Oregon Farm stay with kids: Willow Witt Ranch

A farm stay with kids is an amazing way to experience a destination! Not only are farm stays often affordable, they allow families the opportunity to meet locals, learn about sustainable agriculture, and have plenty of space to play and roam. Many farm stays are located within easy driving distance of wonderful family travel destinations. This summer, we've had the opportunity to experience two … [Read more...]

A rustic cabin stay at Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

A state park stay can be a great way to safely travel with the family during COVID-19. For up-to-date information on park closures and updates in Oregon, check here. Located approximately 25 miles east of Salem, Oregon off Highway 22, Silver Falls State Park is the largest in Oregon. With each site tucked away under the canopy of the temperate rain forest, however, you'd never know it. Silver … [Read more...]

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: Don't forget to budget time for one of the best … [Read more...]

Fall pit stop: Seven Oaks Farm

If you're driving along I-5 through Southern Oregon in October or November, the place to stop is Seven Oaks Farm, just outside of Central Point. The Country Store is open every weekday (and Saturdays), as is the U-Pick pumpkin patch, herb garden, flower garden, and fall decoration shop. On weekends, Seven Oaks turns into kid paradise with pony rides, hay rides to the pumpkin patch, a hay bale … [Read more...]

Grown-up getaway: Ashland Hills Hotel

Now that school has started, this is a great time to get away with your partner to toast another great summer. Autumn travel has the advantages of providing less crowded hotels and restaurants, and off-season hotel deals are the norm. Recently, my husband and I enjoyed a getaway to Ashland, Oregon for a romantic, yet still adventurous, stay at Ashland Hills Hotel. For us, this getaway was a … [Read more...]

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 … [Read more...]

The MaiZe at the Pumpkin Patch

A fun outing for kids of all ages, the MaiZe at The Pumpkin Patch consists of acres of twisting, turning stalks that kept our group of kids entertained (and lost!) for nearly an hour. Located on picturesque Sauvie Island about 10 minutes from downtown Portland, The Pumpkin Patch is just one of many area farms and organic produce markets that give this beautiful location its fall festival … [Read more...]

A stay at Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel with kids

Parents might assume a Ritz Carlton hotel is too, well, ritzy for a family vacation. In fact, the family-friendly offerings at Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel make the acclaimed resort a smart choice for families looking for great vacation value. Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel with kids: The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel is located right on the Pacific Coast between the beach towns of Laguna Beach and … [Read more...]

Foodie fun for families: Oregon Chocolate Festival with kids

If you're in the Pacific Northwest, a family trip to Ashland, Oregon should be on your radar. With both the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) and Rogue River in its backyard, Ashland is known for its outdoor adventure. And of course, it's also a theater destination, as home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. In recent years, Ashland has sprung onto the culinary scene as well, with brew pubs, wineries, … [Read more...]

Exploring Shasta Cascade: Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Northern California hosts wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities for families, from Lassen National Park to Mount Shasta hiking trails and ski areas. If you only have a day, and want a taste of the area's lakes, trails, and mining history, head to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, just outside Redding, CA. Whiskeytown is located just 20 minutes from I-5, and I'm ashamed to say I … [Read more...]