state - Pitstops for Kids

Nebraska with kids: A stop at Arbor Day Farm

July 27, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

When J. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day, moved to the Nebraska Territory in the 1850s, he wanted to build a home overlooking the Missouri River, but there weren’t enough trees on the grasslands to do it. Morton decided to change that. Today, the fruit of his efforts is the 260-acre Arbor Day Farm, devoted to fostering a love of trees and nature in children and adults alike.

The Arbor Day site consists of two largely separate entities: the state park, and the working farm.

Arbor Lodge State Historical Park

Arbor Lodge, the Morton family’s three-story mansion, sits in a shady, 72-acre state park. The park is free and open to the public daily, and has a playground and walking trails. You can also stroll through the family gardens. Arbor Lodge and its carriage house require an admission fee, which may be purchased separately or bundled with a visit to the farm, which lies across the street.

Tree Adventure

The Arbor Day Farm is a working tree farm, vineyard and orchard. The public area is known as the Tree Adventure. Here, you’ll find:

Two outdoor nature classrooms, which contain areas for art, tree house-building, and music. (Our kids, ages 4-11, didn’t want to leave this area!)
A greenhouse where seedlings are sprouted for shipping and planting all over the country, as well as a cooler in which you can choose a seedling to take home and plant.
Two “rope” adventures: a tightrope and a spider web climbing apparatus.
The paved “tree house” and 2/3-mile wood chip “South Table Creek” trails, both of which are studded with quirky and fun artwork. The tree houses are freestanding structures; my kids had envisioned something more Swiss Family Robinson, but the tree houses are beautiful structures nonetheless. Plan to let your younger kids have some pretend play time here. Both trails offer lots of interpretive boxes, from a chance to imitate bird sounds to a set of signs to help you identify trees.
The Discovery Ride is a canopied wagon that travels around the farm to demonstrate the history and mission of the farm. If you visit in the late summer or fall, you might get to stop and pick an heirloom apple straight off the tree in the “preservation” orchard.

Most of the Tree Adventure is wheelchair/stroller accessible, but not the wood chip trail and the upper levels of the tree houses. Give yourself at least 3 hours to do justice to the Tree Adventure, and if you have a whole day, give yourself permission to fill it.

Shopping, Dining, and Lodging at the Arbor Day Farm:

Both the Arbor Lodge and the Tree Adventure have gift shops; the Tree Adventure shop is filled with home-baked pies, popcorn, jams, jellies, and wines, including wine tastings. The staff was very accommodating, and we were able to take advantage of this even with our kids around. The cafe adjacent to the gift shop serves basic hot dogs and burgers, as well as pies. The farm also provides a shaded picnic area, so you can bring lunch with you. Sit-down dining is available at the Lied Lodge, a log-cabin inspired hotel and conference center, featuring an indoor lap pool, sauna, and fitness center.

Hours/Admission:

The Arbor Day Farm is open daily; check the website, since hours vary by season. The best value for visiting the Arbor Day Farm is the all-access day pass, which grants access to the Tree Adventure and the Arbor Lodge mansion, at $15 for adults, $11 for children 3-12. If you’re on a tight schedule, you can purchase separate entry either to the mansion or the Tree Adventure (adults $8, children $6). Discovery rides are separate at $5 for all ages. The Arbor Day Farm also offers a variety of annual passes, outlined here.

Directions:

The Arbor Day Farm is located in Nebraska City, NE, 45 minutes from both Omaha and Lincoln.

My family and I experienced the site as guests of the Arbor Day Farm, in exchange for an unbiased review.

Nebraska with kids: Henry Doorly Zoo

July 25, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

In 2014, the Travelers’ Choice Awards named the Henry Doorly Zoo, in Omaha, Nebraska, its #1 zoo. This park, with its wide walkways lined with evergreen and deciduous trees, is well worth an extended visit by families of all ages. Here’s how to plan your day at Henry Doorly Zoo with kids:

What to see at Henry Doorly Zoo with kids:

Henry Doorly Zoo is a sprawling complex, and for the most part you’ll find animals in expansive habitats that mimic their natural environs. You cannot take in the entire experience in a single day; there’s just too much there. So take it easy, decide what’s most important to you and plan accordingly, or else give yourself permission to wander until you run out of time and energy. A small sample of highlights:

The Desert Dome, the Lied Jungle Forest, and the Scott Aquarium. All three lie close to the zoo entrance and are well worth the time. The desert dome is the world’s largest indoor desert (though it’s not as hot as you might expect). Below it is the “Kingdom of the Night,” in which the day-night cycles are reversed so visitors can see the nocturnal animals in their active time. The Lied Jungle has both an upper trail and a lower; we only had time for the upper, which put us at eye level with macaws and spider monkeys. The aquarium is simply beautiful—although it was also very crowded.
Multiple play areas. Particularly of note: the Red Barn petting zoo and the African Grasslands, where kids can play on a retired helicopter and a couple of safari trucks.
A huge aviary with mature trees inside. A boardwalk winds through it, with benches to rest and take in the beauty.
The Alaskan Adventure Spray Park. This spectacular sculpture park lets kids play among sea lions and whales while splashing in the water. Let them come to the zoo in swim gear, because after this they’ll be completely soaked.

