state - Pitstops for Kids

North Country Farms: a stay on Kauai’s north shore

October 27, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

When it comes to staying somewhere funky and off the map, I’m all in—and this time, on a family vacation to the north shore of Kauai, HI, it paid off! We spent three nights and four days staying at, and exploring around, North Country Farms in Kilauea. North Country Farms is a family owned and operated organic farm with three acres of planting beds, orchards, and even a pineapple field. There are two cottages on the property, both equipped with a kitchenette and plenty of room to sleep 4-6 people (and even more, if you have someone in a pack and play). Children are warmly welcomed, and encouraged to explore the grounds and even pick their own fruit. We stayed in the Orchard Cottage, and in the morning, our three-year-old went out and foraged for oranges, grapefruit, and plenty of avocados for the baby!

The cottage was an oasis—the trade winds blowing through the big windows kept the room cool, with no need for a noisy air conditioner. The abundant geckos kept the bugs away, even on a pesticide-free farm (and provided endless entertainment for our toddler). The owner of North Country Farms, Lee Roversi, is friendly and efficient—available if you need her, but not at all intrusive. (My husband has a phobia of B&Bs; just the thought of making awkward small talk with a stranger sends him running for the hills. But even he admitted that North Country Farms was a great fit for us!) All in all, I can’t say enough good things about North Country Farms. After our stay, we spent a few days at a mega-resort. Don’t get me wrong, it had its perks, but I found myself homesick for our little cottage on this beautiful tropical farm.

Date last visited: September 17-20th, 2011

Room/cabin rates: $150/night, including taxes and cleaning fees. Learn more by contacting North Country Farms via email or phone: [email protected] or 808-828-1513.

Food services: You’ll get some granola, yogurt, and coffee upon check-in, and throughout your stay you’re welcome to pick fruit in the orchards. For a more substantial meal, there are some good take-out options in the area, specifically the Kilauea Fish Market, just a minute down the road (4270 Kilauea Rd, Ste F, Kilauea).

Website: http://www.northcountryfarms.com/index.htm

Directions: It’s somewhat off the beaten path, but Lee will send you good directions when you book your stay!

Wildlife Images, Grants Pass OR

October 18, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

A Southern Oregon gem, Wildlife Images is an animal rehabilitation center located off I-5 near Grants Pass. If you have an animal lover in your car, this is a pit stop that’s not to be missed! Open year round, the facility is beautiful, peaceful, and very educational. Animals are viewed through scheduled tours only (more information on that below), but don’t let that deter you, even if you have young kids. Tours are 1-1 1/2 hours, and are very well done. The guides are knowledgable and interesting, and allow for lots of up close viewing and hands-on experiences with kids.

Because the facility is a working rehab center, the only animals on the tour are the ones which can never return to the world. There is a nursery and charts that show what other animals they have, where they got them, and when they are due to be released. The most interesting part may be hearing the stories behind how these animals (badgers, bears, racoons, wolves, mountain lions, and more) came to be in the facility. It is made very clear that wild animals cannot be pets.

Distance from the interstate: Eight minutes off I-5.

Admission prices: Ages 4-17: $5, Adults $10

Hours of operation: Wildlife Images is open year round, and access is available through scheduled tours only. Call 541-476-0222 to schedule a tour. A day’s notice is best, though tours are often available same day.

Food services: No food services (aside from ice cream sales in the gift shop), but nice picnic facilities are available.

Directions: Wildlife Images is located eight minutes of off I-5 just north of Grants Pass at Merlin exit. Follow signs!

Little People, Big World’s Roloff Farms

October 9, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa: dining guide for families

October 6, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

During any resort family vacation, dining is a huge factor…both on the budget and in terms of enjoyment. While at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, I made it a point to try every dining option at least once in order to get the skinny (oh, don’t I wish!) on taste, value, and ambiance, both for kids and adults. Because Aulani is not an all-inclusive resort, families will be making choices during their Hawaiian vacation. Here’s what you need to know to make the best dining decisions for your family:

Dining options on the Aulani property can be classified into three categories: fine dining, buffet dining, and quick service dining. Unfortunately, a Disney dining plan is not yet available at Aulani, though for the convenience of families (if not for possible savings), it is my hope that one is offered soon.

