pit stop - Pitstops for Kids

Little America: a classic Wyoming travel center

February 26, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

If you find yourself driving on I-80 through Wyoming, you’ll need a pit stop, and trust us, they’re hard to come by. Your oasis: Little America, the somewhat odd rest stop complex with an even odder name.

Located at exit 68 of I-80, Little America is the only show in miles, and it delivers: families can find a shaded playground, a few picnic tables, a large mini-market, a quick service dining option with burgers and pizza, a repair shop, gas station, and motel. Soft-serve ice cream cones are 50 cents, and other snacks such as donuts and chips are great deals also.

Dotted throughout the Little America grounds, amid colonial style buildings and parking lots, are wooden penguin cut-outs and penguin statues. These whimsical decorations seem very out of place unless you happen to know that Little America is named after Admiral Richard Byrd’s 1929 base camp in Antarctica. Even so, the Sinclair gasoline dinosaur looks ready to pounce on the unsuspecting birds.

All in all, it’s certainly a bizarre-seeming place, but most welcome for travelers to or from Salt Lake City or the Yellowstone National Park region.

Photo credit: rayb777

Date last visited:

June 2013

Admission cost:

free

Educational Travel for kids: Orlando beyond the theme parks

December 17, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

When most families think of Orlando, two words come to mind: theme parks. We understand; after all, we offer Disney World tips for families and reviews of Disney attractions. However, families looking for educational travel ideas, whether as pit stops en route elsewhere on Florida vacations, or during an Orlando vacation, will find much to engage kids’ minds. At the following Orlando attractions, Mickey may be absent, but fun is present and accounted for.

Orlando Wonderworks:

The building of the Orlando location for the Wonderworks chain of kid zones is upside-down…a sure sign that kids rule at this indoor play-and-imagination-mecca. Kids will immediately think Wonderworks is all about fun, but with over 100 interactive exhibits on science, perspective, and technology, they’re learning more than is let on. When they do catch on that lessons are being imparted, there’s always laser tag for ‘recess’. Admission is $24 ($19 for kids) but is not all-inclusive…be prepared to spend more. Located centrally on International Drive.

Orlando Science Center:

It’s tough being a science center in the theme park capital of the world…Orlando Science Center has steep competition for kids’ attention. However, once here, yours will most likely not want to leave. With an interactive Sesame Street exhibit for toddlers and preschoolers and science labs and a science ‘park’ for older kids, everyone will be occupied. Located on 777 E. Princeton Street, admission is $19 for adults and $13 for kids…a tad lower than your standard theme park admission costs. Read reviews of the Orlando Science Center.

Orange Country Regional History Center:

Need a new perspective on Orlando after too much stimulation, creative landscaping, and ‘experiences’? The History Center shows kids what Orlando looked like before Disney, starting with natural history and native plants and animals, then progressing through First People, First Contact, and pioneering history. And yes, there’s a permanent exhibit on Walt, too. The building is big and bright, and families get the feeling of being out-of-doors while still enjoying the A/C. Located at 65 East Central Blvd, the museum does close at 5 pm daily. General admission is $12 for adults and $9 for kids.

Gatorland:

Orlando’s Gatorland is more than just a thrill for families who like to get up-close and personal with huge reptiles. Kids learn about swamps, alligator breeding programs, and alligator habits. Their Adventure Hour takes kids even closer to the action, and is only $10 per person more. Yes, there are also zip lines, making Gatorland more like a theme park than a zoo, but families spending a half-day here will come away with a decent education. Admission is $27 for adults (13 and up) and $19 for kids, and the park closes at 5 pm. Parking is free. Read reviews of Gatorland.

Not staying on theme park property? Find Orlando accommodations at Trivago.com.

Photo credit: Brian Marshall and Jim Moore

Vermont farm experience for kids: Retreat Farm

December 9, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

The Retreat Farm in Brattleboro, VT is a great stop for families of all ages. Its 450 acres include hiking trails, a petting farm, and even an artisanal cheese shop (cheddar, of course!). The farm was originally part of the Brattleboro Retreat, a private mental hospital built in the 1840’s. The Retreat Farm provided milk, meat, and vegetables for the hospital and even served as a mental health program for patients who worked on the farm. Today, the farm is managed by the Windham Foundation, a Vermont-based organization whose mission is to promote the vitality of rural communities and institutions in Vermont.

