state - Pitstops for Kids

Portland happy hour picks: Where to go for happy hour with or without the kids in Portland

March 15, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re visiting Portland without the kids, have older kids with discerning tastes (as mine have become as they get older) or have younger children who appreciate great dining atmosphere over crayons and chicken nuggets (not mine at that age!), you’ll want to try one (or all!) of the following Portland restaurants with happy hour deals, lively ambiance, and a true Portland city feel.

23 Hoyt:

Located at 529 NW 23rd Avenue, 23 Hoyt is in the heart of the quaint Northwest district of Portland and offers a cozy atmosphere in winter and open, bright atmosphere in summer. Their happy hour (ending at 6 pm at the time of our visit) is one of the best deals in the city, offering extensive cocktails for as little as $3. My blood orange martini was stellar. After happy hour, stay for dinner to enjoy a casual but lively environment that’s still tame enough for the kids.

Pazzo Ristorante:

A Kimpton restaurant located adjacent (and attached to) the Kimpton Hotel Vintage Plaza at 627 SW Washington Street, Pazzo Ristorante is a moderately-priced Italian restaurant with far from moderate food. Their bar area is separate from dining seating, so if you have kids in tow, you can order drinks at the table. Otherwise, soak up the ambiance of this warm, inviting interior at a bar table overlooking the street. The food at Pazzo is stellar: try the butternut squash ravioli as well as the peppered bread brought to each table. Read more about Pazzo Ristorante following our recent Pazzo giveaway.

Special offer for Pit Stops for Kids readers: now through March 31, mention that you saw our recent Pazzo Ristorante dinner giveaway when making your reservation, and receive 20% off your meal!

Thirst Bistro:

Located at 0315 SW Montgomery St #340 along the RiverPlace Escalade, Thirst Bistro is small and intimate, and a great place to pop into during happy hour while walking along the river front. Grab drinks and tapas here, then stay for a light dinner, or walk a few doors down to RiverPlace hotel’s Three Degrees Waterfront Bar and Grill for a family-friendly meal that will satisfy the adults as well as the kids. Children can watch the boats on the river, and parents can always take restless kids for a short walk to see goose and ducks while waiting for food.

Photo credit

Atlanta History Center with kids

March 8, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

During a family vacation to Atlanta, absolutely do not overlook the Atlanta History Center, located well out of downtown in the neighborhood of Buckhead. This sprawling museum on 33 wooded acres is tucked into the heart of a beautiful Atlanta neighborhood and is both peaceful and thought-provoking. For families visiting from outside the South, it’s especially fascinating to learn about local Civil War and Olympic Games history.

The Atlanta History Center is absolutely a full-scale, serious museum that will satisfy grown-ups, but it’s still very accessible to kids. To the side of the main lobby is a children’s play area that’s seen better days, but don’t let that fool you. The Civil War Turning Point gallery includes multimedia presentations for each section, as well as interactive exhibits that ask kids questions and pose ethical dilemmas. In the Olympic Games gallery, kids can take part in a multi-step quiz game that takes them throughout the exhibit.

The current traveling exhibit, Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello is geared toward older school-aged kids, but is absolutely fascinating. Adults will learn right along with kids about the families of slaves, and their fates, of Monticello, and information is presented in a way that engages kids into the story behind the history.

Families with younger kids and toddlers will still find much to do outdoors, where wooded trails and a garden of native Georgian plants adorn an old rock quarry. Families can take a guided tour through the Smith Family Farm, or look through the outbuildings, barn, and slave cabin on their own. Guided tours of the adjacent Swan House is also not to be missed, as it tours families through a Southern mansion from the 1920s-30s era complete with original furnishings. Our guide did an excellent job describing the day-to-day life of the family who called it home, and kids will enjoy seeing children’s bedrooms from that period.

It’s worth checking the Atlanta History Center website for events and seasonal activities, as they offer monthly events (many of which are ideal for kids). Plan on 3-4 hours to tour the museum and grounds, including time to eat a meal at one of two restaurants.

