Olympic National Park with kids

Tucked away on Washington state’s Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park offers the best of not one, not two, but three worlds: temperate rain forest, ocean beaches, and mountain peaks await visitors to this unique park. No matter the season, families can escape metropolitan life in only a matter of several hours (approximately three from Portland and Seattle) and find themselves hiking between moss-covered Sitka spruce, beach-combing along wild coastline, and even skiing.

During a time when many vacations are not possible, national parks offer the ability to safely social distance, especially if families road trip to their destination. Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring this Olympic National Park, so start here as you plan a safe and responsible vacation.

Quinault

Park Overview: Olympic National Park is unique not only in its ecosystem, but in its geography; the majority of the interior of the park is free of roads (great for backpackers and wildlife, not so great for traveling families). In order to see the park, visitors must skirt the boundary on Highway 101, which is certainly scenic, but makes for quite a bit of car time. We suggest making a ‘home base’ on either end of the park, staying in Lake Quinault Lodge on the southern end or Port Angeles on the northern end. (If you have time, do both!) We chose the southern end for its rare rain forests, and saved the drive through the length of the park for another trip.

Where to stay: Lake Quinault Lodge sits on national park land just past the southern entrance to the park, its back porch and lawn leading straight to the shores of beautiful Lake Quinault. We love this lodge for its rustic yet elegant charm, kid-friendly features such as croquet sets, board games, and even an indoor pool, and proximity to incredible hiking in the Quinault Rain Forest (one of only three temperate rain forests in the world).

Other nearby accommodations include the park’s additional lodges, and hotel options along Highway 101 along the peninsula. The Log Cabin Resort on Lake Crescent is rustic but the most budget and kid-friendly, and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is where to go for a cozy getaway. Kalaloch Lodge is a no-frills lodge right on the ocean, and kids love it…just know that many times of the year, you’re not protected from wind and storms coming on off the Pacific.

Quinault

What to do: Trust me, you won’t be bored! In the Quinault Rain Forest area, families can enjoy many day hikes under three miles in length that hold kids’ attention as they weave through jungle-like forests, follow ice-cold streams, and end in crashing waterfalls. Our favorites are the Maple Glade and Cascading Terraces trails, both starting right across the street from Lake Quinault Lodge at the ranger station.

Further north (back on Highway 101), kids will want to stop to explore any of the short, forested paths from the highway to the ocean near Kalaloch, all of which open out upon the wide, long-stretching beaches along this part of the coast. (Look for the huge, wind-blown trees barely hanging onto the ocean cliff-sides…their exposed roots make for great jungle gyms!)

Olympic beaches

From Kalaloch, continue north on Highway 101 to the turnoff for the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center (15 miles further on Upper Hoh Road). The center is only open seasonally, but families will find excellent picnic areas and self-guided hikes through some of the most dramatic rain forest yet! Check out the Hall of Mosses for a good taste of this terrain that even preschoolers can hike.

Extra Tip: for a good resource on all area hikes, click here!

hoh rain forest

A word on Twilight Territory: If you have a tween or teen in the car itching to see Cullen and Quileute country (or just admit it…it’s you, isn’t it?) the town of Forks is just 10 minutes further up Highway 101 from the turn-off to the Hoh Rain Forest. You’ll be tempted to make the detour, but trust us, it’s not worth it unless you’re heading in that direction anyway (or like cheesy souvenir shops and the like). If you’re not continuing further north but simply must make the trek (I understand, I really do), do the rest of your crew a favor and drop them off at scenic Ruby Beach, a national park site just past Kalaloch. The kids will have much more fun running on this beautiful beach, climbing its sea stacks, and playing in the creek that runs from forest to surf. And after you’ve driven through Forks, continue on to La Push’s First and Second beaches…they really are lovely.