The Retreat Trails are 9 miles of trails with public entry points at the Retreat Farm and other locations in Brattleboro. This is a great place for hiking or biking in the summer, and cross country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter!

For our kids (ages 3 and 5), the petting farm was the main attraction. The Retreat Farm has more than 50 animals that kids can pet, hold, and feed, all while learning about animal care and New England farming. The biggest hits were the chick room—an entire room filled with newly hatched chicks that the kids could pet and pick up (it’s actually helpful for farmers if chicks are handled a lot when they’re young, so your kids are having fun AND providing a service to the farm!), and the goats. Kids can go into the goat corral and see these friendly and social animals up close. Be careful, though—we loved those goats so much, we thought about trying to take one home! Most importantly, the animals at the farm are very well cared for and loved. The stalls are clean, the food is fresh, and the animals are all healthy and happy. Overall, this is our favorite farm experience, and a great place to spend a day.

Travel tip:The Retreat Farm is open in the colder months, so don’t stay away! Bundle the kids up and tackle the hiking trails year round!

Travel Gear We Use: Stonz Wear hatz
Stonz is a children’s outerwear and boot company homegrown in Vancouver, BC. Pit Stops’ kids is partnering with Stonz this fall to help families get outfitted for winter travel. Yes, our kids wear Stonz on our own adventures! Why Stonz hatz? These soft, fleece hats are fun for kids, and are sized to actually fit babies through school-aged kids. Plus, they’re reversible, which makes our hard-to-please preschooler feel in control of her wardrobe choices. Buy Stonz Reversible Hatz
at Amazon, or find more Travel Gear We Use.

Date last visited:

September 2013

Distance from the interstate:

The Retreat Farm is located just outside of downtown Brattleboro, off I-91 in southern VT.

Hours of operation:

The petting farm is open from Memorial Day weekend through October. Fall operating hours are Friday and Saturday 10–4, Sunday 12¬–4. Retreat trails are open year round for hiking, biking, horse-back riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. No motorized vehicles!

Admission or ticket prices:

Kids ages 2–11: $5, 12 and over: $6. Season passes are also available.

Food services:

Bring a picnic! There are tables near the barn and the setting is beautiful!

Directions:

The Retreat Farm is located at 350 Linden Street, Route 30, Brattleboro, VT.

Winter at the Utah Olympic Park with kids

December 4, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

While exploring Park City Utah with kids, families will want to reserve time to visit the Utah Olympic Park. This half-day excursion is only minutes from Park City Utah, and 25 miles from Salt Lake City.

The Utah Olympic Park is the site of several winter sports in the 2002 Winter Games, and is still home to several Olympic teams and hopefuls. Most days, visitors can see training in process on the high jump or luge, bobsled, or skeleton events.

What to do at Utah Olympic Park:

Start at the Olympic museum, where you’ll learn about general winter sport Olympic history as well as the details behind the Salt Lake City games. The museum is free for all, making it a great introduction to the park. If you have very young kids, you may want to simply walk around outside the museum area to watch skiers on the jumps and practicing their flips and spins.

If you have older kids or teens, it’s worth paying for the guided tour, which takes you in a van up to the top of the high jump slopes and to view the luge and bobsled track. Both are very impressive facilities…and looking down the ski jump course is enough to give you deep respect for the athletes who brave it! The tour can include to ride on the ski lift chair up and down from some sites.

For those extremely daring (and 16 or older), a ride down the bobsled course behind a professional driver is a major thrill. I’d consider it a once-in-a-lifetime activity: while I enjoyed the experience, I don’t need to do it again! The bobsled team will warn all visitors that this activity is extremely physical: if you have any healthy issues, it’s not for you. Unlike many ‘extreme’ activities that are pretty tame, the bobsled trip is the real deal: expect a bumpy, intense, and possibly unsettling ride! I recommend it wholeheartedly for those up for the challenge. Family members who wish to watch can do so along several points of the track. This activity is costly, but worth budgeting for on special occasions.

In summer months, families can also try the zip line, adventure course, and exhibition shows every weekend. We love the deal on the zip lines and high ropes courses: there are numerous lines and courses, all for one price of $40 for kids. Go all day! Read our summer review.

Date last visited:

March 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Minutes from I-80.