Date last visited:

February 10, 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Several minutes from I-75.

Admission:

Tickets are $16.50 for adults and $11 for kids (3-12), but you can save $2 by buying online, and admission includes the guided tours of the historical houses as well as the Margaret Mitchell House downtown. Atlanta History Center is also included in Atlanta CityPASS (recommended).

Save up to 43% on Atlanta’s 5 best attractions with CityPASS. Shop Now!

Hours of operation:

Monday-Saturday 10 am to 5:30 pm, Sundays noon-5:30 pm. Of note: museum restaurants are not open on Sundays.

Parking:

Free garage parking

Directions:

The museum is located at 130 West Paces Ferry Road, Buckhead area. Due to its distance from main streets, public transit is not recommended (by us). Taxis are approximately $20 from downtown.

As we disclose whenever applicable, we experienced the center as guests of Atlanta tourism, for the purpose of review. This hospitality came with no expectation of positive review.

Atlanta with kids: visiting the CNN Center

March 6, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

The CNN Center is an impressive family attraction in Atlanta, and because it’s located conveniently adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park attractions, it’s definitely worth a visit.

If you have young kids, it will be enough to walk into this vast building, take in all the international flags and large globe, and stop by the fun stores, such as a Cartoon Network store and Atlanta Braves store. You can grab a bite to eat at any number of food court offerings, and find spacious and clean bathrooms. If you have school-aged kids, you’ll want to take the time for a Inside CNN Studio Tour.

The tour takes about 50 minutes, and takes visitors up the world’s longest freestanding escalator (eight floors) to the CNN news rooms, ‘Situation Room’, and other TV studios. Our tour guide spoke a bit fast, but was overall a good source of information. We learned about the various equipment used in typical CNN news rooms, from tele-prompters to green screens, then saw some broadcasts in action. Perhaps the most interesting part of the tour was at the beginning, when we were shown–as it played out live–how the various feeds are fed into the on-air broadcast. We were there while Storm Nemo battered the Boston area, and saw a weather reporter nearly hit by a truck pulling out from a gas station! All was well that ended well, but it made me wonder whether CNN tours continue was very dire news hits.

Preschoolers and toddlers will not find the tour interesting, but kids approximately 8 and up will really enjoy it, and learn a lot as well, such as what the anchors do during commercials (chat with each other and wait) and what happens when you wear green against a green screen (you disappear like Harry Potter in his invisibility cloak).

Note: there is no food or drink on the tour, nor any bathrooms. Plan accordingly! You will also go through security, and your bags will be searched. You’ll notice a heavy security presence everywhere in CNN Center. Sadly, I’m sure it’s warranted.

Date last visited:

February 9, 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Several minutes off of I-75/85.

Tour Admission:

$15 for adults, $14 for teens (13-17), and $12 for kids 4-12. This attraction is included in Atlanta CityPASS and you’ll get the best value this way or through Go Select packages (see below).

Save up to 43% on Atlanta’s 5 best attractions with CityPASS. Shop Now!

Hours:

9 am- 5 pm Monday through Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm. Tours are best on Mondays through Fridays, when the newsrooms are most active.

Dining:

There’s a decent cafeteria on site, though be advised that it’s as costly as all museum and aquarium cafes. The line moves fast, however, and there’s plenty of seating.

Directions:

The CNN Center is located at Marietta and Centennial Park Drive. A parking garage is located nearby at 178 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. Park there in the morning and stay in the park area all day, visiting other Centennial Olympic Park attractions.

Learn what else there is to do in the Centennial Olympic Park area of Atlanta!

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced the CNN Insider Tour as guests, for the purpose of review. While appreciated, this hospitality did not come with expectation of a positive review.

Family attractions in Atlanta: Georgia Aquarium with kids

March 4, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

We visit a lot of aquariums, so I say this on pretty good authority: the Georgia Aquarium is one of the best we’ve experienced in the country. What makes it so great? Fully immersive exhibits and an easy-to-navigate layout.