Check out all we loved about Olympic National Park and Lake Quinault Lodge on the Pit Stops for Kids’ Kid Cam:

NOTE: As travel today remains uncertain, please keep your safety and the safety of others in mind at all times. If you are comfortable with traveling, please travel responsibly and within regulation as any travel is at your own risk.

If you do decide to travel at this time, here are our recommendations:

  • Wear a face mask. 
  • Bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands on a regular basis.
  • Check official websites before your trip for the latest updates on policies, closures and status of local businesses.
  • Book a hotel with free cancellation in case you need to change your plans at the last minute.

The Wizarding World at Universal Studios Hollywood: What to know before you go

If you have kids who live and breathe all things Harry Potter, and you can’t take them on a trip to the motherland, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios is the next best thing. With the Wizarding World is now open on both coasts, we opted to check out Hogwarts and Hogsmeade in Hollywood. Read on for our best planning tips:

wizarding-world

Don’t forget to budget time for one of the best things to do in Hollywood, the Museum of Illusions, plus additional fun in the greater Los Angeles area!

Rides at Wizarding World of Harry Potter: 

There are two rides at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, both of which are pretty tame by theme park standards. However, here’s what you should know about each:

  • The Flight of the Hippogriff is Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor roller coaster. It is family friendly and appropriate for younger muggles over 36 inches tall.
  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal Studios Hollywood takes place inside Hogwart’s Castle. This 3-D adventure is perfect for diehard Harry Potter fans who can brave the Quidditch pitch, Whomping Willows, dragons and dementors. We loved it, but there’s a lot of twisting and turning, and some of us felt a bit queasy afterward. If you get motion sickness, know this in advance!

Shopping inside Wizarding World:

Normally, souvenir shopping wouldn’t get more than a cursory mention in one of my posts…after all, no one comes for the shopping. Not so at Wizarding World! Shopping for Harry Potter souvenirs is truly part of the fun at Wizarding World, and you’ll want to take time to do some browsing. Be sure to go into the various shops, such as Honeydukes candy shop for some chocolate frogs, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, chocolate cauldrons and more. Inside the castle and as you exit the Forbidden Journey are where you will find Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods. I could have spent hours in there! You can purchase clothing, house crest banners, toys, games and replicas of the movie props.

If your kid (or you!) want to buy a wand, do it early. Why? You can use interactive wands (the ones with the specially marked sticker on the box) throughout the Wizarding World. It’s really fun to perform spells at any location with an emblem on the ground. There’s always a Universal employee stationed nearby to give you tips.

To get a wand, you can either go through a wand ceremony (where you wait in line to watch the ceremony where one person is picked to be the recipient, then buy your own if you weren’t picked), or you can go directly to the wand shop. If you want to watch the ceremony, we suggest making this your first stop.

The wand shop is usually crazy crowded, but it’s also jaw-dropping to see the wand boxes literally stacked floor to ceiling. Wands will set you back $50 each (yes, really!) but it’s one of those things you should probably just budget for, because once in the Wizarding World, they’re hard to resist!

This video was created with ProEditors…learn more about creating your own!

Food & drink of wizards: 

Like shopping, eating is a big deal at Wizarding World. There are all kinds of edible treats from the candy in Honeydukes to the restaurant and pub, as well as Butterbeer. In the Three Broomsticks restaurant, you’ll find the Hog’s Head (bar), but also English fare for the whole family. You can snuggle up with a drink in a cozy booth or spot in front of the fireplace. We found it expensive but fun to eat a meal in the Three Broomsticks.

Wizarding entertainment:

On the Hogsmeade stage you will find some entertainment throughout your visit. Some of the Hogwarts choir students (one from each house) perform with their large croaking frogs. You can also cheer on the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students as they get the crowd excited for the Triwizard Tournament. After each performance, you can take photos with the singers and dancers.

