Travel Tips - Pitstops for Kids

Dining in Whistler Village: where to eat on a budget

January 16, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

A walk through Whistler Village‘s famed Village Stroll will take families past plenty of dining options, but a perusal of menus will show that most fall in the mid-to fine dining category. While families vacationing in Whistler should plan for at least one culinary night out, for the rest of the time, it is possible to dine in Whistler on a budget. Below, find our top tips for saving on dining at Whistler.

1. Make breakfast your meal out.

Whistler Village is full of great breakfast dining options, and prices are almost always lower during this first meal of the day. Instead of eating out for dinner, we like to splurge on breakfast at Crepes Montagne or Hot Buns Bakery, both located in the Whistler Village. If you’re anxious to hit the slopes, consider buying a First Tracks ticket for Whistler Blackcomb and dining at a mid-mountain buffet before being first to hit the powder or corduroy.

2. Make Apres Ski a meal.

One of my favorite parts of the ski day is actually apres ski, when my family and I relax within the fun ambiance of a ski village restaurant or bar. At many Whistler Village and Upper Village locations, a few appetizers and drinks for the family can feed everyone, for less than the cost of a sit-down dinner. Our favorite apres ski locations includes Earl’s in the village and the Mallard Lounge in the Fairmont Chateau in the Upper Village.

3. Look for family chain restaurants.

While exploring a new place, we like to patronize unique, local dining spots, but sometimes the budget simply doesn’t allow it. In Whistler Village, families can find a White Spot and an Old Spaghetti Station. We ate at the latter during our Whistler vacation for under $60 for a family of five.

4. Leave the village behind.

Outside the Whistler Village, numerous family restaurants are located within 2 km. Whether it’s worth it to you to use your car, only you can decide. For us, we loved the ease of never driving during our Whistler vacation, so we didn’t venture outside the villages.

5. Order kids meals on-mountain.

After ordering kids meals at Rendezvous Lodge, Blackcomb’s mid-mountain lodge, for my two kids under age 12, a staff member told me anyone can order these, regardless of age. For $8.99, you get an entree (limited to kid-friendly selections), two healthy snacks (such as yogurt or edimeme), and a child sized drink. A kids meal would have been more than enough food for even the adults in our group.

For a splurge, consider one of the many venues in Whistler Blackcomb offering fondue dinners to share with the family!

Whistler Village on Dwellable

Top travel destinations for families of 2012

December 31, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

pit stops for kids

The East and West Coast crews of Pit Stops for Kids traveled throughout the U.S., Western Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean in 2012, bringing pit stops, resort lodging picks, attractions, outdoor activities, and travel tips to a record number of readers. We’re so glad you were along for the ride! The collage above only represents a small percentage of the best travel locations we visited in 2012, but we want to take a moment to highlight some of the destinations that most stood out.

Favorite family-friendly resorts of 2012:

1. Northstar California, both in winter and in summer

2. Velas Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

3. Tigh-Na-Mara Resort, Parksville, BC Canada

4. Brasada Ranch, Bend OR

5. Willoughvale Inn and Cottages, Lake Willoughby, VT

Favorite family-friendly activities of 2012:

1. Whale watching with Remote Passages, Tofino BC

2. Gravity-based mountain biking, Lake Tahoe, CA

3. Kayaking with Wanderlust Tours, Bend OR

4. Biking with Spokes, Vancouver, BC

5. Backcountry skiing with Cascade Huts, Mt. Hood OR

Favorite camping and national park experiences of 2012:

1. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Vancouver Island Canada

2. Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine

3. Silver Falls State Park, Salem OR

4. Moran State Park, Orcas Island WA

5. Channel Islands National Park, Ventura CA

Favorite Disney Experiences of 2012:

1. Launch of the Disney Fantasy, Cape Canaveral, FL

2. Castaway Cay, Bahamas

3. Opening of Cars Land, California Adventure, CA

4. Educational Animal Kingdom attractions, Disney World, FL

5. The new Buena Vista Street, California Adventure, CA

Favorite museums and tours of 2012:

1. California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA

2. Sertoma Butterfly House, Sioux Falls, SD

3. Jelly Belly Factory Tour, Fairfield, CA

4. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, VT

5. Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver, BC

Happy New Year, Pit Stops for Kids readers! Here’s to a 2013 with exciting new destinations!