The Georgia Aquarium is designed in a way to resemble a hub and spokes. Instead of cavernous rooms that link together, making it hard for families to make sure they tour everything, each of the Georgia Aquarium exhibits take you in a generalized loop, bringing you back every time to the hub. The main atrium is spacious and light, which helps with the ‘I’m trapped underground for hours’ feeling of some aquariums, and the cafe seating and dolphin show are upstairs (along with the turtle exhibit), allowing kids to look down on all the possibilities while taking a break for lunch or a snack.

But that’s just the practical stuff. On the fun side, the exhibits are unique compared to the usual aquarium fodder. I loved the River Scout section with its setting that transports you to a river bayou/swamp environment with clear tubes for kids to climb through to see sea life better, overhead tanks, and peep holes of fish.

The Tropical Diver section is similar in that the tanks and their inhabitants surround you on three sides: left, right, and above. Glance up at any given moment, and you might see a giant string ray gliding gracefully past, or a shark crossing overhead. Most interesting for small children are the divers in the exhibit (be sure to catch the many shows where they talk to visitors from underwater, educating on the sea life.

There’s an Ocean Voyager gallery and a Cold Water Quest, where you can watch beluga whales swim playfully. I could have sat and watched them all day. Nearby are the California sea otters and other kelp forest dwellers. When young kids get restless (or you simply tire of keeping them on task as they tour, visitors can step into a large play space with a boat to climb, tube and ball pits, and the like. My only complaint is that this play area is located right near the entrance, enticing kids then they first arrive. I imagine many parents must talk their kids into continuing into the rest of the aquarium. Better if it were located near the back of the hub.

There are animal interactions and shows throughout each day, and scheduled Dolphin Tale shows will wow…and be a great way to restore some energy after walking through the galleries for some time.

Date last visited:

February 9, 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Several minutes off of I-75/85.

Admission:

$23.95 for kids ($29.95 weekends). $28.95 for adults ($34.95 weekends). This attraction is included in Atlanta CityPASS and you’ll get the best value this way or in a Smart Destinations Atlanta card (see below).

Visit Atlanta’s “Georgia Aquarium” and 4 other attractions at a savings of up to 43% with CityPASS. Shop Now!

Hours:

10 am- 5 pm Sunday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm Saturdays.

Dining:

There’s a decent cafeteria on site, though be advised that it’s as costly as all museum and aquarium cafes. The line moves fast, however, and there’s plenty of seating.

Directions:

From I-75/85, take Exit 249C Williams Street. Turn right onto Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, to 121 Baker Street NW. A parking garage is located nearby at 178 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. Park there in the morning and stay in the park area all day, visiting other Centennial Olympic Park attractions.

Find other things to do around Centennial Olympic Park with kids!

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Georgia Aquarium as guests, for the purpose of review. While appreciated, this hospitality did not come with expectation of a positive review.

Touring Atlanta’s World of Coca-Cola

February 28, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Stepping into Atlanta’s famous World of Coca-Cola, I didn’t know what to expect. Was this popular attraction a factory tour, a museum, or just one big ad for Coke? Turns out, it’s a little bit of all three. While it won’t be the most meaningful stop on your Atlanta intinerary with kids, it will be fun…don’t skip it!

Visitors are first led into a large room filled with Coca-Cola advertising and products from the past century (think of a menorabealia wall at Hard Rock Cafe), where a tour guide gives an overview of the company’s founder and the invention of Coke. You’re then led through to a large theater, where you watch an odd (but somewhat endearing) six minute film that’s basically one big Coke commercial (but Coke commercials aren’t the worst, right?).

You’re then let loose to explore the remaining exhibits at your own pace. You can see the vault where the secret formula for Coke is supposedly located, which includes a well-done exhibit detailing the history of Coke, and you can get a good overview of Coke marketing and programs over the years. Kids can meet the Coca-Cola polar bear, though be prepared for a line.

The best part of the World of Coke is, in our opinion, the upstairs tasting room. Filled with soda fountains offering Coke products from around the world, the tasting room allows kids (and parents) to sample over 100 types of Coke (yes, a sugar rush is involved). I really enjoyed samples from countries in Africa and Asia for their novelty.