Dealing with crowds:

Universal’s Front of Line pass will be worth your while if you’re visiting during peak season (summer) or just about any time in the first months of the park’s opening, even though there are only two rides in the park. The pass is good for both rides, and lines are definitely long. It also includes front access to shows, saving you time (as you won’t have to hold seats). These passes start at $199. There is a single rider line available for The Forbidden Journey. There’s a VIP pass as well, which gets you all the perks of the Front of Line pass, plus a guided tour, breakfast, and lunch, but at over $300 a ticket, we don’t see the value.

Buying tickets:

As with most theme parks, Universal Studios gives you an array of options for ticket purchase (in addition to the aforementioned Front of the Line pass). Always buy tickets online ahead of time if buying directly through Universal to save some cash, but if you plan to do anything else in the greater Los Angeles area, do as we did and use a Go Los Angeles card attraction pass. A 3-day card gives you a day at Universal Studios, which you can upgrade to a Front of the Line pass should you desire. We loved that we didn’t have to wait in the ticket line at all: cards are fully integrated with the Universal Studios Hollywood ticket turnstiles.

Where to stay: If budget allows, consider staying in LA style with luxury villa rentals Los Angeles. Or, staying at a Preferred Hotel gets you early admission privileges, and may even get you shuttle service to the park (in some cases). What we like: there’s a large selection to choose from, making it possible for families on all budgets to book a Preferred Hotel. Be sure to use hotel loyalty programs when you book to ensure you come away with points as well as a great vacation!

Read also: our tips for Universal Studios Hollywood!

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wizarding-world

Photo credit: Prayitno

Five favorite coastal campgrounds for families

Families wanting to make the most of the camping season need to head to coastal, temperate zones to avoid temperature extremes (bonus if they can find yurts or cabins at the campground). Family camping is economical, easy to plan, and often close to home! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite coastal campgrounds for families in the Pacific Northwest and California. At each of the following state campgrounds, you’ll find miles of beach, shady trails, ample camping space, and programs for kids. Check the websites below for exact pricing, but on average, California and Oregon state park fees are very reasonable (under $20 a night for tent camping and under $30 for hook-ups). Don’t forget hot cocoa and most importantly, the s’mores!

 

 

Sunset Bay State Park OR: Located just outside Coos Bay, Oregon on Highway 101, it’s safe to say Sunset Bay is my family’s favorite coastal campground. The sites are nestled in a beautiful forest just steps from the beach, flat, paved loops allow for perfect bike riding around camp, the showers are heated and facilities up-to-date, and the beach itself is gorgeous. Best of all, yurts are available (reserve far ahead!), as well as two additional state parks within easy hiking distance.

Cape Blanco State Park, OR: The beacon of the Cape Blanco lighthouse welcomes campers to this windswept section of Oregon’s pacific coast, where rugged cliffs and high coastal plains lead from Highway 101 to the campground. The sites overlook the beach and light with lots of space for kids to play and explore. All sites are first-come, first-served at this park, but there are four rustic cabins that can be reserved ahead of time. I’ve never seen this park truly crowded, and love the stark beauty of the storm-battered coast along this exposed shore. In season, families can take a lighthouse tour, too!

Harris Beach State Park, OR: One of our favorite beaches for its natural beauty and natural playground qualities for kids, Harris Beach is located just north of Brookings, Oregon (again, on Highway 101). Kids love to explore the rock formations along the cliff sides of this beach, as well as the creek that feeds into it from the nearby campground. I love that the campground has plenty of sites, and is on the bluff overlooking the beach, giving campers wonderful views of the ocean (and keeping day crowds away from the sites). The town of Brookings is near enough to offer conveniences, but far enough removed that families truly feel away from it all. And like Sunset Bay, yurts are available to rent (but be sure to reserve early!).

 

Navarro River Redwoods State Park: This gorgeous state park just off scenic Highway 1 near Albion in Mendocino County boasts beachcombing, swimming, picnicking, and camping at Paul M. Demmick campground. The redwoods here are fantastic: in summer, you’ll be cocooned in a shady bower (when you’re not seeking the sunshine on the beach), and kids love playing in and around these massive trees while at the campground. For a fun way to spend the day, venture to the Russian river for a swim!