The fine dining option is AMA’AMA, located idyllically lagoonside, where families will enjoy their meal alfresco in the open air dining room or out on the patio. The selections are delicious, but pricy at $31-market price per entree for adult meals, $13 for children’s meals (see ‘ways to save’ below). Also included (by me) in the fine dining category is room service dining, also spendy, but oh-so relaxing and convenient after a full day’s activities. Families can ask their server to set up their meal on their private patio or balcony, or inside the room, where kids can fall asleep into their plates in private.

Buffet dining at Aulani includes the Makahiki Buffet, located beside the Olelo Room bar and opening up onto the Waikolohe Valley. Prices are $27 for adults and $14 for kids at breakfast, and $43 for adults, $21 for kids at dinner for an all-you-can-eat dinner meal. If you have kids who’d like some extra time with the characters, this is the place to be on Wednesday or Saturday mornings, when the breakfast buffet upgrades to a character breakfast. In addition to one-on-one character time, kids participate in parades with Mickey, Minnie, friends and Aunty herself, hear stories, and sing songs. The buffet is varied and includes special attention to international flavors and dietary needs (think Boma in Hawaii), and is certainly worth the breakfast price. Tip: If you don’t want a full buffet, but are not eating in your room, a continental breakfast is served daily at the Olelo Room.

Quick service dining at Aulani includes One Paddle, Two Paddle and the Lava Shack, as well as a limited menu at the beach side Off the Hook lounge. The meals offered at both One Paddle, Two Paddle and Off the Hook overlap, with a few exceptions (for instance, the fish tacos are available from both locations, but the veggie wrap is only available at Off the Hook). I appreciated the vegetarian quick service options, and the comfortable poolside seating serving both restaurants, where we could watch guests braving the Volcanic Vertical tunnel slide for entertainment while we ate. The fun (and yummy) Papalua Shaved Ice stand makes for a great afternoon snack option, with generous servings priced at $3.75.And easily forgotten, Rip Curl is tucked away in Painted SKy (the teen-space), offering a frozen yorgurt station open to all. (It was by far my favorite, due to the pineapple soft serve. Anyone who’s had a Dole Float knows what I’m talking about!)

Generally speaking, families can expect all food at Aulani to be ‘resort-priced’, and though freshly prepared, sustainable, and somewhat more adventurous than the typical fare, the food wasn’t the highlight of my stay. Come ready to spend, and focus your attention on the wonderful ambiance!

Ways to save:

Eat a few meals off-site. It’s important to know that while Aulani can feel like a world apart, families are not limited to dining on-site. Directly across the street from Aulani (a two minute walk), an entire shopping center awaits, offering a quick service taco shop, sandwiches, and an ABC Store stocked with groceries.

Eat breakfast in your room. Thanks to the inclusion of mini-fridges in Aulani rooms and the nearby ABC store, it’s easy to make and eat simple breakfasts even in standard rooms (though for a major grocery shop, families will want to stop at the more affordable Costco or Target en route from the airport). I’d also buy and store snacks and bottles of water.

Buy refillable mugs. It’s easy to get dehydrated in Hawaii, and the cost of iced tea, lemonade, and soda (if you allow it) can really add up fast. Aulani’s refillable mugs are $18.99, which seems steep until you realize how often per day your family will fill them up. Refillable drink stations are located throughout the resort (most conveniently at the Lava Shack and One Paddle, Two Paddle). Oh, and coffee is included!