Safe holiday travel tips and Master Lock Safe Space review

December 17, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

An average of 34% of Americans spend 1-3 nights away from home during the holidays. Will you and your family be away? Master Lock, maker of luggage locks and the innovative Safe Space, offers five tips for safe holiday travel:

safe holiday travel

1. Keep that lived in look. In 2010, more than 1.8 million homes were burglarized with 400,000 of those burglaries taking place between November and December3. Making the home appear active while away can discourage potential break-ins. Set a timer for both inside and outside lights to switch on and off and turn a radio or TV on to create the illusion that someone is home. Hold your mail deliveries at usps.com, and contact your other providers to stop newspaper and package drop-offs while you’re away. Of course a good standby to rely on is a adequate security system, some of which you can view here. Consider it a watchdog when you’re away.

2. Toast don’t post. Resist the temptation to update your social network accounts with travel plans to avoid having the news of the unoccupied status of your home fall into the wrong hands. Instead, spend that time in the company of friends and family toasting to health and happiness, and wait to post photos of holiday fun until you return home.

3. Check (Twice) Before Travel. Before departing for a holiday destination, check the schedules and status of your flight, train or traffic route to stay aware of delays, bad weather and other potential changes. Checking in on the status of your method of travel will guarantee you are prepared for any delays and keep you calm during the holiday rush. And don’t forget to double-check your travel documents before leaving the house.

4. Activity and Emergency Kits Are Key. Whether traveling by train or car, always carry a first aid kit stocked with bottled water, snacks, medication, bandages, a flashlight and cell phone charger. Should you encounter a problem or a long distance between rest-stops on your route, these items can help keep you nourished and your travel companions busy. Keep children occupied by bringing fun games or movies to lessen driving distractions. If traveling by car, have it inspected by a mechanic or someone you trust before a long journey to make sure all systems are primed and tires are filled.

5. Lock It Down & Carry It On. A reported 200 items are stolen each day from JFK Airport4, one of the busiest airports in the world. Keep your valuables including cell phones, wallets, watches/jewelry and other important property safe by carrying them with you at all times and locking them up while on-the-go. Storage solutions like the 5900D SafeSpaceTM are perfect for keeping these items secure. In addition, use generic luggage, be mindful of wearing flashy jewelry and dress down to prevent being targeted for theft. Secure checked and carry-on luggage with a TSA-accepted lock, such as the 4688D Combination Lock while traveling to prevent unauthorized access to your possessions.

Master Lock Safe Space review:

In keeping with this travel security theme, Pit Stops for Kids reviewed Master Lock’s Safe Space, a miniature safe for small valuables such as jewelry, point-and-shoot cameras, passports, and cell phones while traveling by air. Here’s what we thought:

safe space

1. Great for use in airports where theft is most common. Having a Safe Space won’t take the place of keeping a close eye on your luggage, but it will make you feel better about those moments you can’t avoid that pick pockets love, as as when your luggage is adjacent, but you’re distracted by kids, media, or gate information. I like that you can use the security cord (like a bike lock) to secure the SafeSpace to an airport chair leg or table leg. You still can’t leave it (or anything else) unattended of course, but you can read your book or toss something in the trash without worrying about your valuables.

2. Not practical for storing a cell phone. I don’t know about you, but I need my phone constantly while traveling through airports, whether to check apps, flight information, weather, or email. (Or to hand off to a bored kid for an Angry Birds session.) Locking my phone away would make it safer, but it’s just not going to happen.

3. Easy to store and pack. I tossed the Safe Space right into my carry on bag, and it fit there perfectly. I like the size and weight, and how easy it is to access the contents. It will only fit a few things, though, so you’ll have to prioritize. We put our house and car keys and my husband’s wallet in ours, and that pretty much maxed it out.

Skiing Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho with kids

November 7, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

While we lived in Spokane, WA, we spent a good deal of time at neighboring Lake Pend Oreille at Sandpoint, Idaho, and in the winter skiing Schweitzer Mountain. Schweitzer is located above the lake deep in the snowy peaks, and feels like it, too! Families will want to be ready for any weather this far north, but will be rewarded with prime skiing and snowboarding as well.

lake pend oreille view from Schweitzer

Where to stay:

While skiing at Schweitzer, families have the option of staying near the lake, or in the Schweitzer Village. While lakeside is beautiful, the drive up the mountain road every day gets tiresome. I recommend staying slope side in the White Pine Lodge, Schweitzer Mountain’s newest condo accommodations. Families have quick ski-in, ski-out access, and can easily return to their condo for downtime. Best of all, with the Schweitzer Difference Package, families get free breakfast! Nearby home rentals are also available, but not as plentiful: Schweitzer is located on a mountainside…not a lot of land is available. This makes for a cozy resort feel.

