beach vacations - Pitstops for Kids

Baja vacation: Cerritos Beach review

April 2, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

During the current Covid environment, face masking and social distancing is necessary everywhere in the world. When traveling to Mexico in spring 2021, testing is required within 72 hours of returning to the U.S. Read on for testing options in Baja.

Located approximately one hour north of Cabo San Lucas on the Baja peninsula of Mexico, Cerritos Beach is a laidback surf town perfect for a relaxed, socially-distant Baja vacation. Our Cerritos Beach review includes where to stay, where to eat, and what to do.

Cerritos Beach review:

Cerritos Beach is right of Highway 19 north of busy Cabo, down a dirt road. Yep, you’ll go from the highway immediately to dirt. No worries…this is Baja. Within this small surf community, you’ll find amazing food, great bars with low prices, and plenty of vacation rentals, Airbnbs, and studio rooms to rent. The beach is casual and fun, with amenities such as surf lessons, surfboard and boogie board rentals, and beachfront food. While sitting at the beach, you can order guacamole made-to-order, fresh cerviche, cold beers, and even a massage…all for roughly half what you’d spend on a beach in the States.

Where to stay:

We found this ideal AirBnb at Puesta del Sol, in the Sunrise complex on Cerritos Beach. I highly recommend it; it was only a five-minute walk to the beach, came with two surfboards, three beach umbrellas, three beach chairs, several coolers, plenty of beach towels, and a wagon to pull them all in. Directly downstairs from our two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit with rooftop lounging space and BBQ was a pool and bar (with lunch and dinner), and within a two minute walk were two other restaurants. We had everything we needed (once we’d made a stop at a grocery store between the Cabo airport and Cerritos).

There are plenty of other vacation rentals in the immediate area. We also recommend Barefoot Luxury Seaside Cerritos and the smaller huts right on the beach (check Airbnb).

Where to eat:

Where NOT to eat?? You can’t go wrong, honestly. The number one recommendation that we wholeheartedly endorse: definitely try Barracuda’s, located right next door to Puesta del Sol, directly up the dirt road from the beach. They have the best $2 tacos ever, plus wonderful margaritas and ‘surfers burritos’ big enough for two meals. The ambiance is wonderful too: all open-air in a garden-like setting.

Freesouls Cerritos Beach is also within a two-minute walk, featuring pizzas with ocean views and a pool to dip into while waiting for your food. Ditto for Riptide Bar and Grill, up the hill by the historic Hacienda (which you can usually tour, but was closed to the public at the time of our visit). And directly below our rooms at Sunrise, the Casa Maya had the hands-down best sushi and sushimi we’ve had in a very long time.

Cerritos Beach review: where to eat in Cerritos Beach Mexico

You can get cold beer and fresh cocktails at all of these locations, plus virgin drinks for the kids, and ice cream on the beach.

What to do in Cerritos Beach:

You’ll probably want to simply chill by the beach, pool, or on your personal rooftop in a hammock, but when you’re ready, there’s plenty to do. Surf lessons are about $50 for 1.5 hours, or you can get a massage on the beach for $40/hour. You can swim, surf, or boogie board (but remember that this is a surf beach, so waves can be sizable at times).

The town of Todos Santos is about 15 minutes north, offering fun shopping and more dining, and you can take just about any public dirt road toward the coastline and find more pristine beaches. From December to March, turtles are released on the beach in Todos Santos nightly; after mid-March, the releases are only every few days.

While Covid testing is required to re-enter the United States, Mexico offeres several testing options. The most affordable we found was to drive the short distance to Todos Santos where we received rapid tests at St. Jude’s for $50 U.S. each.

Cerritos Beach review: What to do in Cerritos Beach Mexico

You can drive the hour across the peninsula to La Paz to see the other coastline, but we were content to stay in Cerritos and Todos Santos, enjoying the sun, surf, and sand.

Have you been to Cerritos Beach? What are your recommendations?

Best snorkeling beaches in Kauai North Shore

March 21, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

One of the best activities in the Hawaiian islands is snorkeling in Kauai. Need to know where to go? Read on for our top snorkeling beaches on Kauai’s North Shore, compiled after a week of sampling (I know, rough job, right?). Here’s what we found out:

Anini Beach:

This was the first beach we visited on Kauai, and it did not disappoint. Because it’s surrounded by reefs, Anini is very calm and great for young kids…which is why we list it in our best Kauai beaches for babies and toddlers. But it also has great snorkeling. In the first five minutes we were out in the water, we saw multiple sea turtles. Further exploration off the shore rewarded us with schools of fish and sea slugs.