Practical tips for zoo-goers:

Admission isn’t cheap, so make the most of the investment by coming at opening time and staying as long as you can. Early in the day the zoo was almost deserted, but by shortly after noon on a weekday it was crowded.
This is a big zoo. Bring your walking shoes or be prepared to pay extra for the tram, train, or Skyfari (a ski lift-type ride that bisects the zoo).
Download the free zoo app, which includes a map and pretty much everything on the web site. We did see some people carrying traditional paper maps, but we never saw where to pick them up, and directional signage was not as clear as I would have liked. Having the map on the phone was very helpful.
If you can plan ahead and are willing to splurge, consider camping overnight in the Safari tent camp, next door to the lion enclosure.

Shopping and dining at the zoo:

The cafes and kiosks are clean and well-run, and offer mostly standards. However, next to the elephants you’ll find a window serving four African-themed entrees. We had a pork kabob, sambusa, and sweet potato fries, which were all excellent and a user-friendly way to experience a new ethnic cuisine. There are two gift shops, one at the main entrance and the other at the exit to Scott Aquarium. Zoo members receive a 5% discount.

Hours/Admission:

The zoo is open from 9-5 daily in the summer and 10-4 in the winter, though the buildings stay open an hour later. Summer admission for children 3-11 is $12.95; 12 and up is $18.95, with discounts for seniors, military, and others. Train, tram, Skyfari, IMAX and carousel tickets are separate, and can be bundled into packages, which are outlined here. Members of other zoos may be eligible for a hefty discount on admission; also be sure to take advantage of the $2 discount on the Omaha Savings app, available through iTunes.

Parking/Directions:

Henry Doorly Zoo is at 3701 S. 10th Street, Omaha, Nebraska. Parking is free, but on busy days it fills quickly. Additional parking is available off-site, with free shuttles, and vouchers for $1 off admission are offered to those who use the shuttle.

Our family visited the zoo as guests of Visit Omaha in exchange for an honest review.

Southern California pit stop: Pioneertown

July 6, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Pioneertown, California is located in the Morongo Basin of southern California’s Inland Empire. If traveling from Joshua Tree National Park or Palm Springs toward San Bernardino or Los Angeles, Pioneertown will (almost) be on your way. And it’s worth the slight detour.

Located in the mountains overlooking the valley floor, Pioneertown began as an elaborate Hollywood set for Western movies. Complete with a main street lined with saloons, general stores, and liveries, Pioneertown can still be explored by anyone who makes the trip up the winding road.

At the heart of the Pioneertown experience is Pappy and Harriet’s, a sprawling saloon, Tex Mex restaurant, and music venue with ample indoor and outdoor seating. Popular with bikers and music lovers, Pappy and Harriet’s is definitely an adults only pit stop at night. However, during the day, bring the kids for lunch to still get a feel for the campy ambiance, then explore around the ‘town’ before continuing on your way.

There’s nothing much out here other than Pioneertown and the restaurant, although a few souvenir-type shops are sometimes open. Walking around and checking out the town is free. Take photos in the Western jail, sit on the saddle in the center of Main Street, and just enjoy this odd but fun pit stop for what it is…Americana at its best, with some history thrown in.

Directions:

Pioneertown Road at Route 62 in the town of Yucca Valley. The winding, 4-mile drive northwest to Pioneertown has been designated a California Scenic Drive.

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Aboard a small ship cruise: Day by day with Alaskan Dream Cruises

July 1, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

When I told friends and family we’d be experiencing SE Alaska on a cruise ship, the image that came to everyone’s mind included a huge ocean liner, busy ports of call, fancy restaurants, kids clubs, and maybe a climbing wall. After all, kids don’t go on those intimate small ship cruises you read about, right? Wrong! (You knew that was coming, didn’t you?) Small ship cruise options are more accessible to families with Alaskan Dream Cruises family cruise itineraries.

Why book a small ship?