On the mountain:

Schweitzer lift tickets are still refreshingly affordable at under $70 for adults (less for multi-day) and kids still ski free under age 6. As always, buying your tickets online for multiple days will give you the best deal. Their Ski-3 package gives you three totally transferrable adult tickets for $162, a good choice if you plan to have one adult stay back with small kids each ski day.

white pine lodge Schweitzer Mountain’s terrain is varied, and for the adventure seekers, there is Cat skiing. Night skiing is available (a great option for tweens and teens) and an entire Nordic bowl offers cross-country skiing. The Schweitzer Ski and Ride Center takes kids as young as four months for their day care program, and offers lessons up to age 12 in their ski and ride school. Adult lessons are also available (and good for teens).

Where to eat:

We love eating in-house in our ski condo or rental, but everyone needs to eat out, too! The Schweitzer Village has all types of family dining. We recommend the Chimney Rock Grill for salads, steaks, and seafood, and Powder Hound Pizza for casual dining with kids. Stock up on groceries before heading up the mountain in Sandpoint. Village campfires can be found most nights: stock up on the makings for s’mores!

Date last visited: January 2010

Distance from the interstate: 45 minutes from I-90

Nearest town: Sandpoint, Idaho

Directions: Schweitzer is located 1.5 hours from Spokane or 45 minutes from Coeur d’Alene. Take Highway 95 from I-90.

Photo credit: yenny.

Back-to-School lunches and fall travel with EasyLunchboxes

August 14, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

In the Pit Stops for Kids household (and probably yours) it’s back-to-school time, but that doesn’t mean the travel ends. We’ll be enjoying many weekend trips and sports-related road trips, which means we’re looking for school lunch box ideas that double for the car. Our solution: EasyLunchboxes.

EasyLunchboxes is a great system for eco-friendly bento lunches designed by a mom. Based on the bento box lunch philosophy that saves on wrapping and packaging of all sort (including zip-lock baggies), an EasyLunchbox consists of a compartmentalized tray with lid to be paired with a soft-sided, insulated cooler. And unlike many bento lunch systems on the market, it’s affordable: you get a set of four containers, and don’t need to buy extra pieces.

Why EasyLunchboxes work well for school: It’s an all-in-one system. During last school year, we used various bento box style containers, but they were a hassle to stack and store, and inevitably, my kids lost pieces along the way. The EasyLunchBox trays fit into my kids’ favorite lunch bags perfectly (more on that later) and they’re all one piece. Plus, the trays are thin enough that I can still fit an ice pack and a piece of fruit and drink in the bag.

Why EasyLunchboxes work well for travel: Each EasyLunchbox is a tray, so it’s very car-and-plane friendly. Toddlers and preschoolers can eat snacks from the trays while driving around town, and everyone can eat lunch on the go while on road trips or weekend getaways. Plus, three EasyLunchboxes will fit in one approved cooler bag (sold for a separate price), making it simple to pack and stack multiple lunches for the road.

The downside: The only bummer about EasyLunchboxes is the fact that the bento trays are not leak-proof. This is expressed many times on the website (you can’t miss it), and it’s by design, so that young kids can open the lids on their own. I like the fact that the designer of EasyLunchboxes has kid-friendliness in mind, but it is a concern that we can’t pack liquids like yogurt or pudding in the tray.