Admission:

Free

Hours of operation:

10 am to 6 pm daily

Directions:

The Utah Olympic Park is located at 3419 Olympic Pkwy. From Park City or The Canyons Resort, easily follow well-marked signage.

Outdoors with kids in MA: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

November 20, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Looking to get outdoors with kids in MA no matter the season? Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary is an accessible, kid-friendly sanctuary in Easthampton, Massachusetts. Arcadia has all sorts of things to keep the family busy, including a network of easy trails, a wetland boardwalk, and an observation tower. Near the parking lot and visitor center, there is a nature play area, complete with a tepee and “stump jump”. For the bird enthusiast, Arcadia is host to a variety of wildlife including bald eagles, red-tail hawks, and blue herons.

We got to know Arcadia through their wonderful kids’ education programs: both of our children have attended (or currently attend) the Arcadia Nature Preschool. In addition to its preschool and summer camps, Arcadia hosts a variety of programs with local schools, scout groups, and home-school programs. It’s a wonderful organization with the objective of fostering a love of nature and conservation in young kids. Check out their website before you visit for maps, information packets, and a nature bingo card!

Travel Tip: One word of caution: the vernal pool directly behind the visitor center and the proximity to the Mill River and the oxbow of the Connecticut River means that Arcadia can be a haven for mosquitoes in the summer. Bring your bug spray!

Travel Gear We Use: Stonz Wear Booties and Mittz
Stonz is a children’s outerwear and boot company homegrown in Vancouver, BC. Pit Stops’ kids is partnering with Stonz this fall to help families get outfitted for winter travel. Yes, our kids wear Stonz on our own adventures! See our own Greta in Stonz booties and mitts at Arcadia in the photo above. Why Stonz booties? These easy-to-slip-on-and-off boots for toddlers and preschoolers feature water-resistant nylon uppers and sherpa fleece liners. They tighten and loosen with a toggle, and yes, they have soles that can actually go outside! Stonz Mittz are just as little-kid friendly: these rugged mittens are also adjusted by toggle, and reach all the way to the elbow for full coverage. Buy Stonz booties
and Stonz Mittz at Amazon, or find more Travel Gear We Use.

Date last visited:

Every week!

Distance from the interstate:

About 3–4 miles from exit 18 off I-91.

Hours of operation:

Trails (and bathrooms!) are open daily, from dawn to dusk. The visitor center is open Monday–Thursday and Saturday, 9–12; Friday 9–3:30.

Admission or ticket prices:

Free to members of Mass Audubon, non-member adults $4, children 2–12 and seniors 65+ $3.

Food services:

Bring a picnic! There are tables near the visitor center and nature play area.

Directions:

Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 127 Combs Road, Easthampton, MA. Directions can be found on www.googlemaps.com When you get close, blue and white Mass Audubon signs point the way!

U pick apple farms: Historic Sponsel’s Minnesota Harvest

September 30, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Families visiting or living in the Twin Cities can get their autumn apple fix at Minnesota Harvest, one of the biggest u pick apple farms in the midwest. With more than 50 varieties of apples grown on the farm, families can certainly find their favorite, and enjoy a long growing season well into late autumn.

If you want to make a day of it, add a horseback ride through Minnesota Harvest’s picturesque countryside, or peruse the offerings at the on-site bakery. Harvest bakers keep the kitchen stocked with fritters, apple bread, and dumplings.

On weekends, artisans and crafters are on site selling local and homemade goods, so be sure to support local artists while you’re at the farm. Check their picking schedule to time your visit with your favorite harvest, or plan your visit to coincide with a weekend event, such as band performances. Every weekend in autumn includes family activities such as a petting zoo, tours of the historic farm, and wagon rides. A sunflower maze is up and running as well!

Distance from the interstate:

30 minutes from I-394.

Admission:

$2 admission on Saturdays and Sundays, which includes: wagon ride, kiddie wagon ride, the sunflower maze, and a petting zoo. BBQ is available most weekends for an additional per plate fee.

Directions:

Minnesota Harvest is located at 8251 Old Highway 169 at Apple Lover’s Lane in Jordan, Minnesota. It’s 45 minutes from Minneapolis via I-394 and MN-100.

Photo credit: Flickr/BrianBirke

Educational Travel: Is Temple Square Salt Lake City for everyone?