Small cruise ships can go where the mega ships cannot, offer a more personal travel experience, afford families with hands-on learning and intimate ports-of-call, and include educational and cultural experts to enrich the travel experience. The cruise industry defines small ship cruising as 150 passengers or less; our Alaskan Dream cruise carried a whopping 28. Itineraries are more flexible, excursions are more in-depth, and service is more personal. A small ship cruise is also more expensive, and we know families need all the information they can gather before making such an investment. In this first of a three-part series, we offer our day-by-day Alaskan Dream Cruise experience, to help you decide if small ship cruising is for you.

An overview: nine days on the Baranof Dream in three minutes:

Day 1: Sitka to embarkation

An Alaskan Dream Cruise starts before your family boards one of their three cruise vessels. We arrived in Sitka, Alaska the day prior to our sailing, and were met at the airport by an Alaskan Dream representative. She quickly tagged all our luggage, loaded us into a van, and drove us to our hotel for the night, the Totem Square Inn. We explored the town during the evening on our own before bedtime.

The first morning of our cruise, we met our Expedition Leader Emily and our fellow passengers for a morning of Sitka sightseeing. (Our tagged luggage went directly to the ship, and we held onto only our day luggage.) Together, we toured Sitka, seeing the Alaska Raptor Center, Sitka Sound Science Center, and Sitka National Historic Park. This was a good way to get to know the other families (six families in total, with members ranging from grandparents to children; the young people ranged in age between 6-19).

At lunchtime, we boarded an Allen Marine Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest vessel (Alaska native-owned Allen Marine is a sister company of Alaskan Dream Cruises) for a tour of Sitka Sound and a rendezvous with our home for the next nine days, the Baranof Dream.

One of the most exciting moments of our cruise arrived when our Allen Marine vessel turned a corner around a small island in beautiful Sitka Sound to the sight of the Baranof Dream waiting for us. We boarded at sea, and explored our 144-foot ship. The Baranof Dream has 25 cabins, but only a handful were in use for our family cruise itinerary (passengers are generally capped at 30 during family cruises). With 28 guests onboard, we found the common spaces (such as the dining room, lounge, and sun deck) to be comfortable and never crowded.

Cabins sleep 2-3 people, depending on the type, so our family of five had two. Kids cannot occupy a cabin alone (none are connecting) so we slept three of us in the more spacious Lydonia cabin and two in a standard cabin. While cozy, Baranof Dream cabins have adequate storage space as long as you put things away after using them and assign everything a space. We met our crew and experienced our orientation to the Baranof after embarking, and learned more about our course through SE Alaska thanks to a GPS-enabled interactive map always on screen in the lounge.

Our first meal set our expectations high (they were never disappointed). All meals (and wine or beer with dinner) are included in your cost, and the dining room is casual and friendly. Kids can order off the adult menu, which always offers three choices for a main course, or the kids’ menu (with both the adult offerings and staples such as burgers, hot dogs, and excellent mac and cheese). In addition to three meals per day, ample snacks, appetizers, and drinks are offered in the lounge.

We learned to go to bed our first night with the sun still trying to set (sunset is after 11 pm) but it wasn’t hard; we were all exhausted after our first day!

Day 2: Juneau

We awoke to the Baranof Dream cruising into Juneau, Alaska, where the mega cruise ships dwarfed our small vessel. Our itinerary of a Mendenhall Glacier tour followed by time exploring the city included a last-minute surprise (not unusual on small ship cruises): we’d also be visiting a sled dog and mushers’ camp. All transportation was provided to us: we took a guided bus ride to Mendenhall Glacier, where we hiked to Nugget Falls, then were issued tickets to the Mt. Roberts Tramway in Juneau. We found the tram to be overrated, but enjoyed the excellent views and ample hiking at the top of Mt. Roberts. We enjoyed vouchers for lunch at a restaurant of our choice (we opted to watch the float planes land from The Hanger), then made our way through touristy downtown Juneau to meet our bus to Sled Dog Discovery and Mushers Camp.

We spent the better part of two hours in this beautiful camp in the Tongass National Forest, where we met sled dogs, learned about their training, and held Alaskan sled dog puppies. On every Alaskan Dream cruise are both scientific and cultural expedition leaders who spend every day with you; ours, naturalist Emily and Tlingit Alaskan Native Howard (Koo Hook) were accompanied by two youth expedition leaders, Jess and Sophia, as well. Throughout the day, they offered guidance, friendship, and knowledge.