A few specifics: Each tray has three compartments, and they’re not huge, so older kids will need a few extras tossed into their lunch bag or cooler: as I said, fruit and a drink, or one packaged item will fit easily. Four EasyLunchbox trays sell for $13.95, making this system the most affordable I’ve seen so far in the bento box world. The EasyLunchboxes site sells their own cooler bags with their trays for $7.95, but other lunch bags and coolers will work. (Here’s a list of the most popular lunch bags the EasyLunchboxes will fit into; we fit them into our LL Bean lunch boxes with no problem.) The benefit of using the EasyLunchboxes cooler is that it’s top-loading, with a top-side handle, which means kids will not be carrying it sideways after the (non-leak-proof) tray is inside. The coolers also have plenty of room for additional food or an ice pack. However, they’re a little bit too big to comfortably fit into a standard school backpack and a little bit too small to take on the road. They’re designed to fit three trays for packing for a family, and ours did fit the trays as advertised, but if I’m packing for the whole family, I need a bigger cooler with room for more trays, multiple drinks, ice packs, and other snacks. Check out exact dimensions of the EasyLunchboxes cooler and the trays here. Bottom line: For a road trip, I’ll stick with my larger hard-sided cooler and stack the trays inside, and for school, we’ll use our small LL Bean bags and fit the trays inside. Either way, EasyLunchboxes will be along for the ride.

Pick up your own EasyLunchboxes at Amazon in time for back-to-school!

As I disclose whenever applicable, we received EasyLunchboxes and an EasyLunchbox cooler for the purpose of review. This type of teamwork with family travel product companies makes it possible for us to review new products on the travel scene.

How to plan a multi-day backpacking trip with kids

July 28, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Yes, kids can backpack! And yes, it’s a bit more work than traditional tent or RV camping with kids, but twice as rewarding. We’ve backpacked annually with our kids since Nate (now age 13) was 13 months old, and while older kids make for the best backpackers, even backpacking with babies and toddlers is possible. To ensure a successful backpacking trip with kids, most of the work will take place ahead of time. What you need to do to prepare for safe backpacking with kids:

Start with no more than 2-3 days out.

Backpacking for only one night out is kind of pointless (the effort put into packing and organizing all the stuff you’ll need hardly justifies it), but if you’re backpacking with kids who cannot carry the weight of adults, you will be limited to no more than 3 days in the wilderness unless you can arrange for more food supplies to be delivered to you. Remember that you need to pack in (and out) everything.

Plan your route with your kids’ ages and abilities in mind.

While older kids or veteran backpackers will enjoy the challenge of packing from point A to point B, younger kids and novices benefit from a base camp. Consider packing a few miles into your wilderness destination and camping more than one night at a desirable landmark, such as a lake or river. Those who want to do more hiking can opt for a day hike, and younger kids can stay by the water to play. (This eliminates the need to break down a camp every day, which can be draining.)

Make camp food fun.

While backpacking, every ounce of weight matters, and most of the ‘fun’ camping food will need to be left behind in favor of freeze-dried meals. But you can still make backpacking food fun for kids by allowing them to create their own trail mixes from bulk food offerings pre-trip. (Just avoid chocolate items that will melt.) We allow each kid to take three individualized trail mix baggies per three-day trip. Other ‘fun’ foods that backpack well: Babybel cheese, beef jerky, hot cocoa packets, and hard candies that won’t melt. Kids also love having their own plate, cup, and utensils. We make our kids carry (and clean) their own.

Carry the right equipment.

Having quality equipment for kids is vastly important while backpacking. The wrong-sized pack or an inadequate sleeping bag can make a great trip miserable. Kids age 6 and up should have packs that fit them properly (head to your local outdoors store to try on models). We love Kelty Junior Tioga External Frame packs for younger kids, and Mountainsmith Youth Pursuit packs for older kids. Sleeping bags should be kid-sized (no point in them carrying something too large for them), and pads should be small enough. Our kids each carry their own sleeping bag, pad, clothing, and food utensils in their pack (among other things for the older kids). It’s also useful for kids to each have their own flashlight or headlamp, and be responsible for making sure it’s loaded with batteries. Tip: Kids should take care of all their own equipment. All of mine know how to stuff their own bags and clean their own mess kits.

Leave the toys at home.

Kids will invent games and create new toys on the trail out of sticks, rocks, and all sorts of new treasures they find. Leave the rest at home! The only exception: a book for everyone (Kindles are lighter than paperbacks now) and a deck of playing cards.

Be safe.

Find out what safety measures need to be taken where you’ll be going. Use bear canisters where required, and store food away from camp where not required. We carry bear spray for emergencies, and carry one cell phone to be activated if we’re lost. (Five years as a Search and Rescue volunteer taught me that cell signal pings do often assist searches.) Kids should carry whistles to use in case separated, and bright clothing is useful as well. Always check in with the local ranger’s station or let family at home know where you’re going and for how long.