September 27, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

On a recent drive through Salt Lake City, we decided to stop (for the first time) at the city’s famed Temple Square, and it made me wonder: is Temple Square Salt Lake City for everyone? I’ll start with a disclaimer: we’re not of the LDS faith. Because of this, the site does not hold any symbolic or sentimental meaning to us, other than as a significant player in Utah’s rich history. We visited for the purpose of touring the grounds, enjoying the gardens, and glimpsing the beauty of the temple from the outside.

That said, we were underwhelmed. We absolutely missed some sites (and if any were must-see’s, please inform us in the comments) but we did hit the visitors centers, the home of the Tabernacle Choir, the Museum of Mormon History, and the meetinghouse adjacent to the Temple. I’d describe myself as quite informed about the Mormon religion, so the information in the visitors centers did not provide me with any significant new information, and overall, I expected the museum to feel more educational (in an historical way) than promotional. I was disappointed in this regard, as I hoped to inform my kids about Mormon history more so than Mormon theology. Perhaps this was an unrealistic expectation, as I certainly assumed religious content would play a big role.

The garden grounds were pretty and peaceful, but not inspiringly so, and while the temple itself is pretty, it simply didn’t hold the interest of my kids (who, again, have no emotional connection to it). I can see how a visit to Temple Square could be quite meaningful to an LDS family, and to anyone at special times of year (such as Christmas, when I hear it really shines), or if we’d had the chance to hear the choir, but on an average weekday, the detour to see the square fell flat.

Based on this experience alone, I suggest going to Temple Square Salt Lake City during the following times or under the following circumstances:

1. If it holds emotional, spiritual, or historical significance for your family.

2. During a special event, or to catch a musical performance. The Tabernacle Choir rehearses every Thursday at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 9:30 am. There is an organ concert three times daily. Seasonal events would also be well worth the visit.

3. If you plan to spend some time researching your family history (we did not delve into this aspect of the square).

If you do go, you’ll enjoy the following family-friendly amenities:

1. Plenty of space for your kids to stretch their legs and play quietly (within reason).

2. Clean and ample bathroom facilities and drinking fountains.

3. Good dining options.

Date last visited:

June 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Five minutes from I-80

Admission cost:

Free.

Hours of operation:

Check website.

Directions:

From I-80, take 600 So (I-80 exit), following the downtown Salt Lake City/Temple Square signs.

Seattle’s Pike Place Market with kids

January 7, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Any itinerary for Seattle Washington should include a family visit to Pike Place Market. Particularly bustling on weekends, the market is great to visit almost any day of the year, and is open all day, making it perfect to fit into anyone’s travel plans.

The market is best experienced during the morning, when produce stands (and vendors) are at their freshest. Right after 10 am is great, because it gives vendors enough time to set up (produce and other food vendors are usually first on the scene, followed by craft artisans). If the weather is poor, wander through the interior stalls upstairs first, so you can always duck back outside to the street craft booths if the sun breaks through. Kids will love watching the seafood vendors throw their wares from person to person as they shout orders and sing (truly, it’s a whole performance!) and tasting the produce samples throughout.

After seeing all the upstairs vendors (be sure not to miss the toy stall near the cafe and observation deck at the back), head downstairs to check out the novelty and souvenir shops. We like to stop by the ‘fortune teller’ machine to get a ticket declaring our horoscopes and lucky numbers.

We buy berries and other produce, supplement them with picnic supplies, and eat outside on the grass overlooking the bay when the weather cooperates. If it doesn’t, duck into the original Starbucks for a hot chocolate or coffee. (Just be sure to avoid this option when large cruise ships have disembarked…it’s a popular spot.)

Tip: Instead of parking at the market garage, opt to park near the wharf and walk the few blocks up to the market area. This way, after enjoying the market in the morning, you can try out the new Seattle Great Wheel adjacent to the Seattle Aquarium.

Date last visited:

June 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Just a few minutes (in traffic) from I-5.

Admission rate:

None. Parking will cost you between $5-15, depending on how long you stay. For convenience, we usually park at the Market Garage, or take public transit.

Hours of operation:

Open 19 and 1/2 hours a day, 362 days a year.

Directions:

Pike Place is easy to find following signage. The entrance is at 1st Avenue and Pike Street.

