outdoor activities - Pitstops for Kids

What to do in Texas Hill Country with kids

April 18, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Spring and fall are perfect times of year to visit the quaint town of Fredericksburg, tucked away in the scenic Hill Country of Texas. The weather is warm but mild, making this an economical spring break getaway for families within driving distance or those wanting to escape colder weather in the north (who want to stay in the States for break). If you aren’t familiar with Fredericksburg, this tourist town of less than 10,000 attracts millions of visitors per year, who enjoy their German-Texan heritage, historic buildings and museums, excellent shopping and fun dining scene.

What to do in Texas Hill Country with kids:

Start at the Fredericksburg visitor center located just one block from Main Street on E. Austin. Here, you can start with a trolley tour to orient yourselves to the town. The tour highlights area history, including the unique town square, which the German settlers utilized for everything from celebration (think Octoberfest!) to protection from the Comanche tribes in the area. Kids will find the trolley tour fun (it’s about 45 minutes long, but you can hop off as desired), but mostly, this is a good chance for Mom and Dad to get a feel for the downtown area to decide what to come back to later.

Next, explore the National Museum of the Pacific War. Wondering why there’s a sprawling, world-class museum dedicated to WWII’s Pacific theater in the heart of little Fredericksburg, Texas? It’s thanks to one of their own, Admiral Charles Nimitz. When the town expressed interest in creating a museum in his honor, he only agreed if they highlighted all the men who served under him and the women who sacrificed on the home front, instead of only focusing on his career. The result: a massive, beautiful museum that does an excellent job of telling the story of both the American experience in the Pacific as well as the Japanese perspective. There’s a fairly small gallery focusing on Nimitz, with the rest of the main museum offering gallery after gallery that walks visitors through the WWII Pacific theater chronologically. You get a feel for the early conflict, then experience the bombing of Pearl Harbor in a very tasteful and dramatic gallery. More rooms follow, highlighting the years of battles in the Pacific.

Note: Look for the kiosks with audible oral history. The museum has curated thousands of first-hand narratives from veterans of the Pacific theater, some of which are on offer in the galleries. Take a moment to listen to their stories in their own voices.

There are also outdoor spaces and galleries with WWII planes and vehicles, and even submarines and torpedos. It’s very impressive all they have on display here. Be sure to save time to see the Japanese Garden of Peace outside and the Pacific Combat Zone (one block away). This space is where they do reenactments and even when not in use, the battlefield is fascinating the behold. There’s a hangar with multiple vehicles as well.

Tip: This museum takes a lot of time and takes a lot out of you. Your tickets (which are only $15 for adults, by the way) are good for 48 hours. I suggest breaking up this museum into two visits, with at least a lunch break in-between, if not a whole day.

Next, check out the Pioneer Museum Complex on the edge of downtown. This outdoor museum is much more manageable and takes you through the general experience of the German immigrants who settled Fredericksburg. A short video tells the story of their hardships upon arrival to the New World, then families can tour through multiple buildings, including a farmstead, barn, blacksmith shop, and even a schoolhouse. Docents and museum workers are on-hand to answer questions, and a self-guided map leads you through.

Outside of Fredericksburg, do not miss Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farmstead in Lyndon B Johnson State Park. This large state park has a lot going on, including wild bison herds and Texas Longhorns, and the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park (a national park site) where families can tour Johnson’s Texas White House. But kids will be most interested in the Sauer-Beckman farmstead, and that’s where you should start.

This living history site is nothing short of amazing. Docents and state and national park rangers work the farmstead daily (8 am to 4:30 pm), and when I say ‘work’, I mean work. Dressed in period costume, they keep a working, productive farm, including milking cows, tending to sheep and chickens, making bread and butter, canning vegetables, butchering and curing meats, sewing and weaving…all of it. They live without electricity or running water all day long, and in every room in every building, kids can observe their work and ask questions. I learned how to utilize the gallons of milk produced by their cow every day without the aid of refrigeration…it involves turning milk to cream to butter to curds and whey to cottage cheese to hard cheese, basically!

There are gardens and pastures to check out, and kids can observe the natural wind energy produced by the windmill. If you’re at all interested in knowing how to ‘live off the grid’, talk to these guys! Everyone was fascinated.

Afterward, drive the short distance to the national park side of the park to see Lyndon B. Johnson’s ranch, which includes a guided house tour and the chance to check out their airstrip and airport hangar. Older kids may be interested in this, but if you have young kids, I recommend spending more time at the living history park or enjoying the beautiful park grounds, which include a river, picnic areas and even a swimming pool (open seasonally).

With the rest of your time in Fredericksburg, explore the fun shopping and dining downtown. It’s a casual town and there are plenty of places to eat outdoors or enjoy play spaces (especially in the main square). If you have a babysitter at the ready, carve out some time to enjoy the wine scene in Fredericksburg, or the emerging distillery scene (see my post on Fredericksburg for grown-ups).

Where to eat in Fredericksburg with kids:

Fredericksburg boasts plenty of casual dining options, most of which have live music at night, which is a plus when you’re trying to entertain squirmy kids. We most enjoyed the following:

Clear River Pecan: this is a go-to place for ice cream or a coffee drink as a pick-me-up in the afternoons

Burger Burger: Great for a good burger, obviously, with a nice patio overlooking Main Street

Tubby’s Ice House: this local joint is just across from the Pacific museum, making it a perfect lunch spot. Their street foods include tacos and burgers and kids can get homemade popsicles while grown-ups enjoy frosé (frozen rosé). Yes, it’s as good as it sounds.