Upon exiting World of Coke (though a large gift shop, of course), everyone is offered a free bottle of Coca-Cola, which you can take to go.

Date last visited:

February 9, 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Several minutes off of I-75/85.

Admission:

$16 for adults, $12 for kids ages 3-12. Discounts can be found using Atlanta CityPASS or a Go Select card (see below).

Visit Atlanta’s “World of Coca-Cola” and 4 more Atlanta attractions at a savings of up to 43% with CityPASS. Shop Now!

Hours:

Hours vary with season. Check website for deals, but general hours are 10 am-6:30 pm.

Directions:

Find other things to do with kids in and around Centennial Olympic Park!

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced World of Coke as guests, for the purpose of review. While appreciated, this hospitality did not come with expectation of a positive review.

What to do with kids around Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta

February 25, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

What used to be an area tourists rarely had reason to visit transformed into an epicenter of Atlanta family fun upon the creation of Centennial Olympic Park for the 1996 Olympic Games. Now, kids have their pick of nearby attractions and outdoor play areas, as well as restaurants and lodging. What to do in Centennial Olympic Park with kids:

Enjoy playgrounds and fountains:

When the weather is warm, enjoy the park’s two playgrounds (one is full accessible for all abilities) and many splash fountains and reflecting ponds. Near the CNN Center, find plenty of outdoor seating, and throughout the park, find wide lawns and open spaces, as well as unique sculptures.

Explore the CNN Center:

Atlanta’s CNN Center is the CNN network’s world headquarters. Take a tour of the studios with older kids, or simply stop in to check out the Cartoon Network Store or Atlanta Braves store with kids of all ages.

Spend a few hours (at least) at Pemberton Place:

Home to both the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola, this square also houses outdoor seating, street performers, and dining. The Georgia Aquarium is one of the best we’ve experienced in the country (allow for at least three hours), and the World of Coke is an Atlanta institution, offering fun museum-quality exhibits and a huge cola tasting room (just be prepared for plenty of advertising)!

Grab lunch almost anywhere, including:

Inside the CNN Center
In the park (burger and sandwich shop)
At Pemberton Place (indoor/outdoor hot dog and salad location)
Inside the Georgia Aquarium (family-friendly cafeteria)

Where to stay near Centennial Olympic Park with kids: The Omni Atlanta is located right in the CNN Center. Very impressive! If you want to be steps away from the center and the park, this is where to be. If you don’t mind a five block walk and want lower rates and a better pool, opt for the Sheraton Atlanta.

Sheraton Atlanta: where to stay in Atlanta with kids

February 21, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

The best feature of the Sheraton Atlanta is the pool. No. make that the hotel layout around the pool. Comprised of a huge glass-ceilinged atrium with plants and Southern style design, the pool area is located at the center of the Sheraton, right past the lobby on the second floor. A large free-form heated pool and hot tub are situated around a tasteful and almost beautiful indoor setting. The rooms surrounding it all feature miniature patios that open directly onto the pool area, and include small tables and chairs, enabling parents to sit right outside their rooms and share a bottle of wine, snacks, or read a book or paper while the kids swim.

Right next to the pool deck is the fitness center (also central from the pool side rooms), and overlooking the pool deck on the third floor are two restaurants: Fandangles is finer dining, and Collage is casual. The Fandangles patio seating overlooks the pool area. I love how easy it is for families to enjoy the pool and relax with poolside rooms! (Third floor pool view rooms include balconies overlooking the pool instead of patios.)

Besides the awesome pool and layout, there’s nothing very flashy about this Sheraton (which is a Starwood property…be sure to give the front desk your Starwood membership number if you have one). The hotel does not include a free breakfast, but Club Rooms do include a continental breakfast, and room rates are only slightly higher. Otherwise, The Deli is located in the restaurant area, and offers coffee, juices, donuts, pastries, and cereal and milk. Room service is also available.