Splurge on lunch instead of dinner. The food at AMA’AMA, Aulani’s fine dining restaurant, is just as tasty at lunch as it is at dinner, and the prices are far lower. Consider the plate lunch (ask your server for the day’s choice) or try the fish tacos…they were fabulous! Sit outside on the patio with your family and watch the paddleboarders and snorkelers in the lagoon while you eat, then plan out your afternoon while enjoying the breeze.

Treat the adults, not the kids. Sounds harsh, doesn’t it? But if you have kids (like mine) who don’t appreciate a fine dining meal (or sitting in a restaurant for the time required to enjoy it), drop them off at Aunty’s Beach House (for $12, they have dinner delivered to them there) while you enjoy a beautiful meal at AMA’AMA with your spouse. Trust me, everyone will be happier!

For the adults, a note on Aulani’s cocktails and drinks: For those (like myself) who like to enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine, the options at Aulani are many. As anyone would expect, cocktails at both Off the Hook and the Olelo Room are somewhat overpriced, but adventurous and good. An extensive wine list is on offer at AMA’AMA. Spirits and liquors are for sale in the main gift shop by the Aulani lobby, but if you need to stock up, you’re far better off walking across the street, where you’ll find a wide selection at the ABC Store. Enjoy!

The Oregon Vortex and House of Mystery

October 6, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

The Oregon Vortex, location of the House of Mystery is described as a natural wonder. A spherical field of force half above the ground and half below the ground, it amazes both kids and scientists alike.

A guide takes visitors on a tour explaining the “vortex”; how it was discovered and what it actually is. She or he demonstrates the phenomena and it is quite interesting. In our group, we had some skeptics who became believers! Then the guide takes you a few steps up the hill to where an old miner’s cabin slid down the hill. This is the “crooked little house” and has all kinds of optical illusions due to how it is slanted in the hill. Combine that with the whole vortex thing and it is pretty cool!

Distance from the Interstate: 15 minutes off I-5 near Gold Hill.

Admission cost: Adults $9.75, Kids 6-11 $7, 5 and under free.

Hours of operation: Open 7 days a week March through Oct. (from 9-5 in summer, 9-4 in fall).

Food services: None. Cold drinks are available in the gift shop.

Directions: The House of Mystery is located at 4303 Sardine Creek Left Fork Road in Gold Hill. It’s easy to find off the Gold Hill exit of I-5. Follow signage.

Aulani, a Disney’s Resort and Spa: what’s included in the Aulani value

September 28, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

There’s no doubt about it: Aulani, Disney’s new Hawaiian resort on the leeward side of Oahu, is jaw-droppingly fabulous. Throughout my stay, I experienced first class service, amenities, and activities across the board. For the average traveling family, however, it’s also jaw-droppingly expensive. Utilizing a quick room rate and availability search on Aulani’s reservations page, I was hard pressed to find a standard room for under $400 a night. Families of five or more can go ahead and double that (though room rates vary considerably depending on season, type, etc). Is the value worth it? I believe the answer is yes, if families take advantage of all that comes included with a stay and educate themselves on resort values.

So what is included in that rack rate? Much more than is offered at most high-end destination resorts. With the price of a room, families will not pay a penny extra for the following amenities:

Within the room itself, families will love the extra touches provided for convenience. For starters, all rooms come pre-stocked with a port-a-crib. All rooms also feature a mini fridge (snacks and breakfast foods are available in Kalepa’s Store as well as across the street from the resort for a more reasonable price), flat-screen TV, wireless internet (at no extra charge), an iPhone/Pod docking station, and a large-for-standard-rooms table and chairs. Suitcase storage is provided under every bed to increase usable space in the room, bathrooms include deep bathtubs as well as showers, and toilets are separate from the main vanity, making heavy bathroom traffic more bearable.