La Bergerie: make yourselves a picnic with the charcuterie on offer at this artisanal market (Mom and Dad, grab a bottle of wine to go with it). All the meats here are Texan and cured on site.

Fredericksburg Pie Company: a must-do, especially during the spring peach season!

West End Pizza: This classic pizza joint has lovely outdoor seating and homemade, wood-fired pizzas. Best of all, their salads are very good, so you can eat fairly healthy if you want to.

Where to stay:

Stay at Fredericksburg Inn and Suites right off Main Street. You can walk to everything, and the suites include a separate living space with doors, making it easy to put kids down for the night before Mom and Dad turn in. I loved the big pool area with grass and outdoor BBQ pits. There’s ample seating outside, perfect for winding down the day with a glass of wine (wine bottles are available for purchase right at the front desk). The included breakfast is decent (your average continental breakfast offerings of waffles, eggs and bacon, yogurt, toast and muffins and cereals).

Disclosure: I experienced Fredericksburg at the invitation of the tourism board, for the purpose of review. All opinion remains my own.

Outdoors and wellness in Gulf Shores Alabama

September 22, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

I love it when a destination surprises me. Before visiting Gulf Shores Alabama, I pictured pretty white sand beaches, a party scene of high rises and beach bars, and plenty of greasy fried seafood in paper-lined plastic baskets. And I’m told that up until about ten years ago, my impression would have been correct. The Gulf Shores and adjacent Orange Beach of today, however, offers so much more. Thanks to the preservation of natural land through state parks, wildlife refuges, and coastal preserves, the Alabama coast boasts plenty of undeveloped forests and coastline waiting to be explored by foot or bike, and a burgeoning culinary scene is elevating the dining opportunities. Whereas a decade ago, I would not have thought of Gulf Shores Alabama as a wellness or outdoors destination, I stand corrected today. Here’s what not to miss:

Paddle boarding:

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach lie on the Alabama coast, situated with the gulf on one side and the bay (and intercostal) on the other. This means families looking for an active vacation have a variety of water conditions to choose from. We paddle boarded on the bay, since it’s calmer and less crowded than the ocean, which is known for some currents. Rent a paddle board for the week, or for an hour…or even get a lesson or guided tour with Gulf Coast Paddle. Their ‘office’ is mobile (it’s their board trailer) and the owners are experts in waterspouts and water safety. They’ll bring a board to you to your condo or vacation rental for longer rentals, or meet you on the bay for some calm paddle boarding near the intercostal. Their primary location is at the dock built for their use at GT’s restaurant in Orange Beach.

kayaking: GoGo Kayks takes paddlers to Little Lagoon to kayak on the coastal waterways. www.gogokayaks.com

Hiking and biking:

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail and Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge both offer pedestrian and cycle-friendly trails in an undisturbed coastal barrier habitat. What does this mean? Birding! Sand dunes! Pristine, empty beaches! If you decide to rent bikes, Beach Bike Rentals is a good bet; get hybrid bikes if you plan to bike the dirt and sand roads of the refuge and trail, or road bikes if you want to ride along the flat paved roads along the beach (but note that while there are bike lanes, there are not dedicated bike trails along the main roads).

For hikers and bikers, there are several entry points for Bon Secour, but whichever parking lot you arrive to, you’ll find a posted map of the various hiking and biking trails. We took Pine Beach Trail past Little Lagoon to end up at a beautiful beach (bring a picnic and swimsuit!). It was only 2+ miles, but absolutely empty. On a busy weekend during peak season in the gulf, this is the way to escape other people. Get to Bon Secour by taking Highway 180 six miles and following the signs.

Yoga, running, and cross-fit on the beach:

Alabama’s sugar sand beaches stretch wide and flat along the gulf, which make them ideal for long-distance running, yoga (try a beach-side class with Glow Yoga), and any other exercise you may want to pursue. I recommend an early morning workout, to watch the sun rise and avoid the heat of the day. Later in the day, beach umbrellas and chairs will dot the white sand beaches, making it harder to get your workout in. Note that dogs are not allowed on the public beaches in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach (but are permitted in nearby Fort Morgan). While this is a bummer for dog owners, the upside is that Alabama’s water is rated as some of the cleanest in the U.S.

Wondering where to eat? We have healthy options here!

Where to stay: Turquoise Place

Run by Spectrum Resorts, Turquoise Place rises in four sleek, tubular towers to overlook the gulf. It sits directly on the beach, so you’re steps from the sand, but many Gulf Shore accommodations will put you near the water. Turquoise Place shines in its recreational and wellness amenities: families get multiple pools (indoor and outdoor), hot tubs, a lazy river and tennis courts sitting on the roof of the fourth floor, and well-equipped exercise rooms, with cardio and weight training equipment, steam rooms, and saunas.

Share a Turquoise Place condo with another family, or make it a multi-generational affair: their 3-5 bedroom condos are huge, and ideal for large family units. You get a full kitchen, which, after poking around, I noticed came with just about all the pots and pans and utensils you’d need (but not spices or pantry staples), plus a wine fridge and large ice machine. As an added bonus, during our stay at Turquoise Place, a complimentary continental breakfast was offered most mornings in the spacious lobby (this amenity was inconsistent, however, so ask when booking). Each condo as a huge balcony with an outdoor kitchen of a built-in BBQ, outdoor sink and counter space, and outdoor table that seats six, and a hot tub.

If your family would prefer more of a resort feel than a cond0-vacation house feel, consider Beach Club, another Spectrum Resorts property located near Fort Morgan. It’s also directly on the water, but in a more rural location with more dining options and outdoor recreation adjacent.