We loved that the shallow water lets you explore further out while still being able to touch, and that the sea turtles came in close enough that even young kids could see them easily. When not in the water, Anini still wins because it has a fun creek running into the ocean, lots of trees to play on with big exposed roots, and usually, a North Shore General Store food truck in the parking lot. How to get there: Take the highway past Princeville (toward Lihue) to Anini Road. You’ll go past a residential area, then end at the beach parking lot.

Hidaways Beach:

Not so hidden anymore, Hideaways, actually called Kenomene Beach is located right in Princeville, by the St. Regis. Getting to the beach can be tough, but that just means fewer other people to contend with, right? Start by hiking down a steep and rocky path…use the hand rails and ropes, and consider wearing sturdy sandals instead of flip-flops.

The best snorkeling is around the rock outcropping that separates the beach areas. Snorkel when the tide is partway in, to avoid it being too shallow. Waves during our visit were existent, but not large. However, we heard they can be quite large depending on the tide. How to get there: It’s easiest to approach Hideaways by the Pali Ke Kua condos by Hanalei Bay Resort. Enter the resort and follow the footpath to the beach. If you want to take the shorter but steeper trail, that starts at the parking lot, which is small (about 10 cars fit). This is also located right at the entrance of the condos and St. Regis, in Princeville. Tip: Go early in the morning to get parking and the beach to yourself!

Ke’e Beach:

The last beach accessible by car before the Na Poli Coast, Ke’e Beach is another good one for young kids, because of the lack of surf. This also makes it great for snorkeling. Ke’e Beach gets crowded, so hit it early to enjoy the gentle lagoon all to yourselves. The Kalalau Trail (Na Poli Coast Trail) starts here, too.

The beach is teeming with fish, and perfect for a snorkeling day. Just stay clear of the current that flows from the lagoon to the sea. Swim just outside the inner reef for the best fish sightings. You can see from the photo below that it looks rough…actually the reef shields the snorkeling area beautifully. Plus, it makes a great spot for using your bodyboards.

How to get there: Take the road to the end! That’s it. The parking lot is small here, which is another incentive to get here early. If you must park on the road, you’ll likely get a ticket to the tune of $35 or so. Many people deem it worth it. Tip: you can start at Ke’e Beach and take a four mile round trip hike along the trail to Hanakapiai Beach as well.

Queen Emma’s Bath:

While not technically a snorkeling beach, Queen Emma’s Bath is not to be missed. Kids can snorkel here, seeing rock formations and exploring the pools, and you’ll likely see sea turtles in the surf off the coast. This special geological feature is located in Princeville (follow signs as you enter this golf-resort community near the St. Regis). Park at the top of a short, downhill hike to the rocky shore, where you can explore along the coastline in either direction. Directly in front of you, after you exit the trail, will be beautiful chasms in the rock that form rocky bays for water to flow in and out of. In some seasons, these are swimmable, but not in spring or winter. Check for sea turtles here, then walk left, where you’ll find fully enclosed pools in the rock near the point. Families can swim and jump here, and snorkel in the crystal clear water. Tip: get to the parking lot early; it fills up fast and there’s no other street parking immediately adjacent.

Note: Queen Emma’s Baths have taken many lives, as noted on a sign when you enter. Never visit during the winter season, and heed all signs and warnings. We recommend never swimming in the exposed inlets at all.

Need a sure bet on the south side of the island? The inlet by the Marriott Vacation Club at Poipu Beach has great snorkeling from shore.

Where to stay on Kauai South Shore: Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club

January 24, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Every time I visit a Marriott Vacation Club, I’m equally impressed. The Waiohai Beach Club is the fourth property I’ve seen, and won’t be my last. Why? While every Marriott Vacation Club is different, in order to fit into its setting geographically and culturally, core amenities and values remain consistent across the brand: roomy, family-friendly suites with kitchens and washer/dryers, above average customer service, and a focused effort on kid-friendly activities.