Your kids will love the kids’ club at Aunty’s Beach House. Designed for kids ages 3-11 (up to age 13 welcome), Aunty’s is a cozy and welcoming respite where children are fully supervised for no additional charge. Just drop in anytime during open hours (open until 9 pm or 11 pm). With multiple (adorably themed) rooms for different ages and activities, as well as a large outdoor play area, kids have the run of the place, enjoying individualized attention from staff and engaging in fun and educational activities (think volcano or space goo creations!). While I stopped by during my Aulani stay, I watched a ten-year-old girl receive an impromptu ukulele lesson, preschoolers play dress up with the many Disney costumes, and a group of boys engaged in a computer game competition. Daily special events are also offered (to be listed in each day’s resort schedule.) The Disney details are abundant at Aunty’s: kids love the way it always rains outside the windows of the media/movie room (because you can only watch movies in Hawaii when it’s raining outside!), the climbing fort outside, and ‘Uncle’s workshop’, an extensive art and craft center. What I loved best: special toddler programming for kids too young to be dropped off at Aunty’s is offered for parents to enjoy with their kids…and these programs are scheduled for select mornings at 7:30 am, a time when kids are up and restless, but other activities are not yet open. (Bonus: parents can go off-site while kids are at Aunty’s…nearly unheard of in the resort business!)

Everyone will love the unlimited water recreation in the Waikolohe Valley. Cruise the lazy river (complete with volcanic bubble action underfoot!), play in the free-form pool, slide down the plunge and tube slides, soak in the whirlpool spas, or just hang out in the lush garden areas. Papalua Shave Ice is the best deal going: for $3.75, kids get a huge snow cone with up to three tropical flavors.

The instant beach access means time and money saved on a car rental. Not only can guests dip their toes in the Pacific just a few steps from their room in the Aulani Lagoon, but miles of additional beach access is available as well. Snorkeling is an option right in the lagoon, but only two short coves away by foot (past the JW Marriott) is an absolutely fantastic snorkeling location. Bring your own snorkeling gear, or rent gear for a reasonable fee at the beach rentals shack on the lagoon (you get to use it all day). If you have young kids who might be intimidated by the (small) ocean currents, Aulani also offers Rainbow Reef, a manmade snorkeling cove in Waikolohe Valley. There is a $20 fee per person, which seemed steep until I realized that for the price, you can keep your gear all day, using it in the ocean as well as the reef. (Tip: If you want to try Rainbow Reef, be sure to rent your gear from that location, not the beach shack. You can take Rainbow Reef gear into the ocean, but not vice versa.)

Fish feeding viewings are both free and fun to watch. Families can watch the fish feeding at Rainbow Reef (at 8 am and 1:30 pm), or go next door to the JW Marriott to watch their daily 7:30 am ocean feeding. Tropical fish will swim right up near shore, where kids can watch them as they gobble up fish food.

Free cultural tours, evening entertainment, and fun is offered multiple times a week. At any time during their stay, guests can drop in at the Pau Hana Room, the starting point of the interactive Mehehune Trail (a bit like a scavenger hunt) and location for Mo’Olelo Storytelling, offered multiple times nightly. Additionally, ‘Ohana Disney Movie Nights are held every Friday on the Makaloa Garden lawn, starting at dusk.

Access to characters are free at Disney Friends Meet and Greets. Three times daily (on the week of my visit), Disney characters such as Stitch, Mickey, and Chip and Dale made appearances.

Teens can hang out at Painted Sky. Designed for kids ages 14-17, Painted Sky is one part teen spa, one part teen dance club, and one part teen computer cafe. Events are planned there daily, such as Xbox Zumba Fitness or teen movie nights, but kids can also just congregate there to hang out and chat.

Parents will appreciate the state-of-the-art Mikimiki Fitness Center. Located adjacent to the impressive Laniwai Spa, the fitness center includes weight-lifting and toning equipment, cardio equipment, and classes both in the center and on the beach (though a fee applies to some).