Days on the Baranof Dream usually end with a post-dinner presentation by the expedition leaders to help us prepare for the day ahead; in this case, it ended with a special treat. Forty-five minutes after departing Juneau, we docked at a private day lodge, Orca Point Lodge, for a king crab dinner. The kids explored the rocky beach with their youth expedition leaders and learned about the intertidal zone at a touch tank, and the adults enjoyed getting to know each other better over wine and beer and gorgeous views. We loved seeing the kids try new foods at dinner, and afterward, everyone enjoyed a beach bonfire.

Day 3: Hobart Bay

Hobart Bay is a private section of Alaskan Native-owned shoreline only native-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises can access. On the itinerary: playtime! Following breakfast, each family was issued a schedule, rotating through kayaking, Zego-riding (a Zego is a personal motorized watercraft), and RTV-riding. Kayaking offered a peaceful escape onto the water, where we shared the space with a Stellar sea lion, salmon, and sea birds, and the RTVs (though too noisy for my taste) took us on a fun adventure along logging roads to view black bears and pick berries. The kids loved the Zegos best, which they could drive as we zipped around the many narrow passage-ways surrounding Hobart Bay.

In the late afternoon, crew and passengers alike gathered to participate in (or watch) the ‘Killer Whale Club’ initiation, which involved a leap into the 38 degree water of the bay. Between events, we enjoyed a BBQ lunch, and after dinner, we sat around a second bonfire with s’mores. The bartender, John, made friends with the kids onboard by making smoothies with the berries they picked, and the pastry chef, Lemmick, followed suit with a muffin-making class. During free time on the Baranof Dream, anyone can access the bridge to talk with the captain, Stu, and his crew; our boys especially loved learning to tie knots from crew member Hank.

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Summer activities at Utah ski resorts: What’s open right now

June 29, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

We love visiting ski resorts in the summer. We’ve visited Northstar California for mountain biking, played on ropes courses at Jiminy Peak and Big Sky, and have returned to Park City Mountain Resort several times to bike, zip line, hike, and enjoy Park City without the snowy backdrop. Ski resorts are the perfect road trip pit stop in summer, as their lodging is often ‘on sale’. Utah’s ski resorts are often en route to national parks and other outdoor summer vacation destinations. If you find yourself driving through Utah this summer, stop at one of the following top Utah ski resorts…without the snow.

Top summer activities at Utah ski resorts:

Sundance: Summer at Sundance includes kid and teen camps, as well as mountain biking hiking, and scenic lift rides. We love Sundance because of its profound beauty (perhaps even more lovely than most Utah resorts, and that’s saying something!). It’s also very compact, making it easy for families to explore without feeling like they’re in a huge ski complex. Families can rent cabins with kitchens to keep down on costs, and even take art classes at the art studio on site.
Snowbird: Snowbird’s summer offerings include the usual hiking and biking, but also gives the families the option of mine and water tunnel tours, GPS/orienteering classes (highly advisable!), a boundless playground, tram rides, and kids’ activities like a bungee trampoline. Snowbird is very close to Salt Lake City, making it an easy stop even for a day.
Park City Mountain Resort: For a one-stop shop for summer alpine fun, Park City Mountain Resort pretty much has it all. The area that used to be The Canyons has now merged with Park City, and its base area is still the happening place for mini-golf, zip lining (on mountain), and a world-class bike park. Kids can also try their hand at a ropes course, alpine slide, alpine coaster, or even join a summer camp.
Deer Valley: Deer Valley, like Park City Mountain Resort, has a bit of everything, making it a good home base for summer adventure if you have kids with competing interests. Their bike park is one of the best in the area, with new and improved ‘flow’ trails in their gravity-based terrain (lift-served). They added an intermediate trail last year, and will add a new beginner trail this year. There’s also all the usual suspects around the base, trampolines and the option of scenic lift rides. Within the resort, families can also horseback ride and paddle board.
Eagle Point: If you’re coming or going to Las Vegas, Southern California, or Arizona, Eagle Point is a great place to stop for some summer fun in a higher (cooler) elevation. This summer, they’ll offer mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and even ATV-riding for families.

Opening and closing dates for all Utah ski resorts this summer:

Alta	June 1 – Sept. 15
Beaver Mountain	TBD
Brian Head	June 26 – September 7
Brighton	Closed for Summer
Canyons	June 18-TDB
Cherry Peak	Summer Concert Series (See Below)
Deer Valley	June 17 – Sept. 5 (Plus weekends till Sept. 18th)
Eagle Point	TBD
Nordic Valley	June 18 – August 27 (weekends)
Park City Mountain Resort	Park City Base: May 27 – Oct. 23 I Canyons Village: June 17 – Sept. 5
Powder Mountain	TBD
Snowbasin Resort	June 11 – Oct. 9 (Open weekends)
Snowbird	June 18 – Oct. 16
Solitude Resort	June 17 – Oct. 2
Sundance	May 20 – Oct. 9

Des Moines area hotel review: Hotel Pattee

June 24, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re looking for charm and character off the beaten path, while still staying close enough to access the fun of a metro area, try the historic Hotel Pattee, in Perry, Iowa. This lovely old building, which first opened in 1913, offers the serenity of a small town location close to nature while still being close to a metro area with lots of attractions.