San Onofre State Beach, CA: This sunny California beachside state park near the city of San Cemente offers sunbathing, surfing, and boogie-boarding in addition to San Mateo Campground, which lies one mile away via sandy trail. The pros of this camping experience are many: think blue skies, warm evenings, and beautiful surf. There are, however cons: the proximity of both the freeway (I-5) and Amtrak train tracks are definitely annoying, and the beach can certainly get crowded in summer. With 3.5 miles of sand at your disposal however, you’re sure to find a place to lay your beach towels!

Bonus campground idea: Check out Hug Point State ParkHug Point State Park for a more economical beach trip near Cannon Beach, Oregon.

Want more camping info? Get Pit Stops for Kids’ camping gear list!

Exploring the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Directly along Oregon’s stretch of coastal Highway 101 lie the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: miles of sandy hills and valleys awaiting exploration! Never heard of it? I’m not surprised…many don’t realize these mammoth mountains of sand are so close at-hand for Northwest visitors!

dunes

The biggest of these dunes are about 10 miles south of Reedsport near the town of Lakeside in Eel Creek Campground. Off road vehicles are not allowed along this stretch of “seafront Sahara”. There are picnic tables and restrooms, and a $5 parking fee. It is only .05 mile walk (you cut through the campground) to the open dunes, which makes this a great pit stop for families traveling further as well as a destination. It’s possible to make a longer loop of it by following the trail from the campground to the beach and back (2.5 miles). We took snow sleds to try our hand at sand sledding, but they didn’t work as well as you might think! Instead, our kids had more fun just running up and down the dunes.

sand boarding

Families can also rent sand boards (like snowboards) nearby in the town of Florence. These rentals are about $20/day, and are a great activity for families with older kids who like skateboarding or snowboarding. They can be used wherever you like!

We opted for the day hike and hiked out to the ocean. Then we played at the beach for about an hour before walking back. Most of the hike we did barefoot, as the trail is sandy. The kids loved the wide expanse and played all kinds of games along the way; you could see them from miles away!

Another fun hike is Tahkenitch Creek, located north of Reedsport about nine miles. Due to the expanse of the Oregon Dunes Recreation Area, this area is still within its limits. It is well marked along Highway 101 and at one point, the trail crosses a creek that our kids ended up swimming in. The hike is two miles round trip to the ocean, but we got a bit lost on the trails and ended up hiking closer to three miles! The best part of this hike: finding dozens and dozens of sand dollars! (The weather can change quickly on the coast!)

oregon-dunes

Tip: About three miles east of Reedsport is Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area. It is right along the highway and well worth the stop in case there are elk. There is telescope viewer there to find out! We did not see any this time, but we have before. Families can picnic there, but there are no tables, just benches and large information panels. (No bathrooms!) Also nearby is the Umpqua Discovery Center, in Reedsport, which is a great way to acquaint yourself with the dune area.

oregon-dunes

Date last visited: November 2014

Distance from the interstate: All attractions located right along Highway 101.

Overnight options: We stayed at Eel Creek Campground. Want to overnight in a yurt? Try Sunset Bay State Park (a family favorite) or William Tugman State Park. The latter is closest, but in summer, does get quite loud with motorized sports on the nearby lake.

Dining options: Nearby Reedsport offers the usual restaurant fare: we ate at a pizza place with a nice salad bar, and there is also a Safeway and McDonalds. In the small harbor town of Winchester, try the fish and chips place floating at the T dock. It’s delicious!

beach-bonfire

Rates and reservations: Start at the Eel Creek Campground site!

Directions: Eel Creek Campground (gateway to the dunes) is located at 72044 Highway 101 in
Lakeside OR, 10 miles south of Reedsport.