If you’re not familiar with Marriott Vacation Club, go here to read more. In a nutshell, this ‘arm’ of Marriott offers a timeshare-modeled ownership plan, but also welcomes nightly guests at a fantastic value. I recommend MVCs often, because for a reasonable rate, families get tons of room and the ability to make their own meals. While service is good, the properties never feel ‘snooty’.

Features specific to Waiohai Beach Club:

This property has the prettiest grounds I’ve seen at a Marriott Vacation Club. Located right on the ocean on the south side of Kauai, the eight buildings, or ‘hales’ nestle in a semi-circle, with the resort’s three pools and three hot tubs tucked amid beautiful landscaping between them.

The beach is the best I’ve seen for Hawaiian resorts, though families can find even better by venturing around the island by car. However, when you pick a resort over a vacation home or town living, it’s crucial the beach on-site delivers, as you’ll be spending the most time there. The beach at Waiohai Beach Club certainly does: the resort is adjacent to Poipu Beach, with several small natural coves perfect for different activities. There a very calm, reef-sheltered ‘keiki’ beach if you walk a few steps from the resort to the left, a nice snorkeling spot closer to the resort, then, directly out front, a sandy beach with waves perfect for boogie boarding. Further off-shore, expert surfers can be spotted (in season).

Since it’s only a few steps from your villa to the beach, it’s easy to spend the day hopping from beach to pools to villa, returning for meals if you desire. If you want to drive elsewhere, several other Poipu beaches are within a few miles, or the wonders of the North Shore await if you’re willing to put in an hour plus drive (do…it’s worth it).

Additional activities:

Marriott Vacation Club activities are always listed on a schedule you’re handed when you check-in, and are as extensive as on some cruise ships. In other words, if you want to be active, you can be. There are children’s activities daily, most of which are free.

New to Marriott Vacation Club is Club Thrive, which opened during my visit to Waiohai. This fitness program is much more than simply exercise. Four key elements of a healthy lifestyle and vacation are hit upon in every Thrive class: move, refuel, explore, and revive. The Thrive instructors are warm, energetic, and welcoming, and tell me their goals are to help guests try classes or exercises they may not have tried yet at home, and feel relaxed and rejuvenated during their trip. Thrive classes are offered daily Monday through Friday, and range from stretching/yoga classes to Zumba to nature walks. Some are ideal for the whole family, while others require the industry standard of 13 and up. During my visit, I tried a Thrive AquaFit class, Thrive walk, and Thrive stretching/rejuvenation class, and enjoyed them all. Thrive instructor Troy is so engaging and enthusiastic, MVC should make him the poster boy of the program!

On site are boogie board, snorkel, and SUP rentals, plus surf rentals and lessons. If your kids (or you) have not surfed before, I highly recommend a lesson to start them off. Lessons are $75 per person, and after that, board rentals are much less expensive. During our Hawaiian vacation, we had lessons, then rented boards for the kids for an extra day, so they could continue working on their own.

The snorkeling is excellent from the beach, so definitely plan on renting snorkels (at the time of my visit, it was $25/week for gear). There are also gear rental shops in Koloa, located only two minutes by car from the resort.

The concierge on site can recommend various other excursions across the island. Definitely stop by to check out the offerings…there is so much to do on Kauai! We saw whales (in March) directly from the resort, but spotted even more, and up closer, on a catamaran cruise with Holo Holo Charters, located not far from the south shore in Port Allen.

What to expect from your villa:

We stayed in a two-bedroom villa (remember, all rooms are villas at Marriott Vacation Club), which slept eight. Honestly, eight would have been pretty crowded, but six would have been no problem. There’s a full kitchen, already stocked with all the silverware, plates, cooking utensils, and pots and pans you’ll need. Do a grocery store run after arrival, and you’ll be all set!

The living space is connected to the kitchen in the center of the villa, and includes extra space in the form of the large balcony, with seating. There’s a full dining room table in addition, which seats eight. The living room space also has a large couch (which pulls out to a bed) and flat screen TV and DVD player.

The two bedrooms of the villa come off of the main room, and are spacious and light. We loved the natural tones used throughout, which fit the Hawaiian vibe throughout the resort. Each bedroom has a full bath attached, with tub and shower. In one bedroom, an additional couch pulls out to be a bed as well. Each villa also has a full washer and dryer…worth their weight in gold when traveling with kids!