The Sheraton is only approximately five blocks from Centennial Olympic Park and the CNN Center area, and only two blocks from the Peachtree Center shopping and MARTA station, as well as from Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta. There’s a concierge desk and bell services, and taxi cabs are easy to get our front. Note: if location directly adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park is important to you, you may want to look into Omni Atlanta.

Date last visited:

February 2013

Room amenities:

It’s definitely worth the slight upgrade for a pool-side room. Standard rooms are on the small side, but with the patio and pool, it will hardly matter. Bathrooms are also small, so prepare yourself for that. Rooms include WiFi you need to pay for, Starbucks coffee, comfortable beds, and robes. The one thing Sheraton Atlanta rooms really lack are mini fridges, but I’m told these will be added to all rooms later this year. This is good news, as the lack of fridges can be a deal breaker for me!

Room rates:

At the time of my visit, room rates started at $135 per night.

Directions:

The hotel is located on Courtland Street, right off I-75. From I-75 going south, follow into Downtown Atlanta. Take exit number 249A Courtland Street. You will merge onto Courtland Street going one way. The hotel will be on the left just after the third traffic, crossing Andrew Young International Boulevard. The hotel entrance will be the second driveway on the left.

Parking is only $22 per night for self-parking, and $29 per night for valet. Given the valet prices I saw across the city, this price felt very reasonable.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced a hosted stay at the Sheraton Atlanta, for the purpose of review. While the hospitality is appreciated, it does not come with expectation of a positive review.

5 Laguna Beach parks to visit while waiting for the fog to clear

February 11, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Laguna Beach California is a mecca for sun, surf, and sand. It’s casual while still offering luxurious hotels and fine dining, relaxed while still upscale. The only downside? Families can find themselves with time to kill during spring and summer Laguna Beach mornings, waiting for the fog to clear. Where to play while you wait? Our top five park picks for Laguna Beach:

Bluebird Park:

A hidden gem used by the locals, Bluebird Park is located on the hillside, where it’s almost always sunnier. From Hwy 1, take Cress Street up the hill (directions). Through the Bluebird gate, kids will find new play structures (big and little), bike and scooter paths, a three-story rocket ship with slides, more slides built right into the hillside, and fun concrete tunnels and bridges. The local Boys and Girls Club is located adjacent, and the kids often use the park space, but are always supervised. There are no food services, so bring a snack! Parking is on the street.

Main Beach:

Main Beach park is easy to located–you guessed it–right on Main Beach. You’ll see it as you stroll the boardwalk, down by Greeter’s Corner. The small play area features swings and a play structure, but there’s always sand play as well. In the mornings, keep your eyes peeled for dolphin pods swimming off the shore, especially in summer. The toy store across the street is a great place to pick up fun beach gear for later in the day. Parking is on the street (and metered). You may need to walk a few blocks.

Aliso Creek:

This public beach features the nicest beach-side playground in the area. Parking is ample (and overflow parking is available across the street. Located a short distance south of Laguna Beach, directly on the PCH, Aliso Creek is easy to spot with plenty of signage. You’ll see a large play structure next to Aliso Creek. Grab a spot early on the beach and play at the park until the weather clears. The Montage Laguna Beach is located at the other end of Aliso Creek beach, and families can walk through its grounds to see the beautiful gardens and views.

Laguna Terrace area park:

We don’t even know the name for this park! (If you do, please let us know in the comments!) It’s another great one for the younger set, and it’s located directly off the PCH across the street from the Montage Laguna Beach and next to a shopping center with Albertsons, Starbucks, and more. Take the street south of the Albertson’s entrance and go up the hill one block. Turn into the parking lot for the park (a primary school will be on your left). You’ll find lots of play structures with a rubber padded ground covering, swings, basketball courts, and fun hills to roll down. You can see the ocean from the park, so you’ll be ready to hit the beach when the fog clears.

Heisler Park:

These walking trails and open spaces above Main Beach are often overlooked, but are a great place for kids to burn off energy in the mornings, or in the evenings after dinner with an ice cream to watch the sunset. The paths are not terribly steep, and the views are magnificent. Look for whales migrating in the spring and fall! You’ll encounter lots of wedding parties and other people taking portraits here, so it can get crowded (though rarely in the mornings.