Art sculptures at the roof top courtyard of Hotel Pattee, photo: Sheila Scarborough

Guests can access the Raccoon River Valley Nature Trail just by crossing the street. (You can rent bicycles next door.) Nearby, you’ll find places to kayak, canoe, and play golf. You can spend a relaxed day in Perry, soaking up the small-town flavor. Or you can make the easy drive (forty minutes of four-lane highway) into Des Moines to take advantage of museums, a living history farm, amusement parks, horse racing, and more.

Room amenities:

Each room in the Hotel Pattee, whether classic, premiere, or suite, is decorated to a theme. The hotel is filled with artwork. Our inner room faced brick walls and a roof, yet when my kids opened the wooden blinds the first morning, they discovered a quirky sculpture park housed in the enclosure. Even more delightful was the discovery of a platter full of chocolate chip cookies (really soft, chunky ones!) on the stairwell landing every evening.

Indian Room, photo credit: Hotel Pattee

Because it’s an older hotel with heavier construction, the rooms are more soundproof than most. We had ample room to walk around two queen beds, two chairs, an ottoman, and a cushy lounge. Even with a rollout cot in the room, we weren’t tight for space. We also had a large bathroom with a jetted tub, separate walk-in shower, and double sinks.

We did not have a refrigerator or microwave, nor is there a swimming pool. However, the hotel does provide free wifi, as well as a hot tub, both dry and steam saunas, and two lanes of bowling, all free to guests, as well as massage and spa options available for an extra fee.

On-site, complimentary bowling

Dining/Entertainment:

While you’re staying at the Hotel Pattee, take advantage of the live music in the lobby on Friday and Saturday nights. Grab a book and lounge in the charming Soumas courtyard, with its fabulous recycled-art gates. Be sure to enjoy Dave’s Milwaukee Diner, which provides great food and train-themed artwork. For breakfast, we recommend the Pain Perdu, a house specialty.

Also take time to visit the nearby Firehouse Ice Cream (which also serves burgers) and Firehouse Museum (free, though they accept donations). If you’re lucky, Brian, the owner, will give you a personal tour. And the hamburgers were out of this world.

Rates:

Rooms start at $114 a night, and packages are available.

Location:

The Hotel Pattee is in Perry, Iowa, at the corner of Willis Avenue and Iowa 144.

My family and I stayed at the Hotel Pattee as guests of the hotel, for the purpose of providing an honest review.

Experiencing Oregon ranching at Aspen Ridge Resort

June 20, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Located in south-central Oregon in the heart of ranching country, Aspen Ridge Resort is one of those tucked-away gems begging to be discovered by families. With cabin-style lodging, a relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of low-tech, low-cost activities right at its doorstep, Aspen Ridge is the type of place parents can take their kids for a true getaway that won’t cost a fortune or run you ragged.

Aspen Ridge’s 14,000 acre spread is a working cattle ranch, and guests are invited to feel part of the dude ranch vibe. Families can horseback ride, or explore on their own, utilizing hiking and biking trails right on the property. Note that the resort is not all-inclusive, as many dude ranches are; rather, it’s dining and horseback riding is added a la carte.

Resort lodging:

The resort offers lodge rooms and suites, and individual cabins. We recommend the latter for families, as cabins include full kitchens and sleep six. They have cozy front porches and plenty of room to spread out. Plus, kids can step right off the porch and find themselves in wilderness and pasture.

Tip: the closest grocery stores to the ranch are in Klamath Falls and Lakeview, Oregon, both an hour’s drive away. Plan to pick up groceries for your stay en route!

Activities:

Horseback riding: Most people want to experience horseback riding while at the ranch. Owner Karen Simmons assures me they are accustomed to riders of all experience levels, from the complete novice to those who have horses of their own. Since Aspen Ridge is a working cattle ranch, their livestock are the focus of every ride they take. Guests can join wranglers as they monitor animal health, doctor sick animals, check moms and babies during calving season, sort, gather or simply scatter cattle around the ranch. For young children unable to control an animal, they offer a riding experience in a round corral or horse pasture. Adult horseback rides are $45.00/person/ride (approximately two hours) and child horseback rides are $30.00/hour/horse.

