product review - Pitstops for Kids

Travel Pop-Ups: New books that inspire travel

April 17, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

There are plenty of guidebooks out there that help parents plan family trips. We have our favorites, including Fodor’s Around series (Around London with Kids, for example) and the student guide series of Let’s Go (Let’s Go Western Europe is sitting right beside me).

However, it’s harder to get the kids inspired pre-trip. They’re not as involved in the planning process, even if you make an effort, and they have a harder time picturing the destinations you’ll be visiting. This is where inspiring travel books come into play.

Recently, the team at Candlewick Press offered to send me a selection of travel books designed for kids. I accepted, but honestly, I’ve seen travel books I’ve felt were either too silly or too boring for kids, and wasn’t sure I’d be endorsing the books. As soon as Candlewick’s Panorama Pops series and World Unfurled series arrived, however, I knew I’d be featuring them here. Why? They’re simply beautiful, and when the beauty of destinations can be captured, inspiration sets in!

Panorama Pops series:

This is my favorite. Each of the 15 pop-up books in this series is the size of a notebook, and unfold accordion style to reach nearly 5 feet. Each features a different world city and all the major attractions within it. Unfolding the Rome book, I felt a wave of nostalgia and excitement to soon share this city with my kids. After our trip, I just know this book, which fits into a hardshell slip case, will become a keepsake that sits on one of the kids’ bookshelves to remind him of the trip. Pick one up, such as Rome or San Francisco, for only $8.99. The photo does not do it justice!

Traditional Pop-Up:

For a bigger, more epic experience, try Pop-Up New York, in which each page depicts a different part of the city. Each cityscape is iconic, and information blurbs tell kids what they can expect at the various landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge or Rockefeller Plaza. Like the Panorama Pops series, this book will be just as fun after a trip, and far more meaningful to kids. Because pop-up books are fragile, I’d recommend them for kids over age three. For older kids needing a New York-specific book, also try Inside and Out: New York, which is a highly-detailed double-sided wall chart and map that unfolds to over two and a half feet. Kids can search out objects, or use it after a trip to mark things they did.

What travel books do you seek out for your kids when planning a trip?

As noted above, Candlewick Press sent us their new pop-up books at no cost, for the purpose of review.

Travel Gear We Use: Child Safety Products

February 21, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

There’s nothing quite as stressful as keeping an eye on a child in a big crowd. Whether you’re in a theme park, on a crowded city street, or in a busy national park, these child safety products will give you some peace of mind.

Every child safety product listed below has been reviewed and/or personally used by me or my East Coast editor. While we do accept product advertising on Pit Stops for Kids, editorial reviews are separate and distinct. We never accept “advertorial” or pay-for-positive consumer product reviews, so you can be assured of our honest and genuine endorsement.

SafetyTat Child ID Tattoos

We used these easy stick-on child safety tats while on a vacation to Great Wolf Lodge; not only did they stay on in and out of water, but they were fun for the kids to wear. I liked that I could feel more confident about high-crowd situations, especially as they worked together to solve wand quests throughout the lodge!

Me Finder Safety Wristband

This cool device is actually quite simple: all parents need to do is input up to five mobile phone numbers. When the child is wearing the fun wristband in public, the parent selects the number to be displayed, which kids can show a safe adult should they get separated. I like that the Me Finder comes with instructions on how to explain its use to your child, and that it’s a low-technology item, which ensures it works with consistency!

BubbleBum portable travel booster seat

Whether you’re on a crowded bus, in a taxi, or on a shuttle van ride, this is a genius of a booster seat: bring it along in your carry-on or checked luggage (packed in it’s own small cinch bag) while on vacation for a car seat that meets all safety regulations. The BubbleBum is also great for car pools, trips to Grandma’s, taxi rides, and any time you need to fit three car seats across in the back row of a car or van.

Find more gear in the Travel Gear We Use series (click below):

Pit Stops for Kids selected as Oboz Footwear Ambassador

February 20, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Readers of Pit Stops for Kids know how much we love to cover outdoor travel, and how we advocate equipping kids (and Mom and Dad) in proper outdoor gear in our Travel Gear We Use series. This year, we’ll be taking this passion a step further as official ambassadors for Oboz Footwear.