If you’re destination requires it, remember to bring bear canisters to store all food items (even toiletry and first aid items with an scent, like toothpaste or ointment). Where canisters are not required, store all food in a sack to hang in a tree at night to deter foraging, and wash dishes and brush teeth away from sleeping areas.

Plan when to go.

‘Summer’ means different things in different places. Make sure the dates you choose to backpack don’t coincide with heavy mosquito season, or aren’t pre-snow melt. If you’re planning to backpack on a summer weekend in a popular wilderness area, start out early to ensure a site, and no matter where you’re headed, check to find out whether you’ll need your own water source (at very least, you’ll need a filtration system).

Read other backpackers’ accounts of the area you plan to hike, and always carry a topographic map of your hiking route. Tip: some areas require a backpacking permit. Start planning your trip early to figure out what you’ll need, when you’ll need it.

Pin for later!

5 things to do at Northstar California in summer with kids

July 20, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Think ski resorts are only for winter? Families can get great ski resort lodging deals in the summer, and pair them with outdoor seasonal activities perfect for all ages. We spent a sunny three days at Tahoe, CA’s Northstar this July, where we were faced with enough recreational and event options to last any family a month. How did we pick the best summer activities at Tahoe? We turned to Northstar and their innovative summer activities concierge service to help us have three perfect days on the mountain. Here’s what we loved at Northstar California in summer (and what you should do, too):

1. Rip it up on the Northstar Resort Mountain Bike Park:

Who knew you could ‘ski’ in the summer? A day in the bike park makes use of three lifts and over 44 trails, from wide ‘green circle’ paths to challenging ‘blue square’ and ‘black diamond’ single tracks. For about half the cost of a winter lift ticket, adults and kids can bike all day, making use of the Northstar Bike Academy for Bike 101 lessons and the Lodge at Big Springs for meals and breaks. It’s just like skiing Northstar in the winter, only you’ll be looking for shade at lunch instead of a place by the fire. And if you don’t own mountain bikes and protective gear of your own, rent everything at Plaza Bikes (pair it with a lesson for the best deal), just as you would rent skis and boards in winter.

2. Star gaze with Tony Berendsen, President of the Nevada Science Coalition (and poet):

The Northstar Tahoe Star Tours program is popular: on the night we attended this 2 1/2 tour of the night sky, over 25 other guests joined us. Offered most nights at 8 pm, this interactive session includes an educational talk and exploration of the night sky by use of impressively high powered telescopes. Kids are included (and encouraged to ask questions) by expert Tony, and everyone in our group, from age 7 to 37, were entertained. We learned about super novas and constellations and viewed Saturn and Mars from the telescopes. The Tahoe night sky was amazing…the stars literally pop here.

The program meets at 8:15 at the top of the Highlands gondola, takes place just below at the Lodge at Big Springs, and ends at 10:30. Northstar shuttles stop running at 10 pm in summer, and the Highlands Gondola stops at 10:30, but a shuttle specially called to pick tour participants up right at the program venue, so there’s no need to worry about time.

Tip: The 10:30 shuttle does take some time to weave its way back down the mountain and drop off all passengers: we didn’t get back to our Northstar vacation rental until almost 11:30 pm. If you have young children who don’t want to be out that late, it’s also possible to leave the program at 10:15 pm, walk back up the hill to the Highlands Gondola, and take it back down before it shuts down at 10:30. (To make use of this option, however, you need your own transportation in the Village.)

3. Hike or geo-cache with a hiking pass:

For only $10 per adult (kids are free), families can ride the Big Springs Gondola and hike all day. If kids want to try their hand at geo-caching, GPS units can be rented at the NorthFace store in the Village. (This is a fun way for kids to turn hiking into a game, and there are tons of caches to be found!) Hiking trails are clearly marked on maps, and all filter back down to the gondola and lodge, where everyone can ride back up and do it again.

4. Enjoy a Northstar-at-Tahoe festival or music concert:

Nearly every summer weekend, something is going on at the Village at Northstar. During our visit, we were lucky enough to time our vacation with the Beer and Bluegrass Festival, which didn’t have much for kids, but the village atmosphere is always kid-friendly. While parents are enjoying an event, kids can spend some time on the ropes course and bungee trampoline run by Tahoe Apex Adventures. Northstar is a great music venue as well: check their Northstar summer concerts page for event information.