Additional on-site activities: Families can play tennis, hike and ride bikes (trails are on-property). The resort lake has swimming and catch-and-release (it’s stocked). Fishers just need an Oregon fishing license which can be purchased at many retail locations or online through the Oregon Fish & Wildlife Department.

Note: Aspen Ridge is off the grid – internet reception is limited to the main lodge and cell service is non-existent. It’s excellent!

Off-site activities: Guests can discover turn-of-the-century homestead remains, enjoy bird watching and wildflower hunting (both especially plentiful in the spring and early summer), or check out our many lakes and streams within easy driving distance. Outside the ranch the Corral Creek Trailhead to the Gearhart Wilderness is approximately a forty-five minute drive. From there, it’s an easy mile hike to the Palisades, an area with spectacular rock formations and a big view of the valley below.

Dining:

Families will likely cook most meals in their cabins, but won’t want to miss the lodging dining for at least a few meals. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and offers options for the whole family. The dinner menu consists primarily of USDA Choice steaks as well as chicken and children’s portions. Entrees are BBQed over mesquite charcoal on the lodge’s back deck.

The menu is available online here: http://www.aspenrr.com/menu.htm. Reservations are required for dinner, but guests are welcome to walk-in for breakfast and lunch.

If you go: be sure to ask what ranching activities will be happening during your stay. For instance, kids love being at the ranch during calving season, when they can accompany ranch hands to check on newborn calves.

Cost:

Cabins start at $180/night (see this page for full pricing). Be sure to budget extra for horseback riding and a few lodge meals, but otherwise, ranch activities are free.

Directions:

Aspen Ridge Resort is located in Bly, Oregon, about one hour from Klamath Falls. Full directions.

How to spend three days in SW Louisiana

June 13, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Southwest Louisiana has something for everyone: families will find rich culinary traditions, incredible wildlife, history, and adventure. Plus, there’s plenty in the way of relaxation and play. Whether you come to Louisiana for the cajun cooking, festivals like Mardi Gras, or to glimpse an alligator, here’s how to spend three days in SW Louisiana, act like a local, and get (almost) everything done:

Day 1: Creole Nature Trail

First things first in SW Louisiana! In addition to checking out the cajun food scene (see link below), families will want to explore the wildlife of the area. The Creole Nature Trail is a 180 mile driving loop that takes you from the city to the rice fields, marshes, intra-tidal areas, and gulf coast, where kids can see tons of birds, snakes, alligators, and turtles. Plan to devote a day!

Read our guide to the Creole Nature Trail.

Day 2: Fishing excursion on Big Lake

At least once while in Louisiana, try to eat your own fresh catch! This region is well known for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, and numerous guide services are available to get you out on the water. We checked out Big Lake Guide Service, which offers day trips and multi-day camps year round. While our excursion got rained out (which happens here and there in spring), we spoke extensively to owner Jeff Poe. Jeff assured us that kids are welcome (parents can determine what age they’re ready, though in his experience, 8 years and up is a good benchmark). They fish in both fresh and brackish water (lake water), as well as trips to the gulf for ocean fishing. Half day trips are possible, and Jeff can provide rods and reels. For serious fishing families, Big Lake Guide Service also provides lodging right on the lake, in duplexes with the option of catered meals.

Do you need to have a guide? It’s recommended. When we spoke with Jeff, he explained techniques for successful fishing he’s honed in decades of fishing SW Louisiana. Families can, however, fish from gulf piers and marsh areas in Cameron Parish (along the Creole Nature Trail), provided they have their own gear and license. (Be careful about alligators.) In addition, everyone is welcome to try their hand at clamming in the marshes (no license or guide necessary).

If you go: be sure to take advantage of SW Louisiana’s unique ‘Catch and Cook’ program, where participating chefs at area restaurants will cook your catch for you the same day! You do need to set this up ahead of time.

Day 3: Cajun history and relaxation

There’s a lot of history in Lake Charles, Sulphur, and greater SW Louisiana. With young kids, start at the colorful and stimulating Mardi Gras Museum, in historic downtown Lake Charles. The museum houses more than 180 costumes from past Mardi Gras, with even more in storage. The museum has almost outgrown itself in its current location, and the winding hallways are literally stuffed with sequins, headdresses, and floats! Location: 809 Kirby/In the Central School Arts & Humanities Center, Lake Charles, LA

While in the area, use the free historic tour app provided by the city to check out the historic districts of Charpentier, Margaret Place, or Shell Beach Drive to see classic examples of early 1900s Lake Charles architecture or magnificent plantation style homes. You can drive these neighborhoods, walk them, or even take a carriage ride.