Disclosure: I experienced Gulf Shores and Orange Beach as a guest of the destination, but all opinion remains my own.

Open Air Adventure Park Estes Park

August 28, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Estes Park, Colorado, is known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. But mountains aren’t the only outdoor adventures you can find in this small town. Tucked off highway 36 on the way out to the Beaver Meadows entrance of the park is the compact but surprisingly extensive Open Air Adventure Park.

Open Air Adventure Park is a web of 32 aerial obstacles arranged around a central hub. There are two levels; the lower is 10 feet off the ground, the upper 21. What kind of obstacles? A row of chairs. A suspended canoe. A saddle attached to a zipline. A vertical net to pick your way across. A trail of tires, both vertical and horizontal. There’s even a rappel line to get you quickly from the upper level to the lower, or to ground level. Each element is labeled green, blue, or black to indicate difficulty.

Open Air Adventure Park Estes Park review:

Your Open Air Adventure lasts an hour and a half and begins with detailed instruction on the safety equipment. A staff member will check everyone’s harness and understanding of procedures on a ground-level mockup of the safety lines you’ll be using up in the matrix. This takes the first fifteen minutes of your time slot, but once you’re cleared, you climb a ladder to level one and are set loose to explore at will.

My oldest son and I have done three aerial adventures now, and what’s nice about Open Air is the freedom to choose your own adventure. If there’s an element you particularly like, you can return to it as often as the crowd allows. The distance across elements is relatively short, so if you’re new to the sport, you might find it less intimidating than launching yourself over a zipline so long, you can’t even see the other end.

Open Air staff members are stationed in several places on the course to monitor safety and help navigate transitions. And of course, the view of the mountains is incomparable.

Age Limits:

Technically, the minimum age is six, but exceptions can be made if a parent is willing to move around the matrix with a five-year-old. In order to explore independently, a child has to be able to hook their carabiners to lines 6 feet above the platform. I needed to shadow (and shepherd) both my 5 year old and my 8 year old, because neither of them could reach the safety lines.

I recommend that if you have small children and/or children who are new to aerial adventures, keep a one-to-one ratio of adult to child. My younger two turned out to be extremely timid, and we ended up causing quite a backlog of people waiting on us to get moving. We also didn’t get to explore as much as I would have liked, because it took them a long time to overcome their fear. A one-to-one ratio will facilitate a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Either way, minimum weight for participants is 40 pounds, and maximum is 250.

Preparing for your adventure:

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early, and be prepared for anything: an Open Air Adventure goes on rain or shine, stopping only for lightning. Wear sunscreen. Gloves are not required, but they’re a good idea. You’ll also need to sign a waiver for yourself and your children (it can all be done on a single form), which can be completed online ahead of time. The Open Air crew loans out lanyards with clear plastic phone cases attached so they are safe on your person while you’re up in the air.

Reservations and Fees:

Tim, one of the owners, told me Open Air tends to be busiest at opening time and in the evenings, but usually it’s less busy around the noon hour. Reservations are made online, with adventures starting every half hour. Fees are refundable with 24 hour notice

An Open Air adventure costs $35 per person, with a discount for parents who come up to shepherd their younger kids around the matrix. Not sure if you can handle the heights? If you try, but can’t make it off the first platform, Open Air offers a “scared out of my mind!” refund of $25.

Location:

Open Air Adventure Park lies at 490 Prospect Village Dr, Estes Park, CO 80517, just behind Fun City, adjacent to Highway 36 (Moraine Ave.). Parking is available on site.

Disclosure: We visited Open Air at a discounted rate, for the purpose of review. All opinion remains our own.

Where to find the best outdoor adventure activities in New Zealand

August 25, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

The unparalleled beauty of New Zealand’s outdoors beckons thousands of tourists ready to experience the most adventurous and exciting activities in this island country year after year. New Zealand’s virtually unspoiled natural expanses make it one of the greatest places in the world to enjoy the very best outdoor activities. A combination of mountains, rainforests, fjords, and the magnificent beaches of this gorgeous country provide abundant opportunities for wild outdoor adventures. There are plenty of New Zealand North Island tours as well as South Island exploring to fill your travels with. Below are five of the best outdoor adventure activities in New Zealand and where to find them!

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

New Zealand’s glowworm caves are quite a sight to behold, by displaying a fantastic light show in the Glowworm Grotto. If you traipse through the underground Waitomo River, you can get to the Glowworm Grotto where you will witness the magic of a thousand glowworms lighting the way forward for boat riders. The glowworm cave dates back to 120 years and forms an important part of New Zealand’s cultural history. You can also try out some more adventurous tours of the cave that include rock climbing, tunneling, abseiling, and cliff jumping!

Mills Reef Helicopter Wine Tasting

Go on a spectacular wine tasting journey to Mills Reef at Tauranga via a helicopter ride that offers stunning views of Tauranga Harbour and the Kaimai Ranges. Mills Reef Restaurant is highly acclaimed for excellent food and some delectable wines. On the helicopter ride, you can enjoy views of the surrounding beaches and Mount Maunganui.

Dolphin Cruise

If you take the Dolphin Cruise at the Bay of Islands, you will enjoy some gorgeous and diverse marine life. You’ll spot bottlenose dolphins and whales if you watch carefully enough! There’s also opportunity for swimming with dolphins if the conditions are right. Bay of Islands has many beautiful islands in its vicinity, many of which you can visit and relax on their beaches.