What parks do you love in Laguna Beach? Let us know! Photo credit.

Appalachian Trail eco-lodge: AMC’s Highland Center Lodge with kids

February 4, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Ready to get your family into the great outdoors? The Highland Center Lodge at Crawford Notch, New Hampshire is the perfect place to start—this family-friendly eco-lodge is a big step up from camping, but a welcome step away from hotels packed with amenities that you’ll never use (think day spas and formal dinners). The Appalachian Mountain Club is known for its network of hike or ski-in huts, but these can be too rustic or inaccessible when you’re traveling with very young kids. The Highland Center Lodge is a great base camp for exploring all the hiking and skiing in the White Mountains, while enjoying the amenities that are so crucial to families: a hot shower, comfortable beds, and simple but delicious food served in a family-friendly style.

Situated on the Appalachian Trail, a primary goal of the AMC is to promote a love and understanding of the outdoors. At the Highland Center, they believe that getting kids outside and educating them about the environment is an important first step to raising a generation of conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts. I couldn’t agree more. Crawford Notch was chosen as the site for the Highland Center because it’s at the gateway to the White Mountains and offers plenty of breathtaking scenery (it’s a leaf peepers’ paradise, I’m told!), but the terrain surrounding the lodge is mild enough that most hikes are easy or moderate, making it very accessible to young kids.

Need to be back in time for nap? No problem. Many hikes around the lodge are short enough to be done in a morning or afternoon. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for a little adventure, there are plenty of more challenging hikes at your doorstep. There are also many activities organized for kids and adults at the Highland Center. We enjoyed a cross country ski tour at nearby Bretton Woods, a tutorial on snow shelter building (a favorite of our 4 year old!), and a guided tour on a relatively easy hike to nearby Gibbs Falls. Without a doubt, no one is bored at the Highland Center!

The Highland Center caters primarily to young families and empty nesters looking for moderate hikes, friendly service, and a casual atmosphere. No need to dress for dinner—just ditch your boots and come as you are! The rooms are set up for families too—there are a few configurations to choose from, but most include a double bed and some bunk beds for the kids. Downstairs you’ll find a game room for kids and the L.L. Bean room, which offers free gear for guests. For me, this was one of the most thoughtful aspects of the lodge, and is a testament to the mission statement of the AMC. At the Highland Center, there’s no need to break the bank buying outdoor gear that your family will only use once: clothes, outerwear, boots, packs, sleeping bags, snowshoes and more are all available free of charge for guests to check out during their stay. You know the saying: in New Hampshire there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes!

The Highland Center Lodge is a vacation your family can feel good about. By visiting the Highland Center, you’re not only giving your family a great vacation and an opportunity to learn more about the outdoors. You’re also supporting an organization that promotes conservation, education, and fosters a love of the outdoors in young people all over the northeast.

Date last visited:

January 11, 2013

Distance from the interstate:

The Highland Center Lodge is about 20 miles off I-93 at exit 35 between Lincoln and Franconia, NH.

Seasonal information and lodge availability:

The Highland Center is open year round, and offers something for every season. There is hiking, swimming, and kayaking during the summer; leaf peeping in the fall; snowshoeing and skiing (cross country and downhill at nearby Bretton Woods) in the winter; and, umm…probably a lot of mud in the spring.

Room rates:

Prices start at $82/night, per adult and go up to about $142/night, per adult, depending on whether or not you’re an AMC member, and the setup of your room (private vs. shared bath, for example). However, breakfast and dinner are included in all rates. Also, the Highland Center offers discount tickets for cross country and downhill skiing at Bretton Woods. These can be included in a package with accommodations.

Dining:

Breakfast and dinner are included with all lodging, and lunch is offered on site for a modest price. Vegetarian and kids’ options are available. The food is hearty, simple, and delicious—just what you’ll want after a day on the trails.