5. Swim in the lake or the pools (or both):

Northstar is only 6 miles away from the stunning north shore of Lake Tahoe, where kids will love swimming and renting watercraft at Kings Beach. If you don’t want to venture that far from your Northstar ‘home’, all lodging guests have access to one of two swim and fitness recreation centers. Both have outdoor pools and hot tubs, as well as games and recreational equipment.

Tip: Families are given an events and recreation schedule upon check-in to Northstar-at-Tahoe (it has useful information about the current weather conditions and pertinent phone numbers, too, such as the dial-a-ride for the free Northstar shuttle. If you’re still a bit overwhelmed, make use of the Northstar concierge service.

How to spend a day in Golden Gate Park with kids

July 9, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Families looking for things to do in San Francisco will want to devote at least one day to exploring and enjoying Golden Gate Park. In fair weather or foul (San Francisco gets a few of those, you know), Golden Gate Park offers indoor and outdoor fun for families in a unique San Francisco environment. How to spend a day in Golden Gate Park with kids? Read on for our itemized Golden Gate Park itinerary for families (with rainy weather alternatives and age-by-age guides). All attractions are located on the east side of the park, and all are easily accessed by MUNI bus:

1. Start your day at a museum.

First off, be sure to grab or download a Golden Gate Park map. If you have school-aged or preschool kids, head straight to the California Academy of Sciences, where you’ll experience a planetarium, life sciences museum, and aquarium all in one. Located directly across from the Music Concourse (right through the park entrance at the Felton and Park Presidio MUNI stop), the academy could fill a whole morning for school-aged kids (and at least a few hours for toddler and preschoolers). If the weather is nice, be sure to visit the top floor’s Living Roof. Note: if you’re driving to the park for the day, use the underground parking garage right next to the academy, and plan to park there all day.

If you have tweens or teens (or kids interested in fine art) you might opt for the DeYoung Museum instead. It’s located directly across the street from the California Academy of Sciences, so it’s entirely possible for families to split up. If you decide to take all ages of kids, there is an art studio located in the De Young where an artist-in-residence provides hands-on activities, but that will be offered in the afternoons, so be sure to check the schedule. The museum’s permanent exhibits include all manner of fine art, sculpture, photography, fashion, and texture.

Best of all, both the academy and the museum are included on the San Francisco CityPASS and can be selected on the Go San Francisco Card.

2. Eat lunch on the Music Concourse or at local food trucks.

If it’s raining, families may opt to eat at one of the museum cafes (both have one), but if the sun is shining, it’s far nicer to eat on the concourse. (We were lucky enough to settle down with our picnic right as a school band was beginning an outdoor concert.) A number of food trucks (we saw Indian food and hot dogs on our visit) park on the end of the concourse next to the Japanese Tea Garden.

3. Spend the afternoon at the Children’s Playground or Conservatory of Flowers.

If you have young children (really, anyone 12 or under), head east to the first children’s playground to be build in the U.S. (according to locals), which you can access via foot from the Music Concourse area. The playground, located on your park map at Koret Playground, features lots of nice climbing equipment, a huge ‘spider web’ net, and the original concrete slides build into the hillside. (These look a tad dangerous by today’s safety standards, but we didn’t see any injuries. Kids slide down on pieces of cardboard…of which there’s plenty laying around for this purpose.) Next to the play area is the historic carousel, which is a real deal at $1 for kids and $2 for adults (adults can also help kids on and take photos without paying for a ticket).

If it’s raining, walk just past John F Kennedy Drive to the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers instead, which is much more fun for kids than it sounds. Not only will you be warm and dry, but the huge arborium is beautiful winter or summer, and features temporary exhibits such as ‘Plant-o-sorus’, which teaches kids all about prehistoric plants from the dino days. Hours are 10 am to 4:30 pm, closed Mondays, and tickets are economical: most families can visit for under $20.

Bonus: read about additional botanical gardensadditional botanical gardens to visit across the US.