Cathedral Cove Boat Tour

Cathedral Cove is rich in marine life, mind-blowing sea caves, beaches, and islands. There are fun activities you can do here like swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, bird watching, and many more. Cathedral Cove is home to beautiful sea birds like the Gannet and the Blue Penguin. You can also take boat trips, go diving, or pay a visit to the Mercury Bay Vineyard.

Hot Water Beach

The Hot Water Beach at Mercury Bay has natural hot springs coming from an underground river of hot water. Along with the soothing hot water, you can surf as well as visit the beachside cafes and galleries. The beach is lined with the Pohutukawa Cliffs on either side, offering some breathtaking views.

Guide to Iceland’s southern coast

July 31, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

It’s easy to find advice and guides to Iceland’s famed Golden Circle, and yes, this well-trafficked and easy route from Reykjavik is definitely worth doing. However, beyond the Golden Circle, there’s so much to see in Southern Iceland. Here’s where to go and what to see on Iceland’s southern coast along the Ring Road.

Touring Iceland’s Southern Coast

From Reykjavik, take the Ring Road (Route 1) and head southeast, doing the following. You’ll want at least 2-3 days to enjoy this region at your leisure, though it is possible to drive out and back in one long day with very few stops (not recommended). Here’s where to go:

Hveragerði:

This town 45 km from Reykjavik is home to the wonderful Reykjadalur hot springs river hike. We’ve included it in our post on Iceland hot springs off the beaten path. Follow the signage through the main street of this tiny town to find the trailhead, and then hike 3.5 km (one way) up into the hills to find the hot springs river. The reward of the steaming bath that awaits makes the hike well worth the effort! Even young kids can do this hike with enough time to take it slow (it does get steep).

Hvolsvöllur:

Continue past the pretty town of Selfoss and stop at Hvolsvöllur to visit the LAVA Centre. We’ve included details in our post on Iceland national parks. This brand new center does a great job of explaining the volcanic activity of Iceland, which will be very useful information as you tour the natural formations of the southern end of the island.

Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss:

These waterfalls are definitely worth the stop. As you drive, you’ll see plenty of others, but most are on private property, behind the quaint farms of this region. At Seljalandsfoss, you can walk behind the falls, and explore two additional on a walking path to the left. At Skogafoss, you can hike up the steep stairs to the top of the waterfall, or, if you’re ambitious, you can continue on the start of the Fimmvörðuháls trail. This 25 km trail between Skógar and Þórsmörk is divided into three sections, the first of which is called Waterfall Way. Families can do this as an out-and-back on nice days. (To do the whole trail, a GPS unit or guide is necessary, and most people do it in two days.) Also at Skogafoss is a very good museum: standard admission gets you into a transportation museum and history/folk museum, or you can buy a reduced ticket for just the outdoor buildings of the folk museum side, which include historic sod farm buildings, a schoolhouse, church, and outbuildings. We recommend this option.

Vik:

This little coastal town at the very southern end of Iceland is known for its black sand beaches at Reynisfjara. The turn off Route 1 for the beach is just west of town, and a great place to see the basalt column geological formations Iceland is known for. You can also see puffins, apparently, but we only saw other sea birds making their nests in the cliffs. Vik has a public swimming pool (as do most Icelandic towns) and is a good place to refuel.

Kirkjubæjarklaustur:

We loved this little village, which a lovely waterfall at the end of town (take the hike up it to the impressive lake at the top) and Kirkjugolf (church floor). This natural rock formation was once mistaken for a manmade church floor. It’s located just a few meters down the road from the N1 gas station and easy to access.

Skaftafell:

The most accessible gateway to the largest glacier in Iceland (and Europe), Skaftafell houses the visitor center for the national park, Vatnagokull. Families can take lots of great day hikes here with views of the glacier and Skaftafoss (waterfall), or can hire a guide for a glacier walk (it’s not permissible or safe to walk on the glacier on one’s own). It’s also home to impressive ice cave touring. There’s a nice campground here, if you want to make Skaftafell a turn-around point.

Have you toured the Southern Coast of Iceland? Where do you recommend stopping?

Guide to Iceland national parks

July 28, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Nearly ALL of Iceland looks like a national park, so families can’t go wrong finding beautiful outdoor experiences on an Iceland vacation with kids. But Iceland national parks do pack in a lot of interesting natural features you won’t want to miss. Here’s what to see in each.

Þingvellir National Park:

Þingvellir is easily accessed from Reykjavik, and is located on the Golden Circle, so expect to share space with plenty of tour buses. However, it’s absolutely worth the trip. Start with the main attractions: the rich Viking history in various sites and the location where you can see the shifting of the tectonic plates (over the course of millions of years). There are several walking paths here (we wouldn’t quite call them hikes), the largest of which will take you up to a viewpoint (which is where they put the visitor center and parking lot, disappointingly) where you can see the deep ravines cut into the landscape. Taking the other paths, you can see Drekkingarhylur pool, the site where women were once drowned for offenses such as adultery, and the waterfall Oxararfoss.

Next, explore the valley and lake, where you’ll see the historic sites, including one of Iceland’s first churches. Along the Oxara River, you can find the ruins of Viking camps, called budir.