If you look on the right-hand side bar of the site, you’ll see at glance the brands and publications with whom the Pit Stops for Kids team works most closely. These are not advertisers. They are not chosen at random. I either write additional content for their sites, or, in the case of Oboz and Aventura Clothing, which I introduced readers to last year, we have a working partnership.

My East Coast editor and I test a lot of gear and travel products each year, and we don’t take this lightly. As a parent, I understand how difficult it can be to find solid gear reviews, and how big an investment quality gear can be. We are not paid by Oboz (or any other brand to review their items). Paid posts are always clearly marked on Pit Stops for Kids, or are displayed as ads.

Oboz makes hiking boots and shoes for men and women, not kids, but I decided to accept Oboz’ invitation to become an ambassador for two reasons. Firstly, Oboz supports our mission of whole families getting outdoors and into nature. Plus, those teen boys grow into adult shoes in a hurry, don’t they? Secondly, I am already familiar with Oboz products, and know I can stand behind them. I told Oboz as much when they interviewed me for this position, but I never told them–until now–the exact experience I have with their hiking boots.

Here’s what happened. Last summer, our family embarked upon our annual three-day backpacking trip. I had reviewed the Oboz Bridger Mid BDry earlier in the year for Practical Travel Gear, and loved them, so I grabbed them for the trip. We began hiking well after dinner, and wanted to make good time. We covered six miles fairly quickly. So quickly, in fact, that I didn’t notice the hot spots developing on the back of my heels until about mile five, at which time it was really too late to prevent them from becoming full blown blisters. I nursed my wounds during our camp day that followed, but when it came time to pack out, my feet were still angry and raw. I was forced to cover the distance back to the trailhead in my water shoes, paired with wool socks to keep out pebbles and dirt. I was so angry at my Oboz I wanted to fling them from a summit (and this was before Cheryl Strayed made this trendy).

Calvin, wishing his mom would hobble along faster.

When I got home, I looked up Oboz Footwear’s customer service information. It’s important to note that when we review products, we often work directly with brand representatives. Therefore, if there’s a problem, it’s fixed fast. Is it fixed that fast for other customers? Sometimes I don’t know. So I made a point to go through the usual channels at Oboz instead of calling my PR rep. I got a response to my email lightning fast. The service rep asked me many questions about my boots, about my feet, and the terrain of my trip. Yes, I told him, I’d definitely broken them in beforehand. Yes, I’m an experienced hiker. We both scratched our heads. Finally, their team asked me to send photos of the shoes. When I went to do so, I noticed something…I’d taken the insoles out of my Bridgers a few weeks before to wash them, and never put them back in.

The obvious result: way too much room in my boots, leading to friction and blisters. I was so embarrassed as I apologized to the folks at Oboz. They were kind enough to pretend this happened all the time. I found my insoles and all was well again with my boots. Moral of the story: Oboz has great customer service and will help make sure your boots work for you, even if you’re an idiot. (Now we’ll just have to wait and see if they still want an idiot for an ambassador.)

If they keep me, I’ll be writing regularly for Oboz during 2015, offering hiking and backpacking tips, shoe reviews, and backpacking trip reports both here and on their blog. I’ll cover expert stuff like, ‘hey, don’t forget to assemble your shoe before wearing it’ and other high-level ideas. I hope you’ll follow along, and get inspired for your own family outdoor adventures! If I can do it, you can!

Travel gifts for kids: best hydration packs for all-season use

February 20, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

As an extension of our Travel Gear We Use series, we also feature some of our favorite travel-related gifts for kids. First up: best hydration packs for kids. I used to think that hydration packs were ‘overkill’ when it came to kids’ outdoor gear, but I’ve completely changed my mind! My kids love using hydration packs during outdoor-adventure travel, and I love that they stay hydrated.