4. If you still have time, visit the San Francisco Botantical Garden or Stow Lake.

Walking west past the baseball diamonds, families will reach the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Similarly priced to the concervatory, the gardens are open longer hours as they’re out-of-doors, and provide more paths for kids to stretch their legs. If more gardens aren’t your thing, continue west to Stow Lake, where you’ll find picnic grounds, a boat house, and plenty of ducks to feed. In nice weather, families can rent pedal boats ($14-19/hour at the time of our visit), or can otherwise walk along the shore or rent a surrey bike.

Head back to your car, or if you didn’t drive your own vehicle, catch a ride back to your San Francisco hotel from MUNI along John F. Kennedy Drive or near the De Young (at Park Presidio and Felton)!

5 things to do on California Adventure’s new Buena Vista Street with kids

June 17, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

In much the same way that Disneyland’s Main Street ushers visitors into the park with an ambiance of small town America, California Adventure’s new Buena Vista Street welcomes visitors into the California to which Walt Disney arrived in the 1920s with nothing but a cardboard suitcase. Executive Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering Bob Weis says he’s even more excited about Buena Vista Street than the recently revealed Cars Land, knowing it will educate guests about Walt’s journey and create that important physical connection to place and time guests expect in a Disney theme park.

All this sounds well and good for Disney’s adult guests, but what things to do on Buena Vista Street will attract kids? Plenty, but you need to know where to look.

1. Ride a Red Car Trolley.

If you’re headed for Hollywood (Hollywood Land, that is), catch a Red Car Trolley at the entrance to the park. Two trolleys, inspired by the Pacific Electric Railway system which ran in Los Angeles during the era) run continuously through Buena Vista Street and down Hollywood Blvd to the Twilight Tower of Terror. Conductors will give an overview of the street, including brief history of the Carthay Circle Theater at the central hub of the park. The trolleys are a fun way to get from Point A to Point B without fighting crowds.

2. Peek into Buena Vista Street shops.

Kids will be drawn to Big Top Toys, but the true treasures are in Oswald’s, where, if families look past the typical souvenir offerings and listen closely, they can hear period voice personalities on the radio. Kids may not recognize all of them, but it’s fun to experience a feature most guests don’t realize exists.

3. Watch a street show.

Throughout the day, the Red Car News Boys roll down the street singing tunes from the 1920s and 30s and delivering the latest “headlines” in the Buena Vista Daily Bugle. The jazz group Five & Dime brings with it a backstory: lead singer Dime has brought her group all the way down Route 66 from Chicago to ‘make it big’. Both groups interact with kids, elicit lots of laughs, and add the the ambiance of the street.

4. Take a break in the Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge.

Located in the flagship landmark of the Carthay Theater (modeled after the historic theater which premiered Walt Disney’s first success, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves), the Carthay Circle Restaurant is a signature dining experience (reserve it in advance and use the Disney Dining Plan for best value). However, for a more impromtu stop, the ground floor Carthay Circle Lounge is very family friendly, and offers “Bites, Rolls, Snacks, Small Plates, and Finger Desserts” in a family-style table service. The food is contemporary cuisine with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients, and the family-style presentation helps encourage kids to try new, healthy food options. Parents can grab a cocktail or glass of wine, and everyone will welcome the quiet, sophisticated atmosphere that feels worlds apart from the busy theme park outside.

5. Grab breakfast or an afternoon snack at Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe.

This diner-style quick service restaurant has cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing to die for, making it a great pre-park opening option for coffee and a treat. (Like Disneyland’s Main Street, guests will often be able to access Buena Vista Street prior to accessing the interior ‘lands’ of California Adventure.) In the afternoon, desserts are tempting, as are the ice cream and soda fountain creations at adjacent Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream.

Have you explored the newly opened Buena Vista Street? What do you recommend?

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced Buena Vista Street using park tickets provided to me by Disneyland Resort. While generous, these tickets came with no expectation of a positive review.

California Adventure’s Cars Land in pictures: tips for dining, entertainment, and rides

June 14, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Radiator Springs has come to life at Disneyland Resort’s California Adventure! The official opening of Cars Land isn’t until tomorrow, June 15th, but Disney fans and Pixar enthusiasts are already abuzz with excitement. (Ka-Chow!) We’re here with the inside scoop on the rides, dining, and entertainment in store for Disneyland Resort visitors this summer and beyond. Read on for what to do in Cars Land with kids of all ages (and grown-ups too!).