Top extra activity outside the park: Laugarvanshellir Cave People Tour

This lovely tour is still unknown to most tourists (as its new in 2017). Located outside the park on 365 toward Laugarvatn, you’ll see the little house (think hobbit house) cut into the hillside before you arrive at the small parking lot. Go into the tent that houses a small tea room to purchase a tour, which is led by an enthusiastic guide. In fact, days later, our kids commented he was their ‘favorite Icelander they’d met’. The tour takes about 40 minutes, and takes you up the hillside to see the cave an Icelander couple made into a rudimentary home at the turn of the 20th century. Later, another couple inhabited it for a short time. The single room house is historically restored, and includes a sheep barn and cow barn built into the rock. While it’s interesting the see the house, the story behind it is even more fascinating; this really is a story of Icelandic pioneering. Learn more at http://www.thecavepeople.is

Vatnajokulsthjodgardur National Park:

This was our favorite Icelandic national park, thanks to its dramatic volcanic history and glacier. The visitor center at Skaftafell has a lot of good information: start here and pick a day hike to try. We opted for a loop of about 6 km that took us high up the mountain to spectacular views of Iceland’s largest glacier, Skaftafellsjokull, then cut along a high ridgeline to dip back down to stunning Skaftafoss (certainly a highlight of the park). You can opt for shorter hikes, or longer ones, but for any length, be sure to pack many layers for all types of weather, as you’ll be completely exposed to the elements (as you are in most of Iceland).

Glacier tour operations are located in the parking lot of the visitor center, which can take you onto the surface of the glacier for about $40-60 per person. You are not permitted to walk on the glacier without a guide, as fissures and cracks can be unpredictable. We opted to skip the glacier tour and were satisfied with our excellent views via the hike.

This national park is pretty massive, and offers plenty of F-road goodness for those venturing north, but families can certainly get a feel for the area from the southernmost Skaftafell entrance without venturing beyond Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon.

Top extra activity outside the park: LAVA Centre

Before you enter the national park, stop at the brand new LAVA Centre located at Hvolsvollur. This highly interactive, tech-heavy museum answered a lot of our questions about the geothermal and volcanic nature of the region, which really helped us understand the lava fields, glaciers, and volcanos we saw the following days. The fairly steep entry price (still on par with entry to other museums we visited) is well worth it: get the family pass if it applies to you, to save some money.

The museum is divided into several rooms you walk through in order, each with hands-on activities and digital displays. It’s truly hard to describe how great these exhibits are, but I’ll try: one room mimics the properties of ash, giving you a taste of how it feels to be blinded by it in an eruption, and another room allows you to spin a giant globe, showing the shifting of tectonic plates over millions of years. Start with the 15 minute film and follow the map through the rooms from there. All displays are in English.

Snæfellsjökull National Park:

Located on the west side of Iceland on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Snæfellsjökull features a big daddy volcano (unfortunately covered in cloud during our visit), as well as black sand beaches with interesting rock formations, caves and lava tubes, and cinder cones. The park is located past the fishing village of Olafsvik, with a visitor center located at the space ship-looking lighthouse about three-fourths of the way through the park. See great views of the ocean and sea stacks here, then book a cave tour a few meters down the road. If you don’t want to spend the money (it’s not cheap), do as we did and take the short self-guided tour of the main cave entrance. All around the cave are smaller lava tubes you can (but probably shouldn’t) climb into.

There’s also a well-marked cinder cone in the park, which is an easy climb with metal steps, and affords great views. We loved that at the top, a circular plaque names all the nearby mountains and volcanoes so you can identify each one.

Top extra activity outside the park: Settlement Center

At the bottom of the peninsula, you’ll first enter Borgarnes on 60. Go to the Settlement Center, one of the best museums in the region. It’s located by the harbor in a warehouse, but inside, you’ll see the history of the Icelandic settlement era and learn more about its famed Sagas.

Beyond the Blue Lagoon: Iceland hot springs off the beaten path

July 26, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Yep, we went to Iceland for eight days and never went to the Blue Lagoon. Why pay a crazy entry fee to go to an overcrowded geothermal pool, when so many remote, beautiful, and FREE pools exist all over Iceland?

During our camper van road trip in Iceland, we dipped our toes in steaming water every single day, and never paid an entry fee of more than $25 (and usually paid nothing at all).

Where to find Iceland hot springs off the beaten path:

Reykjadalur hot springs river:

In the south, just about 40 minutes outside of Reykjavik, the small town of Hvergerdi offers a 3.5 kilometer hike into the geothermal hills to a hot springs river. Yes, it’s well worth the hike. You’ll climb upward pretty steeply for the first km or so, then work your way up and down over hills with lovely views of the valley below. Eventually, you’ll see steam billowing up, and you’ll quicken your pace, because you’ll know you’re close! At the river, there’s a boardwalk with entry points along the small stream, and a few wooden walls that serve as changing areas. If you follow the boardwalk up, you’ll find the hottest water (so hot it’s almost painful), and as you walk down, you’ll find cooler water (closer to 35-37 C). It’s a lot of fun to move from section to section feeling the different temperatures.

If you don’t want to change behind a wall, you can change in the small bathrooms at the little cafe at the start of the hike, or just wear your swimsuit under your hiking wear. Be sure to bring lots of layers, including rain wear, as there’s no protection from the elements (similar to all over Iceland). The hot springs river is free, and does get crowded on the trail (though even in peak season, we found plenty of space in the river to soak).

To get here: Take Route 1 (Ring Road) from Reykjavik to Hvergerdi. Drive through town following the Reykjadalur signage until you get to a gravel road ending in a parking lot.

Seljavallalaug Hidden Hot Spring:

This one may not be so hidden anymore, but it’s still uncrowded. This geothermal pool is located in the middle of nowhere in a tiny valley with green mountains rising dramatically up all around it. The pool was made near the turn of the 20th century, for the purpose of teaching Icelandic children to swim (before the 1920s, unbelievably, most Icelanders could not swim). It has a single pool and rudimentary changing rooms (unisex…it gets interesting). This pool gets some criticism on TripAdvisor and the like, with people calling it dirty. It’s not dirty: it’s rich in algae, natural to Icelandic hot springs. The hike to the pool is only about one km, and our only complaint is that the water is a bit on the cool side (around 35 degrees). Toward the southern end of the pool where the geothermal water flows in, it’s closer to 40 degrees. On a warm day, this is fine, but on the cold, sleeting day we visited, it was painful to get out! This pool is FREE.