Do all these perks add up to that pricy rack rate? I believe they do, especially when you add the intangibles on top: I’m speaking, of course, of the Disney touch. In addition to the total immersion into the culture and fantasy Disney so effortlessly seems to provide in all their experiences, guests can also count on the Disney standard of guest services and quality. Could you spend less at a another hotel brand on Oahu? Certainly, but when families pay Disney prices, they get…well, Disney. And that’s pretty priceless.

Honolulu on Dwellable

A stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa

September 26, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

I’ll admit it: as my airport shuttle pulled up to Aulani, Disney’s destination resort on Oahu, I expected to find Mickey front and center. I was prepared to greet that familiar pair of mouse ears from every angle: in person, in silhouette, in every scrap of signage and decoration. I was wrong. And while I have nothing against the guy, I’m so glad I was wrong.

Throughout my four-night stay, my experience at the resort emphasized one key fact time and again: Aulani is not a Disney resort that just so happens to be in Hawaii. It’s a Hawaiian resort that just so happens to be (expertly) owned and operated by Disney. Put another way, if Aulani were a cupcake, the Hawaiian environs and culture would be the cake, its people and traditions the frosting. Disney would be only the sprinkles on top. What does that mean for vacationing families? It means you’ll be treated to a true Hawaiian experience, a rarity at large destination resorts. Will your kids also see Mickey? Of course! But as with everything at Aulani, the mouse and his friends are only one part of the greater Hawaiian story being told.

Families are immersed in the Hawaiian culture in a multitude of ways at Aulani, some of which most guests will never notice. The attention, of course, is in the details (this is Disney, after all). Hawaiian artwork by local talent is implemented throughout the resort (from the Maka’Ala lobby murals to the kapa textile in every guest room), taro fields (the indiginous plant used to make the food staple poi) line the outside entry, and everywhere you look (if you think like a kid), menehune, Hawaiian culture’s legendary mischief makers, are celebrated in sculpture and wood carving.

Guests who’d like to know more about any one of these features need only ask: Aulani Cast Members not only exemplify the Disney standard in guest relations, but are very knowledgable about the traditions and customs illustrated throughout the resort. Or join local artists, storytellers, and experts at one of the many family activities scheduled daily: take Ohana Hula from a local practitioner, attend Mo’Olelo storytelling in the Pau Hana Room, or learn how to carve a pineapple or prepare poi. Walk the Menehune Trail or take one of several self-guided cultural or environmental tours.

The design of the resort itself is a nod to Hawaiian tradition as well as Disney’s tradition of nurturing childhood delight. I had the pleasure of meeting several of the talented artists whose work adorn Aulani’s walls and corridors, and the word each of them continually used was ‘pride’. When asked about his vision from an engineering standpoint, Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Vice President and Creative Executive Joe Rohde explained that he tried to design the resort in a way that would make children notice the details before adults do.

Of course, Aulani is also all about recreational fun: there’s so much for families to do together on-site, you could be outside all day. The resort’s two main towers cradle the central Waikolohe Valley, where the Waikolohe Stream (lazy river) flows, the Menehune Bridge (water play structure) beckons, and the Rainbow Reef snorkel lagoon promises tropical fish sightings. In addition, families will love the zero-depth entry pool, water slides, infinity whirlpool spas, a quiet pool, and of course, the beach, with floating swimming platforms, snorkel and recreational gear rentals, and plenty of space to sit back and relax is located only steps away.

While there’s plenty to do at Aulani, families will want to book excursions at the Holoholo Desk, where it’s possible to choose from a number of off-site Oahu experiences in three distinct price ranges. Book an adventure with an affiliated local tour operation (fully vetted by Aulani), opt for one of several Adventures by Disney two-hour to half-day excursions, or participate in a multi-day Adventures by Disney program. The Excursions Guest Services team has done all the work for you, finding the best Oahu has to offer, and no less.