Those extras that add up:

You know what I mean…in many luxury hotels, the room rate is just the beginning. Once you pay for wifi, parking, and dining, you’ve spent far more. At MVC, wifi is always free, and parking is either free or has a minimal cost. At Waiohai, it was $10/day. Coffee is resupplied in the villa daily.

Dining:

Most, if not all, MVCs focus on causal dining and in-villa eating, so they don’t have a formal dinner restaurant on-site. At Waiohai, the Honu Bar and Grill, located beachside, offers very nice fare in an outdoor setting. Pick up lunch here, or drinks and smoothies. It’s open for dinner as well until 7:30 pm at the time of our visit. The same causal grill fare is offered during dinner, with the additional of a nightly dinner special. When we visited on a Monday, the dinner special was grilled mahi mahi with a garlic butter and the traditional rice and macaroni salad of the Hawaiian plate lunch. It was delicious.

In addition to Honu, Waiohai has a marketplace, as do all MVCs I’ve visited, which offers grab-and-go sandwiches, wraps, and bento or rice bowls. They also had convenience food items like chicken tenders and hot dogs. Our kids didn’t like the chicken tenders, so I’d stick with the freshly prepared items. Also in the marketplace are grocery items, wine and beer, and snacks. This market will not replace a full grocery run elsewhere, but is perfect if you need some snacks, milk for your cereal, or more coffee. They also offer some basic breakfast plates, Starbucks coffee, and muffins and pastries in the mornings.

So would we stay here again? Absolutely. There are basically two lodging options when visiting Kauai: families can rent a vacation home, or stay in a resort. There are pros and cons to each, of course, but if you’ve chosen the latter, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better value in a beach-side resort than MVC. You’ll get more for your money here, and have the cost-saving conveniences of a rental home (the kitchen and laundry) combined with the fun and pampering of a resort.

Directions:

The Waiohai Beach Club is located at 2249 Poipu Road, Koloa. From the Lihue airport, it’s an easy 20 minute drive, following signage to Poipu.

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As we disclose whenever applicable, we stayed at Waiohai as guests of MVC, for the purpose of review.

Where to eat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama

September 25, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

A decade ago, families visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama could expect baskets of shrimp and fries on the beach, bushwhackers in the bars, and not much else. Today, the culinary scene on the Gulf Coast of Alabama has changed significantly, with elevated dining in multiple venues. Here’s where to eat in Gulf Shores during your next beach vacation:

Awesome with kids:

The Hangout:

Right on the beach, The Hangout feels like a place you might have bumped into the Beach Boys in the 1960s. Famous for its three-day music festival held in May, the Hangout has a permanent stage outside in its large outdoor place, which also has a huge sand pile for kids to play on, plus oversized Connect Four and checkers, outdoors swings, and other entertainment for all. Even if you sit outside, be sure to peek inside to check out all the cool memorabilia on the walls, including a vintage lunchbox collection and toy collection.

GT’s:

Short for Good Times, GT’s in Orange Beach has a similar vibe to The Hangout, with a large outdoor space in addition to its indoor space. GT’s sits on the bay side, not the ocean side, and is a great place to come for lunch then paddle board with Gulf Coast Paddle Company (GT’s built a dock out back just for this service).

Note: While I didn’t experience it personally, I’m told Lulu’s is an other excellent option for families, with a large outdoor space to play in, and careful attention given to diners with any sort of dietary allergies. They take orders for patrons with allergies on a separate, red note pad, and orders go through a separate line in the kitchen.

The Yard Milkshake Bar:

My oh my. If you want to make your kids’ eyes pop out of their heads in delight, head to The Yard. The brainchild of a young local entrepreneur, this ice cream shop specializes in custom-made milkshakes. When you arrive, you can expect a line (even in the off-season), but that’s alright, because it will take you awhile to decide on your order anyway. Use the order forms available on clipboards to select your ice cream flavors, add-ins, and toppings. To give you an idea, you could top your milkshake with the likes of cupcakes, donuts, bananas, cotton candy, and cookie dough. These milkshakes are artistic masterpieces, and yes, you should definitely skip lunch to have room to eat these! Milkshakes start around $6, and go up from there depending on what you top it with, but each comes with a souvenir mason jar that you keep. The reason: this establishment is so popular and busy, the staff doesn’t have time to wash them!