How to get here: From Route 1, turn down road 242 in the south. Follow the dirt road straight (don’t turn right) and you’ll get to a parking lot with an unused pool about 1/4 mile in. The hike is short into the valley (you can’t see the pool from the parking area though).

Laudar campsite hot pot:

This adorable hot pot (hot tub) is located in the Laudar campsite in west Iceland. The parking lot is at the Hotel Edda, and the walk is just a few meters. There’s a quaint changing hut (unisex, but fewer people are here) and the water is a perfect 38 degrees. You can camp onsite, too, if desired. This hot pot is FREE.

How to get here: From Route 1, take 60 all the way up through the isolated farmlands until you’re above the town of Budardalur. Follow the sign to Laudar.

Secret Lagoon:

So the Secret Lagoon is no secret, but it can be found just outside of the town of Fludir near the Golden Circle. You’ll find a large pool half-formed by natural rock, fed hot water from bubbling geysers nearby. It’s the most expensive pool we visited ($25 per adult), probably because of its proximity to the Golden Circle and its tourism traffic. No matter: it’s worth spending a few hours here.

How to get here: Take road 30 to Fludir. The sign is just before you enter town. Go down a dirt road for just about a mile.

Hot pot of Flokalaundar:

If you’re willing to drive about two hours (mostly on dirt) from Reykholar in the Westfjords, you’ll arrive at a hot pot nestled right against the sea. Do as the locals do and jump between the warm water (around 38 degrees) and the freezing ocean and back. This hot pot is larger than Laudar but a bit busier. No changing rooms…change in your car or camper. There’s a small parking lot right nearby.

How to get here: From Route 1, take 60 and follow it all the way up into the fjords. Be sure to have a full tank of gas, as there are few services before you reach Flokalaundar. Plan on narrow, steep dirt road for part of the drive. Is it worth it? Yes.

Tip: Can’t get to a natural hot springs one day? Look for a public Icelandic pool! Every town we drove through had their own (look for the water and swimmer signage), and each cost less than $10-$12. Inside each complex, you’ll find a geothermal fed warm outdoor pool (often with waterslides and other features), hot pots, and a steam bath, plus nice changing rooms and hot showers. Talk with locals here, and get to know the real Iceland. Remember to follow custom and shower nude before swimming. Never bring cameras or phones into the pool or changing areas.

Three favorite public Icelandic pools:

Note: Photos are not allowed of Icelandic public pools.

Laugardalslaug: Iceland’s largest public pool complex is only $8 for entry, and in our opinion, beats the heck out of the Blue Lagoon. There are two huge outdoor pools (one is a lap pool, the other has all sorts of features…basketball hoop, big twisty waterslides, climbing ropes, floating platforms, and water toys), four hot pots of various temperatures, a cold plunge, a huge steam bath, a massage area, and a large kiddie pool area. There are spacious and clean locker facilities and hot showers. On the grounds are also sand volleyball courts, exercise equipment, and a ropes course. Laugardalslaug is located in the suburbs of Reykjavik.

Drangsnes: The public pool on the Steingrimsfjordur fjord in the north has all the usual amenities, with a location right on the sea. Best of all, the town has arranged for free hot pots to be placed and maintained right on the beach, should you not need the added amenities of showers.

Kirkjubaejarklaustur: This public pool has views of the town’s pretty waterfall from the hot pots, plus a nice sized swimming pool with small water slide and a kid’s hot pot/wading area. What we loved about this pool was its local vibe: we had the opportunity to talk with many Icelanders here, and all were welcoming.

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Aerial adventure in St. Louis: Go Ape-St. Louis

June 9, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Driving through beautiful Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park in St. Louis, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve stumbled across an Ewok village. Actually, it’s Go Ape-St. Louis, an aerial obstacle course with ziplines.

The Go Ape experience

Our treetop adventure began with check-in at the red barn, where the attendant holds keys, wallets, and phones behind the counter for safe keeping. Before we headed out, a guide took us through safety training. Participants are responsible for securing themselves to the lines at every point during the adventure. That sounded intimidating to me, but the training was straightforward and thorough.

We started with a ground-level mockup of the safety systems used throughout the course, including the instructional signage posted at every crossing. Once the guide had checked our comprehension, we walked to the first station. It is low to the ground; for those who are unsure if they’re going to be able to handle the experience, this serves as a test site. If, after going through this first station, you don’t want to proceed, Go Ape offers a refund.

None of us quit, though. We went through one at a time so the guide could ensure we knew what we were doing. Then we were released to explore the course at our own pace.

Think of Go Ape as an aerial obstacle course. Each site begins with a rope ladder and ends with a zipline, but in between, we navigated bridges, swinging platforms, hanging rings, and more. (You do get a rest between—there are platforms between every component). As our guide said, what makes this fun is having to earn the zipline rides.

Obstacles are rated from easy to extreme, and any time there’s an “extreme,” there’s also an easier option. We took all the “extreme” paths, and I found it more physically demanding than I had anticipated. But I never felt in danger or even particularly aware of the height, because at all times, I was tethered to a safety line. I knew if I lost my balance, I’d only fall a foot or two at most. In fact, most of the time you can choose to take the easy way out and glide from one tree to the next, using the safety harness. But where’s the fun in that?