Seattle’s Museum of Flight with kids of all ages

November 15, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

For most visitors, Seattle WA is synonymous with Boeing and aero-engineering. For airplane and space lovers, there’s no better stop than at the Museum of Flight. A huge, multi-building complex, the Museum of Flight can feel intimidating at first, especially if you have small children. For true fans, a full day is needed, but the highlights can be hit in a few hours if needed. On our last visit, we were touring the museum with six kids, ages 2-13, and though it was challenging at times, we found something for everyone in each part of the complex. Below, I’ve broken down the museum by section, so you can be sure to visit the parts of most interest to your family.

The Great Gallery: This cavernous hanger houses fighter jets and other war air models, some of which kids can climb into to check out the cockpit. Also in this area are several flight simulators with 3-D screens (motion rides) that cost extra (and are not worth the price, though kids will beg to go). Stick to the ground floor where the ‘real’ planes are.

The Lear Gallery: The space exploration section of the museum houses much to see on the ‘next frontier’, including the newly acquired space shuttle trainer, which I actually saw brought into the museum by the famous ‘Guppy’ transporter when I visited with my family in late June of 2012. Kids will like the anti-gravity simulator and the early Apollo capsules.

The Personal Courage Wing: This wing can be overlooked (as we did on our last visit), but actually houses fascinating studies of courageous air force fighters and aviation pioneers.

The Red Barn: Most interesting to my school-aged kids was the Red Barn, which was the original building Boeing used for their early manufacturing. Inside, the history of Seattle area flight production and world war aviation history is displayed in a way that’s interesting even to preschoolers.

Outside Airpark: Outside the museum, a number of aircraft are available to tour on the massive grounds. On the day of our visit, we walked through a retired Air Force One, which was more than a little bit cool. A concorde and several military planes are also on-site, but were closed at the time.

Tip! Save up to 50% on Seattle’s 5 best attractions with CityPASS. Shop Now!

Date last visited:

June 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Five minutes off I-5.

Admission:

Adults are $17, youth (5-17) are $9. Age four and under are free. Be sure to ask if your local science museum membership is honored. Many are! You can also use your CityPASS (see tip above).

Hours of operation:

10 am to 5 pm most days of the year. On the first Thursday of each month, the museum is open until 9 pm, and is free from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Dining options:

A full-service museum cafe offers everything from snacks to meals, and has several healthy options. Expect to pay museum prices, but not much else is nearby.

Directions:

The museum is at 9404 E. Marginal Way S. From I-5, take Take exit 158 and merge right onto S. Boeing Access Road. Turn right at the first stoplight (E. Marginal Way S.) The Museum is on the right, 1/2 mile. Parking is free.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

May 31, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Families looking for things to do in Monterey, CA or en route along Highway 1 to Big Sur should definitely stop at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Located just a few miles outside Monterey on Highway 1, Point Lobos offers great hiking with kids in Monterey, with miles of hiking trails, scenic vistas, hisorical sites, and picnic grounds in some of the most beautiful acreage I’ve ever seen. We started at Whaler’s Cove, where a posted sign instructed us to speak in quiet voices…the seals were using the nearby beach as a pup rookery. We could see the mother seals and babies from the parking lot. Nearby, families can view the historic Whaler’s Cabin, and a steep staircase takes you to the bluff overlooking the bay and the network of hiking trails.

The trails are easily navigated, though parents will want to remind kids to stay on the trail. There are steep areas, and during certain seasons, poison oak is in bloom. (We saw a lot when we visited in May.) We opted to take the 1.4 mile North Shore Trail, which connects with the Seal Point parking area and trailhead. Along the North Shore Trail are numerous overlooks where seals, otters, and even whales can be spotted, and at Seal Point, tide pools are visible in low tide. The nearby Cypress Grove Trail tours the oldest Monterey Cypress grove in the world, and is a great option for famlies not quite up for the longer hikes. Guided walks and nature talks are also scheduled throughout each week.

Note: Dogs are not permitted in the reserve, even if they stay in the vehicle.

Date last visited:

May 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Right on Highway 1.

Admission price:

Admission the the reserve is $10 per car. You’re buying a state park pass, so if you’re visiting any other state parks on your trip, it will be good for those, too!

Hours of operation:

8 am to 7 pm during Daylight Savings, and from 8 am until 1/2 hour after sunset in winter.

Food services:

None, but picnicking areas are throughout the park.

Directions:

From Monterey, head out Highway 1 three miles south. Look for the posted signs.