 

Oregon Sea Lion Caves

The Oregon Coast’s famed sea lion caves (91560 Hwy. 101 N., Florence) can be found eleven miles north of Florence, Oregon on scenic Highway 101. A great pit stop for families traveling this windy, windswept stretch of coastline, the caves offer not only a chance to get out of the car, get some sea air, and explore, but also to experience a true rarity: the world’s largest sea lion cave.

sea lion caves

Home to sea lions as well as sea birds, visitors descend to the cave (which opens up to the Pacific at the base of a bluff) by elevator, then overlook the sea lions in their natural habitat. In spring and summer, you’ll find the sea lions on the rocky ledges just outside the cave (their rookery while breeding). During the fall and winter, they are usually inside their cave.

If you have anyone sensitive to smells, give them fair warning that the cave has a very strong odor of sea, fish, and sea lion. It’s not exactly pleasant, but it bothers some more than others! And there is some physical effort required (though not strenuous). in order to make the trip, you must go up and down stairs and climb about 400 yards of paved trail. You then reach the elevator that takes you down to the cave. There are also 63 steps in the cave in order to access a lighthouse viewpoint. Visitors can go all the way down to the cave, or stop and turn back at any point.

Distance from the interstate: Right off Highway 101.

Date last visited: July 2009

Admission fee: Adults are $12, kids 3-12 are $8. Under 3s are free. Note: we thought the admission price was a little steep for what you get; after all, for our family of five, we paid over $40, which was pretty high for a spur-of-the-moment stop. However, if you plan ahead, we’ve found that knowing what you’ll be paying takes some of the sting out of it. In addition to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, which we highly recommend, the sea lion caves are one of the best exhibits out there.

Hours: Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm.

Food services: There is a gift shop attached to the attraction which has quite a large selection of snacks, ice cream, and the like. No actual meal service is offered, however.

Website: http://sealioncaves.com/home/

Directions: From Florence, Oregon, drive eleven miles north on Highway 101.

Whale Watching in Crescent City, CA

Photo courtesy of Aquarium of Pacific

1001 Front Street
Crescent City, CA

Crescent City, CA has long been a favorite location for whale watching year-round, but the best time to get a glimpse of a gentle giant or two is in May! If you find yourself traveling along scenic Highway 101 this spring, it’s well worth a pit stop on your family vacation!

Check in at the Cultural Center (1001 Front Street) first in order to see if any programs or events are being offered at the time of your visit. On May 23rd, from 11:30 am to 3 pm, a whale event is planned, organized by Coastal Commissioner Sara Wan and hosted by volunteers. (Thank you to Pit Stops for Kids reader Paul for this info!). If you don’t visit at the time of a planned event, the best locations to spot gray whales on your own are:

Crescent Beach Overlook
Enderts Beach
Battery Point Lighthouse
Point St. George

Klamath Overlook (located approximately 15 miles south of Crescent City off Highway 101 past the end of Requa Road), also offers Redwoods National Park ranger talks on gray whales every Wednesday from 2-4 pm and every Saturday from 10 am-2 pm. Bring binoculars!

Photo courtesy of Friends of Battery Point Lighthouse

Gray whales are best seen from an elevated spot close to the shore, so the locations with overlooks are your best bet! If you’d rather watch for whales from the deck of a boat, Tidewind Sportfishing in Brookings (800-799-0337) offers the chance for an up-close encounter! But if it’s not your lucky day, stop by the Marine Mammal Rescue Center instead (at the end of the park by the Cultural Center). If the sun is out, Beach Front Park also features a great playground! (Read about more family attractions in Crescent City.)

Date last visited: May 2010.

Distance off the interstate: Crescent City is directly on Highway 101 just past the California border.

Hours and Admission Prices: Most overlooks and beaches are free; some have car fees on state park land. Hours are generally sunrise to sunset.

Bathrooms: Located in Cultural Center when open.