In Sulphur, the Brimstone Museum is a small but very well-done museum dedicated the the region’s sulphur mining in the late 1800s. Kids will like the displays, and the fact that the museum is located in an old train depot. It won’t take long to tour. Location: 900 Huntington, Sulphur LA

Read our top restaurant recommendations for SW Louisiana.

Paint and create with a local artist: If you need a break from the heat and want an indoor activity, head to Arts’ Desire, located in Lake Charles. Run by a local artist who makes it a priority to help kids create their own authentic projects that celebrate the area, Arts’ Desire has classic paint-your-own ceramics as well as more unique projects, such as ‘fish painting’ (you use an actual fish to imprint onto wood or paper). Location: 1322 Ryan, Lake Charles, LA

Enjoy the afternoon by the pool: Not staying at one of the major resort casinos, with their acres of pools, lazy rivers, and spa services? You can actually get a day pass. Both L’Auberge and Golden Nugget offer pool passes for families ($30 for adults, less for kids), and while the entry price seems steep, you get far more than just a pool. Both have lazy rivers with inner tubes, hot tubs, family pools, cabanas and food services, and Golden Nugget has tube slides. Personally, we don’t like staying at casino hotels, but we’d absolutely enjoy their pool complexes on hot days! Parents can also get a spa day pass, which gives them access to the relaxation rooms, saunas, and steam rooms at the spa.

Check out a festival! When most people think about Louisiana festivals, Mardi Gras comes to mind. And Lake Charles does have a family-friendly celebration! However, fewer people know about Contraband Days, which celebrates the area’s buccaneering past. ‘Pirates’ raid the shore, landing at the seawall in Lake Charles to force the mayor to walk the plank (which he’s a very good sport about). There’s a carnival and food vendors, plus live entertainment. Learn what festival may be ongoing during your visit.

Where to stay in the area:

The Best Western Plus is located conveniently to anywhere you’d want to go in Lake Charles and the greater area. Families will get a decent free breakfast, free parking, and free wifi. There’s a small indoor pool. For a more resort experience, the casino resorts mentioned above have live entertainment and spa services, but there IS gaming (thanks to the casino floors in this area technically being on ‘water’ instead of land). If you dislike gaming hotels, know this going in.

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Driving the Creole Nature Trail in SW Louisiana

June 8, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

One of only a handful of All American Roads, the Creole Nature Trail runs in a loop of 180 miles, with numerous wildlife refuges, gulf beaches, and marshes along the way. Driving the Creole Nature Trail sounds like a lot of miles, but can easily be done in a day. It was the highlight of my trip to SW Louisiana.

Along the way, families will find wildlife refuges, beaches, piers, and even a local seafood diner, and view locals crabbing, fishing, and birding. The trail is located in rural Cameron Parish, where alligators far out number people, and during most of the drive, visitors will find themselves nearly alone in nature. There are 479 species of birds alone in Louisiana, and during our visit, we saw countless varieties, as well as alligators, porpoises, shore birds, turtles, and snakes.

How to plan your day driving the Creole Nature Trail:

Start at Adventure Point, a nature center located in Sulphur, just outside Lake Charles. Here, the helpful staff can give you a map and help you plan your route. You an also download the free app (search for ‘creole’ and it will pop right up.) Kids will learn more about the area’s eco-systems at several interactive displays at the center. For instance, you can try your hand at crabbing technique and ‘sample’ cajun foods via sniffing bottles. At Adventure Point, you’ll learn that there are few gas stations, restaurants, and bathrooms along the trail, and the staff can help you know where to stop!

You can access the trail from either Sulphur or Lake Charles, via I-10. Just follow the map given to you in the center. You can traverse it from either direction. We started in Lake Charles, so I’ll detail the best stops for the loop from that direction.

Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge:

At Cameron Prairie, stop at the visitor’s center to learn more about bird species in the area. The Creole Trail is located under two major flyways, which means there’s opportunity to see the many birds that migrate across the Gulf of Mexico, especially in spring and fall. Behind the center, there’s a boardwalk out onto the marsh to spot birds (look for the cardinal that takes up residence here). On the boardwalk in front of the center, look for turtles in the pond.

Hit the bathrooms here if needed, because there aren’t more for some time. Next, check out Pintail Wildlife Drive and Boardwalk, right nearby. This three mile gravel driving loop is the ideal place to spot alligators (you’re not allowed to bike or walk it due to the number of alligators here). There is, however, a half-mile boardwalk you can walk; we saw alligators and snakes up VERY close here.