Soul Bowlz:

Locally owned (like many Gulf Shores establishments) Soul Bowlz operated out of a surf shop until just recently, and now is expanding to several locations. You’ll find it tucked into a strip mall, but don’t let its lackluster location deter you…I’ve never had such a good Acai bowl! They also make smoothies kids will love, that are very healthy (no added sugar).

Beach-casual yet upscale:

Big Wave Dave’s:

Located near the ocean, Big Wave Dave’s has taken beach fare such as fried shrimp and poboys with fries to a new level, with lobster rolls inspired by their Fire Island, New York location (which is owned by the same family). Their catch of the day plate is to die for, and the portions are huge here.

Cosmo’s:

It won’t take you long at Cosmo’s to realize this restaurant is owned by a dog lover…and cat lover. Cosmo’s is named after the owner’s labrador retriever, and yes, dogs are welcome here for patio seating (the server will bring Fido a dish of water, too). Definitely peek into the adjacent gift shop, Maggie’s (named after another family dog), grab a pint at Luna’s (yes, named after another dog) and to BuzzCatz, the cat-themed coffee shop and bakery. We had the best lunch of our stay here (the ahi tuna Asian salad is fabulous). Cosmo’s speciality is their banana leaf-wrapped fish, which has won awards, but won its way into my heart when our server told us that after tasting it while dining here, he marched directly into the kitchen to ask for an application…he wanted to work for the chef that made that dish.

Big Beach Brewing Company:

Kid friendly and dog friendly, the indoor-outdoor Big Beach Brewing Company is new to the Gulf Coast scene. Started as a hobby, Big Beach quickly outgrew its small basement operation, and now has 12 taps featuring craft brews. When I visited, they had a honey ale on tap that was delicious. Get comfortable in the tree swings, hammocks and outdoor tables and listen to the live music on the weekends.

Bill’s by the Beach:

If you want to eat somewhere you can walk to from the beach, head either to The Hangout or Bill’s. There’s outdoor seating, and older kids can play ping-pong in the lower elevated space below the first floor. (Young kids welcome, but a busy street is located adjacent and they will need parental supervision.) Bill’s has great salads and appetizers, and a wide selection of cocktails, with mimosas and Bloody Marys available most of the day.

Coast at the Beach Club:

Located in The Beach Club out by Fort Morgan, Coast has a beautiful atmosphere, with soft pastel colors and coastal decor. There’s a large outdoor patio with ocean views, and a very ‘elegant Southern beach house’ feel indoors. The daily catch is always a sure bet, and there’s full sushi bar in the evenings by the bar (they can coordinate with the dining staff and kitchen to have sushi orders come out with the rest of the meal or separately). I recommend the Caesar salad, sushi, and scallops. If you want a more casual meal outdoors, the Beach Club features a food truck pod made of Airstreams out front…ideal for dining with kids.

Just for grown-ups:

Flora-Bama:

You have to see Flora-Bama to believe it. This bar on the Florida-Alabama state line is like nothing I’ve ever seen. The closest I can come to describing it: Disney’s Frontierland meets Wild West meets Vegas meets Hooters. While kids are welcome during the day, I’d reserve Flora-Bama for adults only: it’s raucous, crowded, and loud. During peak season, this huge complex of multiple rooms and stages boasts 21 different bars; during my visit, there were ‘only’ about ten. Legend has it Flora-Bama used to be a more understated affair, until Hurricane Ivan damaged it; when it was rebuilt, rooms were added wily-nilly. What stands today is a hodgepodge of hallways, rooms, and bars, with outdoor areas covered in tents with wood and sand floors (yes, it’s right on the beach). Live music plays, there’s a mechanical bull (and a full rodeo outside once a year), and apparently, women take their tops off a lot. Have a bushwhacker (Alabama’s favorite drink, as far as I can tell), and people watch!

Have you been to Alabama’s Gulf Coast? Where do you recommend eating?

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Things to do on the Great Barrier Reef with kids

July 6, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

The Great Barrier Reef is a magical place to visit. Most parents wouldn’t think that it is safe to tour Australia’s natural wonder with kids, but there are actually quite a few things you can do. Introducing them at a young age helps them learn about the biodiversity and the beauty first hand. There are over 6,600 species of flora and fauna that live in the Great Barrier Reef; this includes 1,500 species of fish, 400 kinds of coral, and 4,000 species of mollusks. In this article, we will cover the different things you can do with your kids on holiday on the Great Barrier Reef.