The single exception to the “short fall” is Go Ape’s central attraction: the Tarzan swing, which is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: a long arc across open space that ends in a net you have to climb to achieve the platform on the far side. There are actually two, and the first is a warmup for the second. That second is a doozy, but if you chicken out at the last moment, there’s a bypass. (I’m proud to say I made the jump. Although my 12-year-old showed me up by doing it twice.)

Video of the Tarzan swing:

Note age limits: Although some Go Ape locations have a course for younger kids, St. Louis does not—yet, at least. Here, it is open to ages 10 and up. One adult (18+) must be in the treetops for every two children ages 10-15. 16-17 year olds don’t need a chaperone on site, but they will need a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

Ground Level at Go Ape:

If your family is like mine, your spouse and most of your kids wouldn’t touch an aerial obstacle course with a ten-foot pole. Never fear. Adjacent to the red barn is a spray park and a really nice playground. And if the family wants walk along at ground level and watch their more adventurous counterparts, they can do that, too. You’ll also find employees roaming the course to offer support and suggestions to those in the treetops.

The rope ladders at the start of each site are enclosed within a locked fence; you have to have a code to enter. Inside, Go Ape provides water and paper cups as well as educational signage about conservation, endangered species and information about the trees and undergrowth surrounding you.

Making a day of it:

A treetop adventure lasts 2-3 hours. But because Go Ape partners with state and local parks, there’s always more to do in the immediate vicinity. In St. Louis’ Creve Coeur Memorial Park, you can supplement your treetop adventure with fishing, kayaking, canoeing, dirt biking, or disc golf.

Preparing for your treetop adventure:

Wear jeans and sneakers, and bring gloves. You can go without, but your skin will be happier if you have them. If you forget, Go Ape sells gloves on site.

Hours/Admission:

Hours vary, but Go Ape is generally open March through November. Your best bet is to book online ahead of time. Walk-ins are accepted, but having a reservation guarantees a spot when you arrive. Check out their FAQ page to get more details.

Location:

Go Ape is located at 13219 Streetcar Dr., Maryland Heights, MO 63043. Parking is free on site.

My son and I enjoyed our treetop adventure as guests of Go Ape, but our enthusiasm for the experience is all ours.

More adventures in Gulf County Florida

August 5, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Gulf County Florida for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Visiting or living in the Southeast and wondering if there’s outdoor recreation around you? There is! Last year, we outlined an outdoor adventure itinerary for Gulf County, Florida, filled with biking trails, hiking, and kayaking. I had truly no idea there was so much in the way of wilderness in this state.

What makes Gulf County different than much of Florida is its access to waterways of all sorts. You’re actually never more than 15 minutes away from water, whether that be the Gulf of Mexico, the saltwater St. Joseph Bay, Indian Pass Lagoon, the Gulf County Canal, the Intracoastal Waterway, the Apalachicola Bay and river basin, and the freshwater of the Dead Lakes and Chipola River. Florida is about more than theme parks and beach days! And perhaps best of all, this year, Pit Stops for Kids readers have the chance to win a $50 AMEX card just for commenting on their favorite option during a Gulf County vacation! Read on to learn more!

Planning an adventure in Gulf County:

After looking through our suggestions from last year, the next step in planning your own Gulf County adventure in the ‘wilds’ of Florida is by reading through the Gulf County Adventure Guide. Here are our top new suggestions to complement your itinerary:

Explore a lake:

The 4,000 natural acres of Lake Wimico is only accessible by boat the Intracoastal, which to west coasters like myself, is an adventure in itself. Fishing is prime at Lake Winico, but there are other attractions as well, including a houseboat village to check out, and wildlife to spot, including, of course, alligators. You’re actually just a few miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf County has its own adventure guides families can hire, such as Captain Phil Cox, who is part of the new concierge program. He offers eco-tours for those who are not avid fishermen and women.

Want to fish instead? Head to Indian Pass Lagoon with Adventure Guide Captain Carle. Amazingly (to me), you can even see shark in these shallow waters by the gulf.

Watch sea turtles:

Last year, we talked about horseback riding at Cape San Blas, but this area is also well known as a sea turtle habitat. In fact, they’re the highest density-nesting beach in North Florida. The naturalists at the cape invite people to watch their nest evaluations at night, where families have to chance to watch live hatchlings crawl out. Check their Facebook page for nesting information and a timeline this year. In fact, St. John Peninsula has its very own ‘turtle patrol’, which scientists and volunteers constantly monitoring the progress of the babies. Visitors are invited to go on their morning turtle walks in addition to watching the nests. Cool!

Kayak in a ‘dead’ lake:

Kayaking around the South Flats of Gulf County is like visiting another planet. The Dead Lakes get their name from the Cypress and Tupelo trees that stand in the water; when the water is low, the stumps are visible. Add a huge variety of birds and other critters, plus a misty fog off the water, and you have yourself an alien planet! When we finally make it to Gulf County, I’d love to explore this environment with Off The Map Expeditions.

Check out any of these activities using the Adventure Guide linked above, or make it easy on yourself and use the Gulf County Concierge Program. Don’t limit yourself only to summer, because Gulf County shines in fall through spring! While you’re planning, enter Gulf County’s Never Have I Ever Contest!

Now time to enter the sweepstakes for an $50 AMEX card! Which of the adventures in the Adventure Guide would you or your family enjoy taking part in? Why? Answer in the comments for a chance to win!