No matter how much families do (or don’t do) while on an Aulani vacation, one thing is certain: they’ll be surrounded by the rich storytelling tradition that always equals a magical time. From the moment I stepped onto the property, I was fully emersed in this wonderful story being told, a feeling emphasized during a meeting with Bob Iger, President and CEO of Walt Disney Company, and Tom Staggs, President of Parks and Resorts. Both emphasized what I was already finding true at Aulani myself: that Disney is indeed in the experience business, not the hotel or theme park business.

Date last visited: September 20-24, 2011

Room rates and options: Standard Aulani rooms feature five distinct view categories (all of which are very decent), and sleep up to four. They are just under 400 square feet, and include a spacious balcony or veranda. Rooms come with mini-fridges, coffee makers, hot water kettles, and bathrooms with deep tubs as well as showers and separate spaces between toilet and vanity. Parlor suites sleep five and include a separate bedroom area and additional half-bathroom. (Tip: for families of five, it’s more economical to reserve two adjoining standard rooms.) Aulani is also a Disney Vacation Club property, and guests also have the option of reserving DVC one-three bedroom villas as available.

Rates vary depending on view, season, and room type, so it’s best to check the reservations page online for current pricing.

Kids’ Club: Aunty’s Beach House is included in guests’ room rate, and offers unlimited care and fun for children 3-12. Painted Sky, also complimentary, is designed for kids 14-17.

Dining: Aulani includes several quick service dining options (including One Paddle, Two Paddle), two bars (The Olelo Room, which teaches you the Hawaiian language while you sip your cocktail, and Off the Hook, which also serves a poolside menu), Makahiki Buffet (with a character breakfast option two days per week), and ‘AMA’AMA, a signature dining restaurant. Dining is not inclusive, and menus reflect typical resort pricing, but families have the convenience of charging meals and snacks to their room card. Reservations can be made through the room phone or in advance (recommended for character breakfasts).

Directions: Aulani is located in Ko Olina at 92-1185 Aliʻinui Drive, Kapolei, HI, only 17 miles from the Honolulu International Airport. Car rentals are available at the airport of course, as is The Bus, the local public transportation (which will get guests within 1 mile of Aulani).

As I disclose whenever applicable, my stay at Aulani was fully hosted by Disney. My opinions, however, remain my own: this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Krupka’s Blueberry Plantation

September 23, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

The following pit stop is submitted by Jessie Voigts of WanderingEducators.com.

Krupka’s Blueberries is located in the resort lakeside town of Saugatuck, Michigan, and makes for a nice day trip if staying in the area or a pit stop if driving through. Our family finds them to be the best blueberries in the whole state (which is quite a fruit belt)! You can buy pre-picked if you’re in a hurry, or take some time to pick your own (super fun!).

Note: Ten pounds of blueberries for a family of three will only last about 100 miles (at least for my family!). And if it’s hot out, buy the pre-picked!

Distance from the interstate: One mile from Highway US31.

Cost: 10 pounds of picked blueberries cost $22 (at last visit)

Website: None.
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Directions: Take the Blue Star Highway exit and head east less than one mile. Krupka’s is on the left; it’s a big field fronted by blueberry bushes. Enter the driveway and drive to the shop at the back.

Key Lime Cove, Gurnee Illinois

September 21, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

The following pit stop is submitted by Jessie Voigts of WanderingEducators.com.

Heading to Wisconsin, north of Chicago, and stopping to shop at Gurnee? Or perhaps spending some time at Six Flags? We’ve got the perfect place to stay: Key Lime Cove, in Gurnee, Illinois.

Key Lime Cove is a Key West-inspired waterpark and destination hotel. It includes a Key West-themed marketplace, restaurant, bar, and ice cream parlor, a huge arcade, a spa, and more. The interior is uniquely themed with Key West beach shops and kids’ activities.

The hotel rooms are spacious and well-equipped. We had a separate room for the bedroom and then another room (with southern-type sliding doors) to the family area. There was a microwave and fridge, a kitchen table, a couch and lounge chair, and a large flat screen tv. In the bedroom, there was an ipod dock that served as a charging station and speakers. There was also a Keurig coffeemaker and Paul Newman Organic Coffee pods.