Glass Bottom Boat Rides

You can charter a glass bottom boat ride from most port cities in Queensland adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef. The clear glass allows you and your children to see the marine life, the brightly coloured fish and the magnificent corals without getting wet or even needing to know how to swim. Safely peer down into the clear blue waters and introduce your children to a whole new world they will come to love and respect.

Island Excursions

There are many different islands among the Great Barrier Reef that make for a great holiday with the kids. You can hire a Budget rent a car easily, and be on your way to one of the islands. Each of the islands boast several white sand beaches just waiting for sand castles. Some islands have accommodations so that you can stay on the island and get to experience so much of the Great Barrier Reef right from the island. The shallow beaches allow little ones to get their feet wet and experience the Coral Sea without getting in too deep. Whatever your tastes and budget is, there are island accommodations for you. If you thought staying on a Great Barrier Reef island was out of reach for a modest single parent budget, think again. All types of accommodations are available from budget camping tents, cabins, cottages, lodges, and luxury resorts. Here are some specific kid friendly island activities:

If you are looking for kid-friendly fun while on the island, check out Hamilton Island where you can plan to go bowling, take art classes, go-kart racing, mini golf, quad bikes and more.
From September to March you can see the Loggerhead and Green sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs and then the babies hatch and make their way back into the water. This is an excellent phenomenon to see with your kids.
On Daydream Island (located in the Whitsunday Islands) the resort there has an amazing living reef that runs through it. The Living Reef is one of the largest man-made living coral reef lagoons in the whole world. Children get to experience a piece of the Great Barrier Reef in the shallow lagoon without the dangers of open water. There are more than 140 species of marine fish and 83 species of coral in the Living Reef. Guests of the resort can wade through the waters, explore, touch, and learn about the marine life swimming through it. There are daily educational seminars and feeding sessions to help educate everyone about the reef, its inhabitants, and the importance of conservation.
Low Isles is a small cay just off the coast of Port Douglas. It is easy to get to but access is limited; so if you plan ahead of time, you can be a part of a limited tour that is perfect for you and your kids. There is a lighthouse on the island and a shallow, sheltered lagoon in the bay that is perfect for swimming.

Kid Friendly Activities in Port Cities

Up and down the Queensland coast along the Great Barrier Reef are a series of major port cities: Cairns, Port Douglas, Townsville, Mackay, and Rockhampton. Each port city allows for easy access to destinations and charters on the Great Barrier Reef.

Things to Do in Cairns:

Cairns Zoo
Mossman Gorge
Kuranda Rainforest
Barron Gorge National Park

Things to Do in Port Douglas:

Daintree Rainforest
The Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

Things to Do in Townsville:

The Strand Water Park
The Rockpool
Museum of Tropical Queensland
Reef HQ Aquarium
Billabong Sanctuary

Photo credit: Flickr/SummerDay, Flickr/RobertLinsdell, Flickr/PaulTooGood

Five family friendly activities in Sarasota

March 31, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

While a vacationing family may be perfectly satisfied with spending their entire vacation on the beach in Sarasota, a family that wants to dig deeper (or is considering Sarasota as their new home), will need to have knowledge of some of the more family-oriented activities in Sarasota and the surrounding areas. Even a vacationing family may want to get off of the beach for a while, especially during adverse weather conditions. Fortunately, Sarasota has plenty of family-centered activities to keep everyone busy.

Following are five of the top family-friendly activities in and around Sarasota

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

For families that are enamored by the vast variety of marine life in Florida, the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium offers the entire family the opportunity to come out and get their hands wet while meeting the sea lions. They will also have the opportunity to view some of the most extraordinary specimens of sea life anywhere.

South Lido Nature Park

For the family that is either tired of the water, or still attempting to get their sea legs, visiting the South Lido Nature Park will allow them to enjoy nature absent of the large body of water. They will be able to enjoy hiking along the nature trails. One of the highlights of visiting this park is the ability to view the water and the skyline at a distance, once they reach the end of the boardwalk. Some other attractions at this park are the mangroves and the trees in pairs that grow in this natural habitat.

