Bumper Jumpers Indoor Playground

July 29, 2010 By

Photo courtesy of Bumper Jumpers.

4217 High Point Road
Greensboro, NC

This pit stop submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader Kevin. Thank you, Kevin, for your submission!

The largest indoor playground in North Carolina, Bumper Jumpers is the place to go to beat the summer heat and humidity (and winter doldrums)! Inside, you’ll find 14,000 square feet of temperature-controlled fun: amazing inflatable play units, games, and other activities to ensure learning through creative play. Open for walk-in play seven days a week, it’s an ideal pit stop along I- for families en route on vacations and road trips.

A separate area is designated for kids one-year-old and under, and if you could use a little downtime too, there’s a parent section with comfortable seating, TVs, and free internet access.

Extra Tip: Bumper Jumpers is a shoe-free zone, but you will need socks. Be sure to bring a pair for each kid (easily forgotten during the summer sandal months).

Date submitted: May 2010

Distance off the interstate: 2 miles from I-40. Also easy to access from I-85 or I-73.

Admission Prices: Children one year old and up: $8.50 plus tax, infants FREE with pay of another child, parents and guardians FREE

Hours of Operation: Summer hours are Monday through Thursday: 10:00am to 8:00pm,
Friday through Saturday: 10:00am to 8:00pm, Sunday: 12:00pm to 6:00pm

Food Services: Healthy snacks and drinks are available in their refreshment area. No outside food or drink allowed except for pizza delivery.

Bathrooms: On-site.

Website: http://www.bumperjumpers.com/

Directions: From I-40, take exit 217 for High Point Rd toward Coliseum Area. Turn right at High Point Rd/US-29 Alt S. Destination will be on the left.

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The Grand Canyon’s Maswik Lodge

August 19, 2009 By
Wooded quad unit at The Maswik Lodge

Wooded quad unit at The Maswik Lodge

 

 

 

The Grand Canyon offers a host of accommodations, but we found the cabins at The Maswik Lodge to offer that perfect balance of convenience, location, and affordability. Located in the heart of the Grand Canyon Village, we were only one-fourth of a mile from the South Rim and shuttle stop. Just to the right was The Bright Angel Lodge (and the start of the Bright Angel Trail), numerous gift shops and lookouts over the rim, and the impressive El Tovar hotel.

The lodge itself is comprised of several sections, including traditional motel-style units in two block buildings, a main lobby, registration, and dining area, unattached cabin units, and quad-style units. The latter two were located just adjacent to the registration building across from the parking. It was wooded and pleasant. Our quad unit had only two downfalls: noise heard through the shared walls, and a lack of air conditioning (a legitimate addition to the ‘con’ list, as we were visiting in July). The price, however, was right at a rate of $90 a night.

We had two double beds, a nice bathroom with shower stall, TV, phone, and ceiling fan. Wireless internet service was available in the lobby and dining building, as well as at an internet kiosk (pay as you go).

We had the chance to try out the Maswik’s cafeteria for both dinner and breakfast. With four separate food stations and many other ala carte items, it was a nice change from table service with kids in tow. Entrees ranged from about $4-8. Finer dining was within walking distance at either The Bright Angel’s Arizona Room or El Tovar. (The Bright Angel also houses a nice ice cream parlor accessible from the Rim Trail.)

Date last visited: July 2009

Distance off the interstate: Whoa boy. The Grand Canyon Village within the national park (South Rim) is located only 60 miles North of I-40, but allow extra time for traffic through the park, especially during the summer months.

Hours and Admission Prices: Remember that there is a separate entry fee for the national park, regardless of where you’re staying. It’s currently $25 per car.

Website: www.grandcanyonlodges.com For reservations, call: 888-297-2757.

Directions: From Flagstaff:

Take Interstate 40 West to Williams.
At the Arizona Highway 64 junction turn North.
Proceed to the South entrance of Grand Canyon National Park.
Driving time is approximately 1 hour, 40 minutes; 89 miles.

Driving from Las Vegas, Nevada
Go south on US Highway 93 (over the Hoover Dam) to Kingman, Arizona.
Go East on Interstate 40 to Williams.
At the Arizona Highway 64 junction, turn left (north) and proceed to the south entrance of Grand Canyon National Park.
National Park Service entrance fees apply.
Driving time is approximately 5 hours 30 minutes; 273 miles.