Grosse Savanne Eco-Tours:

As you head along the trail after Cameron Prairie, you’ll be driving toward the Gulf. First, however, Grosse-Savanne Eco-Tours is worth a slight detour. The only activity along the trail that will have a fee, Grosse-Savanne offers two-hour boat tours with knowledgable local guides. Out on the water, we were able to see numerous birds and animals up close and personal, and had someone with us who could tell us what we were seeing.

As a photographer, I was in heaven; I must have shot hundreds of images of egrets, warblers, ducks, cranes, alligators, water snakes, and beautiful lily pads. We navigated the canals of both fresh and saltwater marshes slowly, taking time to stop in hidden coves to spy birds’ nests and alligator slides. Tours cost $75/pp for two hours, and I do highly recommend budgeting for this activity. (Bring sunscreen and bug spray.)

Lunch at T-Boy’s:

By this time, you’re going to be hungry. Stop at one of the only restaurants in Cameron Parish, T-Boy’s. This diner in Creole is located where you’ll turn right onto the gulf shore. It’s rough-around-the-edges, but very friendly, and serves authentic cajun meals. You’ll find the usual fried foods, such as fish and shrimp, but also po-boys, grilled seafood, burgers, and homemade potato salad. Kids can get grilled cheese, too. The ladies who run this place are energetic and welcoming.

Cameron Ferry:

Take the five-minute Cameron Ferry ($5 per car) across the water where Big Lake meets the coast. Let the kids out of the car for a few minutes, and be sure to look for porpoises in the bay. Apparently there’s one called Pinkie, due to her pink coloring. We didn’t see her, unfortunately!

Cameron Jetty or Holly Beach:

If you want to spend some time at the beach, stop at Cameron Jetty to watch fishermen and play on the sand, or head to Holly Beach (more scenic). Neither beach will be great for swimming or wading; the water of the Gulf here is almost brown due to nutrients found in it. However, it’s a good place to see shore birds, look for porpoises, and stretch the legs. (You’ll find public bathrooms at Jetty Pier.)

Sabine National Nature Refuge:

If you want to look for more birds in a more wooded setting, take a detour to see Peveto Woods Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary, further out the coast. However, I was told it can be hard for amateur birders to see as much here. If you don’t have time for it, head north at Holly Beach instead, and head to Sabine. You can walk on more boardwalks here, and see song birds as well as more alligators.

Note: The visitors centers, beaches, and refuges are all free along the Creole Trail. You’ll only pay for gas, lunch, and $5 for the ferry. Of course, if you opt for the eco-tour, that will be an extra expense (recommended).

Directions:

Adventure Point is located at 2740 Ruth Street (exit 20) in Sulphur. The trail is accessed via I-10.

Exploring Garden of the Gods, Illinois

May 18, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

One of the prime attractions in the Shawnee National Forest, which covers 280,000 acres in Southern Illinois, is Garden of the Gods, a collection of fantastic rock formations that towers above a vast expanse of wilderness. The short hiking trail there makes this a great place to let the kids get up close and personal with nature.

The most famous rock formation is called the camel, but there are many others along the trail, each one beautiful in its own right and showcasing different geological processes and features. It’s a paradise for kids who like to climb, and the views are expansive and beautiful.

A well-groomed walking trail lined with paving stones opens the rock formations to most families. If you have babies or new walkers, you’ll want a carrier or a jogging stroller. There are hills and a few steps, but our four-year-old did just fine on his own two feet. For older kids and adults, the U.S. Forest Service has provided QR codes and a call-in number for a guided tour as well as interpretive signs along the path.

The trail can be walked in 30-45 minutes, but if you explore the formations in depth, you can spend several hours. Garden of the Gods is largely wilderness, which means nothing is off limits for climbing. It’s a fabulous opportunity for the adventuresome souls in your party.

However, “wilderness” also means there are no safety railings. That being said, I was not overly worried about my crowd of four kids. From the trail, the dropoffs look abrupt, but once you get to the “edge,” you generally find several lower levels of rock preceding the long drop. Still, parents will want to take reasonable precautions. We kept our developmentally disabled daughter well away from the edge, and our four-year-old, who sees every even surface as a race track and every uneven one as a launch pad, was required to hold an adult’s hand when he ventured onto the rocks.

This is a remote location and the only services are a pair of pit-style outhouses. Come prepared with your own water and snacks, but leave them in the car and come back when you need them, as they are not allowed on the hiking trail. Garden of the Gods is a place set up to enjoy the splendor of the outdoors in its natural state.

Location:

The Garden of the Gods lies southeast of Harrisburg, Ill., between Illinois Routes 34 and 1.