Sarasota Jungle Garden

Families can visit the Sarasota zoo, where they will be able to pet and pose with a number of the animals. The kids will be able to feed the flamingos, as well as watch the lemurs at play. For the really adventurous kid, they can get up close and personal with a vulture.

Sarasota Opera

When it comes to the refined cultural arts, Sarasota is not lacking. There is always some type of Opera event taking place, such as the Barber of Seville and the Flying Dutchman. So, after a day at the park or the beach, the family can get dressed up and head out to the opera.

Kids Komedy Club at Florida Studio Theatre

The Kids Komedy Club is an event at the Florida Studio Theatre in which kids perform comedic sketches that they write themselves. It is a great opportunity for the entire family to enjoy unending laughter.

While Sarasota boasts some beautiful beaches, there is so much more to the city. For the vacationing family, or for the family that will be making this beautiful city their home, there will not be one dull moment.

Lara Adams recently relocated her family to Florida for her job in real estate. She writes on the subject in her spare time in the hope of helping others.

Photo credit.

Tubing on Kauai: Kauai Backcountry Adventures

May 4, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

One of the most unique excursions families can take on Kauai is a tubing adventure through a sugar cane plantation. This adventure is very hard to describe until you’ve tried it: essentially, families are guided through the flumes and tunnels of unused irrigation channels on a now-defunct plantation for a fun, beautiful, and pretty thrilling ride through Kauai’s jungle-like east side.

Start at the headquarters for Kauai Backcountry Adventures, located in Wailea. This big warehouse is the place to check in, get fitted for helmets and headlamps, and wet suit tops if you need them. Next, you’ll be placed into groups of about 12 and paired with a guide and driver, who will take you via van to the put-in site. This site is on the sugar cane plantation, about 20 minutes from the warehouse. You drive along roads for about 10 minutes, then dirt roads for another ten, arriving into the plantation where your guide tells you about the history of the area.

After a short stop at an overlook, which is a great opportunity to see some of the inland valleys of Kauai, you become acquainted with your inner tubes and the irrigation canals. You’re met with another, ‘back’ guide, who pairs with your head guide to help everyone navigate the flumes and tunnels.

We weren’t prepared for the cold temperature of the water, but found it refreshing. (The guides make a joke of this, banning the word ‘cold’ from everyone’s vocabulary, but we actually did find it perfectly pleasant, once used to it.) The flumes are fast-moving at times, slow and restful at others, but always active and fun as you bump into others as you float down the narrow canals. Everyone, from the grandparents in our group to the five-year-old, had a good time, though the youngest kids were unsure at first. There are five tunnels to go through, which are beautiful and just scary enough if you turn off your lights to keep the older kids entertained. Throughout the float, the Kauai forests and unused plantation lands surround you, with bird song at all times.

The actual float takes about an hour and a half, and ends at a nice picnic spot for a deli lunch that’s set out. It’s nothing fancy, but perfectly good and satisfying. After the return drive, the whole experience takes about three hours. We definitely recommend it, as it’s unique to Kauai and a fun way to see countryside you may otherwise not be introduced to.

Curious what the dark tunnels look and feel like? Here’s a short video clip!

What to bring:

You can take a day bag with you, which will be transported for you from the put-in spot to the picnic spot. We were glad to have dry shirts and light sweatshirts at that point. Also be sure to wear sturdy sandals, such as Keens or Chacos, because you’ll be pushing off from the concrete walls of the canals and walking on dirt roads a bit. Wear swim suits for the excursion. You’l also want towels.

Cost:

$106 per person, no matter what age. Budget for a tip for your guides as well (they will split it amongst themselves). Tours depart on the hour from 8 am to 2 pm, rain or shine. Our day was rainy, but it didn’t matter much!

Directions:

Find Kauai Backcountry Adventures at 3-4131 Kuhio Highway.

As we disclose whenever applicable, we tried out Kauai Backcountry Adventures at a media rate, for the purpose of review.

Learn to surf in Hawaii: Hawaiian Surfing Adventures

April 27, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

If you want to learn to surf in Hawaii, you need to learn from the locals. The minute we checked in at Hawaiian Surfing Adventures in Hanalei Bay, Kauai, we knew we were with o’hana, or family. We met many members of the Alapa family, who have owned this business for years. We were met by an uncle, driven to the beach by the father, and taught by a son and cousin.