Food Services: Picnics in the park or on beaches are your best bet! The town of Crescent City has plenty of grocery or fast food options, as well as seafood fare.

Phone: (707)464-7483

Directions: From Hwy 101 (Redwood Highway), take Front Street to Beach Front Park.

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Tillamook Cheese Factory

Tillamook Factory Visitor\’s Center

4175 Highway 101 North,
Tillamook, Oregon

Located conveniently along scenic Highway 101 between the tourist towns of Cannon Beach and Lincoln City, the Tillamook Cheese Factory makes for a great pit stop and picnic lunch spot (1-2 hours max). You can take a self-guided tour of the production floor (viewed from above), then sample all the cheese you want (yes you read that right!). Definitely try the curds (they’re surprisingly great!) and stop by the store, too!

From the official website: “See our cheesemakers and packaging staff at work. Hear about our history and the cheesemaking process. Touch the interactive kiosk screens to learn about our cooperative and our products. Smell the delicious aroma of freshly baked waffle cones. And best of all, taste our award-winning cheeses, 38 flavors of ice cream and the hearty meals available in our Farmhouse Cafe!”

Date last visited: We were last there in July 2006.

Distance off the interstate: Directly off Hwy 101.

Hours and Admission Prices: Free. Hours are: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Labor Day through mid-June)
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Mid-June through Labor Day).

Bathrooms: Bathrooms are clean and spacious, and have changing tables.

Food Services: The Farmhouse Cafe offers lots of kid favorites, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and more. Ample tables are also available for picnicking.

Website: http://www.tillamookcheese.com/VisitorsCenter/

Directions: You can see the factory directly off 101!

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Crescent City, CA

Hwy 101
Crescent City, CA

McCoy family beachcombing at Enderts on a foggy summer day.

The McCoy family beachcombs on a foggy summer day.

The entire beach town of Crescent City, CA makes for a breathtakingly beautiful pit stop any time of year! A great place to start is Enderts Beach in Redwoods National Park. Says reviewer Angie McCoy, “It’s a great flat beach with a picnic area, parking and bathrooms. You go just 2 miles south of Crescent City (Hwy 101) to Enderts Beach Road. Take this road for awhile and you’ll see signs to the beach/picnic area. There is also a trail/overlook on this road (a recommended hike).”

Next, head to Ocean World, a privately funded aquarium located just off Highway 101 by the Crescent City Harbor. Young kids will love the ‘touch and feel’ tide pools and everyone will want to pet sharks and see a sea lion show.

Ocean World packs quite a bite!

Ocean World packs quite a bite!

Fifteen miles outside of Crescent City on Highway 101 is Trees of Mystery (15500 Highway 101 North), a groomed interpretive trail through the redwoods complete with a Sky Trail gondola, museum, and restaurant.

Bonus pit stop! The playground in Crescent City is great – it’s very similar to Bear Creek but much bigger. We had a lot of fun there – it’s on the waterfront at the south part of town near the lighthouse.”

Date last visited: August 2009

Distance off the interstate: All along Hwy 101

Hours and Admission Prices: No fee for Enderts Beach. Admission to Ocean World is $9 for adults and $5.95 for kids (call 707-464-4900 for hours) and admission to Trees of Mystery is $14 for adults, $7 for kids (under age 3 is free). Call 1-800-638-3389 for current hours.

Food Services: Crescent City offers a few fast food chains as well as several local seafood spots.

The Cathedral at Trees of Mystery.

The Cathedral at Trees of Mystery.

Website: Not the official site, but this blog gives a beautiful overview of Enderts Beach.

Trees of Mystery: http://www.treesofmystery.net/tofm.htm

Ocean World: http://www.oceanworldonline.com/new/

Directions: To Enderts Beach: from Crescent City, take Highway 101 south for 2-3 miles, then turn right onto Enderts Beach Road. Follow the road all the way to the end, where there’s a small parking lot. Note that you’ll pass the vista point just before the parking lot.