There are plenty of kids activities, from a scavenger hunt in the marketplace to an entire kid activity area, with things to do, color, and play.

The waterpark is set at 82 degrees, so it is a perfect winter getaway. There are towels, many lifeguards, and a manned first-aid station that helps set the tone for safety. While the waterpark isn’t as large as, say, Great Wolf Lodge, it is plenty big enough. There is a hot tub, a lazy river and wave pool, a smaller kiddie area, and several slides. For more information, read a full review at Wandering Educators!

Distance from the interstate: Just off I-94.

Room rates and reservations: For reservations and current room rates, visit the website at www.KeyLimeCove.com or call 877-360-0403.

Directions: Key Lime Cove is located at 1700 Nations Drive, Gurnee, IL, midway between Chicago and Milwaukee. Take the Grand Avenue exit (132) off I-94. The hotel is right next to Six Flags Great America, across from Gurnee Mills.

The Minnesota Zoo

September 19, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

The following pit stop submitted by Jessie Voigts of WanderingEducators.com.

Located off 35E and Highway 77 in Apple Valley (just south of Minneapolis), the Minnesota Zoo is a destination in and of itself. The Zoo has both indoor and outdoor exhibits, and also boasts an IMAX theater. There are plenty of educational programs–just call ahead, or look online. There are strollers and wheelchairs for rent, a gift shop, and food available. The restrooms all have diaper changing areas, and there is a nursing area as well.

Special Events include:
dolphin Training Sessions (10, 12, 2 & 4)
Biodiversity Puppet Adventure (Mondays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. until September 5, 2011)
Coral Reef Dive Show (10:30am)
seasonal cow milking demonstrations at the Wells Fargo Family Farm
seasonal splash pad with animal sculptures in an interactive water fountain
World of Birds Show
Shark Feedings (3pm daily)
Woodland Adventure (play area)

But let’s say you just want to walk around and explore! You can take the monorail through the outdoor part of the zoo, and see animals from Russia’s Grizzly Coast (sea otters, brown bears, tigers, leopards, and wild boar), takin, gazelle, prairie dogs, bison, Bactrian camels, Asian wild horses, moose, caribou, and musk ox. You can also walk the trail. There are benches along the way, restrooms, and occasionally a kids’ play area.

The Minnesota Trail is my favorite part: you can see lynx, cougar, wolverine, timberwolves, and beavers. There are educational stations and even places where you can get rubbings of tracks. This is outdoors, as well.

Heading there in the winter? Spend most of your time inside, and be warm in the Tropics Trail and Discovery Bay. You’ll see animals from tropical rain forests, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific, such as tamarin, red panda, lemurs, and gibbons. Also inside are penguins, bees, sharks, dolphins, snow monkeys, dolphins, and more. It’s a welcome relief from the cold!

Tip: Want to prepare your kids before you go? Spend a few weeks watching their live webcams (http://www.mnzoo.com/animals/animals_liveCam.asp) of beavers, dolphins, or gibbon. Be sure to take your camera: there are SO many opportunities to see such a wide variety of animals! And, there are so many kid play areas throughout the zoo, you’re sure to get good photos of your own critters!

Distance from the interstate: Minutes from I-35E

Admission cost: Kids 3-12 are $12, adults $18. Kids under three are free. More ticketing information can be found on the website.

Hours of operation: The zoo is open either 9 am to 4 pm or 9 am to 6 pm, depending on the season.

Directions:: The Minnesota Zoo is located at 13000 Zoo Boulevard in Apple Valley, MN just minutes south of Mall of America. Take Interstate 35W south to Highway 62 east. Exit taking Highway 77 south and follow it to County Road 38 east. Follow the brown-colored “Zoo” signs. For more information, visit mnzoo.org.