Everyone took pride in the business, and best of all, seemed to have fun doing what they do. Their motto at Hawaiian Surfing Adventures is that surfing (and anything you do on Hawaii, actually) should be ‘easy’. They made that happen as we successfully surfed and had a blast doing it.

What to expect:

We found the business location easily enough along the main road of Hanalei, just last the liquor store if coming in from Princeville. We were asked to be there 30 minutes before our lesson time, and we filled out the usual waivers and got fitted for our rash guards. We then locked any valuables in our car and left the keys with the office crew, and hopped on board a surf jeep that took us on the short drive to Hanalei Bay Beach.

You’ll want sunglasses, sunscreen, and perhaps a camera with you at this point; we were advised we could bring towels too, but we actually never needed them. At the beach, we placed our belongings in a plastic bin (everything valuable should be at your car) and spend about 20 minutes learning how to paddle, stand up, and get back down on our boards while on land. We got useful tips on balance and stance—plus practical tips on getting out into the surf—from our teachers, Evan and Mitchell, before being let loose on the waves.

We entered the water, and here’s the good news: it was easier than I’d anticipated to paddle the board through the surf to the area where we’d be catching waves. Mitchell and Evan helped us know which waves to try for, and when to start paddling to catch them. The bad news: the hardest part for most of us was timing the waves to actually catch them. Luckily for us, the Alapa family motto of ‘make it easy’ ensured a nice push from the team to get us in front of good waves. Once we’d caught them, we were all successful in standing up and riding them. And yes, it was as fun as it seems.

Everyone in our group, from age 10 to 40, had a blast. Evan and Mitchell took care to ensure the kids were always helped and accounted for (which isn’t easy with our adventurous kids) and made them all feel great about their attempts. We enjoyed our hour on the water so much, we decided to return to Hawaiian Surfing Adventures later in the week to rent surf boards to keep practicing on our own. Rentals are only $15 for half a day, and they’ll deliver them to the beach for you. Again…they make it easy!

Pricing:

You can opt for private or semi-private lessons, but we found the ratio in group lessons to be excellent. Group lessons are $65 per person. Plan to tip your instructors!

Directions:

Find Hawaiian Surfing Adventures at 5-5134 Kuhio Highway 96714. Look for the yellow surfboard outside!

As we disclose whenever applicable, we experienced our surfing lesson at a media rate, for the purpose of review. We wanted to be able to tell readers what surfing in Hanalei is really like!

Mississippi Gulf Coast with kids: three family friendly outdoor activities

October 17, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is often overlooked by families heading South to warm waters and a warm climate, but like its neighbors Alabama and Florida, the coastline of Mississippi plays host to temperate weather, sandy beaches, and family-friendly hospitality. While a trip to the beach is definitely an option during a trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast with kids, there’s more to do outdoors than work on your tan. Our top activities to pursue on family vacations in the region:

1. Go fishing:

Mississippi offers year-round fishing adventures for families, ranging from full or half days on chartered boats or family afternoons along the pier. And fishing trips in Mississippi aren’t just about catching fish: twelve miles off the coast lay the barrier islands, a natural area protected from commercial development. Families can enjoy untouched beaches and fish from the shore. Find top picks for Gulf Coast fishing expeditions.

2. Ride a bike:

One of the best ways to explore the coast of Mississippi is by bicycle. Try the 15.5 mile (round-trip) ride along the Live Oak Bicycle Route, taking families along the seashore and across the new Biloxi Bay Bridge. Stop here for a photo op; the bridge offers one of the best views of the Gulf of Mexico. After working up a sweat, hit a local beach to cool off. We recommend taking your pick of beaches along Highway 90’s twenty-six miles of white sand beaches.

3. Take a swamp tour:

An iconic adventure of the South, a swamp tour in Mississippi combines a lesson in ecosystems and terrain with a fun ride for the kids. Families will see wildlife (yes, that means alligators!) and explore over 100 acres of pristine swamp land near the Grand Bay Estuary in Moss Point or along the Pascagoula River. Explore via boat or closer to the water by kayak. Find top picks for Mississippi river tours.

Photo credit.

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.