Directions:

Directions and driving times from nearby cities are listed on the website, and are also available on YahooMaps and GoogleMaps.

As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I experienced the Highland Center Lodge as guests of the AMC, for the purpose of review. As always, this offer came with no expectation of a positive review.

Big White Dog Sled Tours

January 25, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

I thoroughly enjoyed every outdoor activity I tried during our family vacation at Big White Ski Resort, but I think flying down a nordic trail pulled by a team of sled dogs was my favorite (don’t tell). I arrived for my Big White dog sledding experience with my mom, a long-time follower of the Iditerod and dog-lover. We met with Tim, Big White’s resident dog musher, and his team of dogs at their kennel situated near the multi-use trails. From the minute we arrived, we were both entranced.

Unlike some sled dogs, Tim’s team is friendly and enthusiastic to meet people, so we were able to become acquainted while Tim gave us some background on the dogs (some of which are retired Iditerod athletes), his mission as a musher, and the kinesiology behind what makes a great sled dog. Some dog sledding ventures will simply put you on a sled and take your money, but as soon as we started talking to Tim, it was obvious that he cares as much about educating guests on sled dogs and the sled dog culture as he does about ensuring you have a great ride.

After learning what the dogs eat (let’s just say they probably eat better than you and me), where they sleep (in cozy crates nested with straw), and whether they get along with one another (better than my kids), Tim started the process of harnessing them for our sledding trip. As soon as he got the slip of paper out of his pocket on which he’d listed today’s ‘line-up’, the previous calm and quiet kennel erupted in noise rivaling that of a soccer stadium after a goal. “No matter if they just ran, they want to run again,” Tim explained, and my mom and I both noted that this canine characteristic–unbridled enthusiasm–is one of the things that makes us love dogs.

With the team finally picked, the dogs on the ‘sideline’ set to wailing and barking while Tim explained to us the process of departing. With a brake set in the snow to prevent the excited dogs from sprinting away immediately (or yesterday, if they had their way), my mom and I settled in the sled and Tim positioned himself on the runners at the back. With one command, the team took off.

The first thing I noticed: how fast we were going. The second: how silent the previously barking dogs had become. We could hear a pin drop (or more accurately, only our own shrieks of joy) as we sailed over the packed snow. I’d never get tired of watching the dogs run before me (and the beautiful Monashee mountain scenery), but halfway through our 5K (3.2 mile) run, Tim slowed the team and stopped them, offering me a turn at the back of the sled.

Tim had warned me that ‘there’s nothing quite like being on the runners’ and he was right. Without any means of stopping or controlling the well-trained dogs, you can truly feel their power as they pull. (Just don’t look down at the snow whizzing by below your boots!)

My mom got her turn ‘behind the wheel’, and before we knew it, we were arriving back at the kennel. Tim showed us how he rewards the team with a tasty frozen meat snack, and we talked more as he unharnessed and praised the dogs. We appreciated how clearly Tim loved his animals, and we came away from the experience with a greater respect for this species, this sport, and the humane people who give it the heart it has.

The details:

Each sled has a weight limit (rather than a person limit), so depending on your family, you might need 1-2 sleds. (Weight limit is 340 pounds.) Until recently, only one sled could depart at a time, but now Tim’s wife is available most days, allowing entire families to sled together. (For reference, my mom and I, two average-sized adults, could easily fit in one sled.) If you have a larger group, bear in mind that you may need to stagger your start times, though you could all enjoy the dogs at the kennel together.

The dog sled experience can be booked nearly any day during the ski season, and reservations can be made ahead of time at the Village Centre Mall Activities Desk and through Central Reservations. Cost is $195 per sled (regardless of number of people). Young kids are welcome, but if some family members would rather not ride, they could come (supervised) with you to visit with the dogs before departure.

Wear ski gear (snow pants, warm gloves, jacket, and googles). A hat or helmet is also recommended, and you’ll need snow boots.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we were hosted for our dog sledding experience. Though we’re grateful for this opportunity to recommend this experience to our readers, it did not come with expectation of a positive review.