The fine print: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. One winner, chosen at random from all eligible entries received, will receive a $50 AmEx gift card, and will be announced on or about 10 days after end of entry period. Entrants may enter within 21 days of this post going live. Must be a resident of one of the 48 contiguous United States (excl. PR, HI, AK) the age of majority in his or her jurisdiction at time of entry. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Sweepstakes is sponsored by Gulf County.

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Beyond Mt. Rushmore: Custer, South Dakota

September 16, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Mt. Rushmore is iconic, monumental, and inspiring. By all means, go and see it. Check out the museum below the viewing platform, and definitely stop for some vanilla ice cream made from Thomas Jefferson’s original recipe. (The shop is located directly in the monument cafeteria.) After you’ve crossed this landmark off your list, however, you’ll find an array of outdoor, active things to do in Custer, South Dakota and the surrounding area.

Custer State Park:

First and foremost, spend at least a day (two is even better) in Custer State Park. See our full post all about this fantastic park. (Coming soon!)

ATV riding:

Take to the 3,000 miles of ATV trails traversing the Black Hills. We toured the area with Black Hills ATV Adventures, starting at Custer Gulch resort…a private campground outside Custer with trails directly from the campground. Families can rent two or four-person UTVs (buggy-like vehicles with full harnesses and seats) for full or half-days. Trail maps are available on-site, and trails are wide and well maintained. We saw the rural outskirts of Custer this way, and loved checking out the area’s many well-kept ranches and homesteads. The UTVs were stable and safe, and easy and fun to drive. In some areas of trail, it’s possible to drive up to 50 mph. Rentals start at $225 for a four-seat UTV for a family for half-day, and may well be worth becoming your ‘big splurge’ attraction, provided you’re comfortable with driving.

Bringing your own ATVs or UTVs? Start here for more information on permits and trails.

Biking on Mickelson Trail:

This rail trail runs over 100 miles from Deadwood to the Southern hills, and goes right through Custer. Ride a few miles down and back to get a sampling of the trail, as we did with a free morning, or tackle a larger portion of the trail to and from Hill City or Pringle. To access the trail in Custer, just head across the street from the Chamber of Commerce, downtown. The trail is highly interesting to kids, as it goes over bridges and through rail tunnels.

Maps are available in the Chamber building, and rentals can be found at Frontier Photos in Custer or Rabbit Bike in Hill City. Note: you’ll need a trail pass, which is only a few dollars and available at the Chamber.

Aerial Park in Keystone:

There’s a reason this post is centered around the town of Custer instead of the town of Keystone. Keystone is closer to Mt. Rushmore, and as such, we found it far more touristy and busy than its neighbor, Custer. This said, the aerial ropes course park at Rushmore Tramway Adventures is worth the stop into Keystone. And afterward, if you’re in the mood for some fun souvenir shopping, take a stroll along Keystone’s kitchy downtown district for t-shirts and such. Prices start at $29 for kids, which is a good deal with over 80 elements to try.

Helicopter ride with Black Hills Aerial Adventure:

If it’s in your budget, seeing the Black Hills, Mt. Rushmore, and Custer State Park from the air is absolutely spectacular. We tried this the day we entered the Custer area, and it made for a wonderful introduction to the region. We saw the top of Harney Peak, which we planned to hike the following day, herds of bison, plus an elk and mountain goat, Sylvan Lake, the Crazy Horse memorial in progress, the towns of Custer and Hill City and the Mickelson Trail, and Mt. Rushmore. I had never seen Mt. Rushmore before, and seeing for the first time via helicopter was a very unique way to do it!

Black Hills Aerial Adventure has seven helicopters to use, which means that families can likely ride together, or if not, two helicopters can go simultaneously, so family groups can still enjoy flights at the same time…a big convenience if you’ve ever tried to schedule scenic flights.

There are multiple flight packages to choose from; we chose the package that included all the sights above, but we could have downgraded and not seen Mt. Rushmore (if perhaps you’ve seen it). Check out flight options and pricing. The heliport is located at 24564 US Highway 16 in Custer.

Where to eat in Custer:

We found downtown Custer to be easily walkable and kid-friendly, with bison sculptures on the corners (don’t climb them, but admire their paint jobs) and pedestrian-friendly walkways. We ate a great meal at Bitter Esters Brewhouse, located at 607 Mt. Rushmore Road. This restaurant has local brews on tap, brewed on-site, and kid-friendly selections as well. Absolutely indulge in a plate of their potato chip nachos for a starter! Though we didn’t get a chance to try it, Black Hills Burger and Bun Co was also recommended to us.

If you have room for pie, head to the Purple Pie Place just down the street. You can’t miss it…the farmhouse-type building is bright purple. They have multiple flavors of pie always at the ready, plus ice cream and sundaes.

Just outside Custer in Hill City, Prairie Berry Winery and Miner’s Brewery are deserving of a dedicated afternoon or lunch stop. Prairie Berry specializes in berry and fruit wines (their Red Ass Rhubarb is quite famous in the area), and their free tasting is very fun. Kids are welcome, and there are even some toys and games set aside for their use while parents are tasting wines. Sandwiches and soups are available for lunch, and just next door, Miner’s brewery offers up great brews on tap, made on-site.

Where to stay in Custer:

Head to Rock Crest Lodge, located at 15 West Mt. Rushmore Road (just at the edge of town). This roadside upscale motel has rooms and cabins available, plus a nice outdoor pool and playground. I stayed in a roomy cabin with a single bedroom/kitchenette with dining table and bathroom. It had a microwave, sink, and mini-fridge, but no oven or stovetop. However, cabins vary, and some do have full kitchens and multiple bedrooms. This page offers a full list.

We explored the Custer area as guests of the chamber office, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain our own.