The scene:

I’ve said it many times, but I’ll say it again: Disney does theming like no other. Expect nothing less than their standard level of excellence when it comes to the total immersion experience that is Cars Land. Visitors will feel as though they’ve actually stepped into Radiator Springs. (Prepare for the surreal ‘wow’ factor you’d expect when visiting a real landmark for the first time.)

Everywhere you turn in Cars Land, special touches await, but Pit Stops for Kids caught up with top Disney Imagineers Kathy Mangum and Kevin Rafferty to discuss the countless details visitors might miss. What to be on the lookout for? The albums on the walls of Flo’s V8 Diner, which offer visitors a glimpse into never-before-told Flo backstory, the tools of the trade in Ramone’s House of Body Art, which has been authenticated by an actual Southern California car customizer, and the bushes within the vegetation behind Cozy Cone Motel, which may lead vigilant visitors to a hidden Mickey…of sorts.

Plenty of retail shops add to the town-like feel of Cars Land, including Sarge’s Surplus Hut and Radiator Springs Curios in addition to Ramone’s. At night, the street is lit with 16 neon signs. Disney Imagineers took trips down the real Route 66 for inspiration, and it shows in the authenticity throughout.

The rides:

Rides in Cars Land includes three attractions, all of which are geared toward general family fun. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree spins riders in a ‘tow-si-do’ dance in Mater’s salvage yard as guests ride trailers hitched to cute baby tractors. There is a height requirement of 32″, and the ride does swing from side to side. However, I never felt dizzy as I would on a certain Fantasyland ride involving teacups. Insider tip: none of the tractors are exactly the same. Pick your favorite!

Luigi’s Flying Tires is an ambitious ride in that it strives to appeal to guests’ sense of fun rather than offer a thrill. After boarding ‘hovercraft’ tires which float on air (literally), groups of 2-3 attempt to control their tire by shifting their weight. It’s interesting to see how this ride works from an engineering standpoint, but it’s low on excitement. It’s sometimes downright slow-going, but oversized beach balls bouncing around aimlessly (or with perfect aim, depending upon the guest throwing them) save the day. Kids will love tossing these around. The height requirement is again 32″.

The flagship attraction of Cars Land is of course Radiator Springs Racers. This ride requires visitors to meet the 40″ mark, and has a FASTPASS option. Half immersion ride experience and half high-speed race, Radiator Springs Racers requires at least two visits to fully appreciate. Guests start with a tame ride through canyons, Radiator Springs, and beautiful Taillight Caverns, then experience one of two ride options: a visit to Luigi’s Casa Della Tires or Ramone’s House of Body Art. Finally, they slide onto a race track with one other car, and race to the finish. Racers is tons of fun, a thrill for kids, and a wonderful visit to another world. Two thumbs up from me!

Cars Land dining options:

I love the new dining options Cars Land provides visitors to California Adventure! Guests are offered down home, ‘comfort food’ style choices that are still (fairly) healthy and very filling. At Cozy Cone Motel, pick up delicious counter food snack options, many of which could double as lunch or dinner (especially the chile cone carne–in meat or vegetarian options–served in a cone-shaped bread bowl and topped with corn chips and cheese). Fillmore’s Taste-Inn offers fresh fruit as well as light snacks.

At Flo’s V8 Cafe, homestyle favorites like rotisserie chicken, meatloaf, or mac and cheese are served in big portions. I tried the vegetarian Veggie-Tater Bake with their signature apple cheddar ‘ugly crust’ pie, which was wonderful. Families will find wholesome food options here, all included in the Disney dining plan, and all substantial enough to call a full meal.

Cars Land entertainment:

Entertainment is on-going in Cars Land. DJ’s Dance ‘n Drive is boogying out on a regular basis, teaching guests dance moves like the Overdrive, and Red to the Rescue! helps clean up Radiator Springs by watering the flowers (and you).

There’s also a lot of merchandise you’re not going to want to miss. And as on Disney Cruise Line‘s Castaway Cay, some of these items you can’t find anywhere else. If you want a ‘flying tire’ hat, for instance, you’d better get it here. To see the flying tire hat modeled, check out the coverage of Cars Land at Ciao Bambino! Tip: If you don’t want to wear it all day, have it sent straight to your room if you’re staying at a Disney property.

If you’ll be in Cars Land this summer, add your favorites to the comments!