qaulity snack and lunch foods (including excellent nachos), but for stays of more than a day or so, I recommend buying some groceries and making use of the mini-fridge. The concierge can recommend many off-property restaurants as well. Tip: if you plan to eat most meals on-property, it may be worth the expense to book a ‘club level’ room. Club level guests enjoy five daily food services included in their room rate, including lunch foods, full breakfasts, and cocktails.

Directions:

From most points in Orange County or LA, guests will take I-5 to Crown Valley Parkway, then turn left (south) on the PCH. From Laguna Beach, the hotel is a straight shot down the PCH (about 15 minutes’ drive).

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, the Ambassadors of the Environment program, and Raya as guests of Ritz Carlton. While this hospitality is appreciated, it did not come with expectation of a positive review. (And I did pay for my own nachos.)

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Things to do in Ojai with kids

August 7, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

When most travelers think of Ojai California, they imagine a lush Southern Californian oasis of spas, retreats, and artistic shops and galleries…not exactly kid-paradise. In fact, an Ojai vacation can be family-friendly, as long as you know where to stay, where to find child-friendly activities, and what to avoid. Read on to ensure a relaxing Ojai getaway…with the kids.

Get outside.

Ojai is located 90 minutes outside of Los Angeles, and only 12 miles inland of Ventura California. While in Ojai, families can enjoy the cooler mountain air (especially in the morning and evening) while exploring the pristine Southern California landscape on foot or on bike. Area hiking ranges from easy strolls to strenuous treks along jeep roads, but local experts can help you find the right Ojai hiking for your family.

For school-aged kids, The Mob Shop at 110 W. Ojai Avenue offers bike rentals and guided bike rides throughout the hilly town and surrounding areas. If off-road biking is too challenging for your group, a paved bike trail follows Highway 33 into Ojai. We were able to catch this trail directly from our Ojai hotel to ride into town for a treat or early dinner.

Even if you’re staying in Ojai, consider a day trip into Ventura for a Channel Islands National Park excursion. Boats to the islands depart from the Ventura harbor on a regular schedule; in summer, plan to swim and snorkel, and in winter, hike or kayak around this sanctuary.

Shop.

No, not all Ojai shopping is kid-friendly, but families are surprised by how much is. Best of all, adults will have just as good a time. The Casa Barranca wine tasting room is located right next door to Ojai Ice Cream on popular E. Ojai Avenue, and both make for a nice walking or shopping break. Farther down the same block are a number of boutiques featuring local artists and handmade goods: while small kids will need to be reminded not to touch, this is a great opportunity to show kids the wealth of the Ojai artist community.

Bart’s Books is located off the beaten path on Matilija Street, but is well-worth the walk. Kids and adults will be entranced by this open-air bookshop filled patio to (not) ceiling with used books. Bart’s Books even operates on the honor system: patrons can come after-hours and leave coins in the slot by the door to make purchases. If you have readers, plan to spend upwards of an hour exploring this haven, and if you have younger kids, let them explore the winding aisles of bookshelves, interior rooms, patios, and outdoor fireplaces while you peruse. When everyone’s tired, head back to Ojai Avenue to play at Libbey Park.

Visit Lake Casitas Recreational Area.

During the summer months, families must take an afternoon to visit nearby Lake Casitas and its lake, picnic grounds, and campground. You can’t swim in the lake (it’s drinking water), but the recreational area goes one better: the Lake Casitas Water Adventure is a water park playground with wading pools, a lazy river, and water play equipment. Camping is available at Lake Casitas as well: they now offer reservations one year in advance, and in the high season, it’s recommended.

Sleep affordably.

Despite its heavenly weather and landscape, Ojai lodging is surprisingly down-to-earth. If camping is not your thing, I recommend the Blue Iguana Inn, located outside of Ojai on Highway 33. The Blue Iguana offers family-sized bungalows with full kitchens, giving parents the convenience of cooking in, and plenty of room for kids to roam on their fully landscaped, lushly beautiful property with pool and hot tub. The Blue Iguana certainly maintains an atmosphere of peace and quiet, but kids are welcome.

The Montage Laguna Beach: beach luxury for families

August 2, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Laguna Beach is one of Pit Stops for Kids’ Best Beach Town picks, and one of our family’s favorite places to visit in California. Any family vacation to this sunny ocean-front artist colony will be well-spent, but if you want to take your Laguna Beach family trip over the top, stay at the Montage Laguna Beach.

A Preferred Hotel with the Preferred Family seal of approval, the Montage Laguna Beach combines luxury hotel accommodations with family-friendly beach relaxation. Situated right on the Pacific at Treasure Cove, the Montage is steps away from public Aliso Creek beach and within walking or free shuttle distance of downtown Laguna Beach. Families can enjoy the outdoor Mosaic Pool, extensive gardens, tennis and basketball courts, and fitness center.

Activities and Programs:

The Montage Paintbox program is designed for kids ages 2-12, and takes kids outdoors as well as indoors for supervised play and programming. Available by the day or by the hour, kids don’t need to be potty-trained for Paintbox Petite (2-5) and will be served meals. The older kids have the opportunity to learn about the local ecosystems through Paintbox during thematically inspired days.

The Montage Laguna Beach has a full spa with yoga classes, and the virtual concierge can arrange for day trips to Southern California attractions. If you’re like most guests, you won’t want to leave the property except to ride the free shuttle into Laguna Beach to check out the art studios, galleries, shopping, dining, and beach-vibe.

Aliso Creek beach:

Aliso Creek is steps from the Montage (guests enjoy an easy walkway with showers, foot baths, and towel stands) and offers a long stretch of sand to play on. At the far end, Aliso Creek has a concession stand and playground on the beach (as well as public parking), and Aliso Creek tide pools are among the best in Southern California. Note: Aliso Creek’s ocean floor drops off quickly, causing waves to break hard on the shore. Families with young kids who want to swim would do better to go into Laguna Beach and swim at Main Beach.

Room rates and amenities:

Rooms at Montage Laguna Beach range from standard hotel rooms to suites, bungalows, and villas, with rates starting at $495. (Yes, really.) Their Family Fun Package includes overnight accommodations, daily breakfast credit (value to $50), half day at Paintbox, and a children’s welcome amenity at check in. You won’t find a bargain at Montage properties, but you will find value. If it can fit into your vacation budget, I recommend the experience.

Dining:

Dining is available on-site, including room service. For family-friendly meals, I recommend dining earlier in the evening, or taking the shuttle downtown for a fun, casual meal at Ruby’s Diner or Johnny Rockets. Of course, Laguna Beach is filled with authentic California cuisine; you really can’t go wrong.

Directions:

The Montage Laguna Beach is located directly on Highway 1 (the Pacific Coast Highway) in Laguna Beach. From I-5, take the Laguna Beach exit.

Photo Credit: Mel(issa) and Alex E. Proimos.