Best hydration pack for kids 6-10:

The CamelBak Kicker is our favorite hydration pack for kids 10 and under. Why? It’s compact, has a nicely-sized gear compartment (not too big, not too small), and the hydration hose is fully insulated, making it perfect for winter ski and snowboard trips. The Kicker comes in two colors (boys and girls will dig it) and features a sternum strap for extra security and support while hiking, city touring, or skiing. The water bladder isn’t too big (1.5L), so kids are never carrying too much weight. Toby (pictured above with the Kicker at age 8) can effortlessly carry his water, a light jacket or other gear, and a snack. The Kicker goes everywhere with us, and it’s far less expensive than other hydration packs at $46.50 on Amazon.

Can’t find the Kicker? Look for the Mini MULE. This pack has been discontinued by Camelbak, but can still be found on Amazon for roughly the same price as the Kicker, and about the same amount of internal space (plus a nice outer pocket).

Best hydration pack for kids 11-17:

For kids who have outgrown the Kicker, graduate them to the Platypus Tokul X.C.. Here’s why: this adult-sized hydration pack is still sleek enough for kids to carry easily and teens to crave while snowboarding or skiing. Kids get a full-sized water bladder (2L-3L) that’s easy to fill without spilling, and plenty of space for a light jacket, snack, extra goggles, or a phone. Best of all, the bladder and tube/bite valve is full compatible with other Platypus products, so the same gear can come on the family backpacking trip or on that long-distance run. Pick between three sizes (we find the 8L to be roomy enough for day hikes) on Amazon.

Need a pack that can grow with your kid, from childhood through the teen years? Ideal for tweens, teens, and beyond, the Camelbak Arete 18 is still small enough to be sleek (kids won’t be encumbered) but large enough to pack day trip items into. Plus, for bike rides and ski days, the Arete can transform from backpack to hydration sleeve. This is a pack that will carry through into adulthood, if you let it. Find it on Amazon for as low as $65.

Bonus! Best hydration packs for adults:

For adults who are active, we love the Osprey Raven, which is small enough to join you on ski trips and bike rides, but substantial enough for a day hike. For a hydration pack that gets the job done without breaking the bank, try the High Sierra Quickshot. It’s not as flashy, but the price is awesome!

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Pit Stops for Kids has tested every one of these packs. We never recommend a product we haven’t tried.

Travel gifts for kids: affordable POV action cam picks

December 6, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Do your kids want a POV camera or camcorder for Christmas? Tweens and teens love POV cams, and mine are no exception. However, these rugged, adaptable action video cameras can be expensive! Below are two affordable POV action cam picks that won’t set you back and will keep your kids happy during outdoor travel adventures.

Kids love to challenge themselves and try new skills, and with action cams, they can record their feats, post them on social media sites, and share with friends. My kids bring action cameras to the ski slopes, on mountain biking trails, and even underwater.

Sony Wifi Action Video Camera:

The Sony Action Cam is less expensive than a Go Pro, with all the same bells and whistles. Kids can mount the camera on their helmets, take them on or under water with the waterproof case, strap them to their handlebars, or wrap them around their head with a headband. The Action Cam is small enough to toss into a lightweight backpack or even a jacket pocket, and with only one button for on and off, gloves don’t even have to come off to get the scene rolling. Unlike a Go Pro, the Action Cam does not have a screen, but kids can sync the camera straight to a smart phone. (There are pros and cons of this: see our full Action Cam review for details.) We like the HD quality and the fact that with wifi enabled, we can upload our videos instantly. It can also be used with a USB cable or photo card. Pick it up as a family gift for under $230 on Amazon.

Oregon Scientific ATC Chameleon Action Video Camera:

The Chameleon is unique in that it shoots duel perspectives simultaneously. While capturing the speed of her snowboard on the snow, your daughter can also video the expression on her own face. Both perspectives are displayed together on a split screen view. The Chameleon is more lightweight than the Sony Action Cam, but also a little less rugged. A waterproof case can be bought as an accessory, as well as helmet mounts and pole/handlebar mounts. It fits in the palm of your hand, and captures full HD video. Like the Sony, video is transferred via photo card or USB, but cannot be transferred wirelessly. Grab it for only $199 on Amazon.

Want more travel gifts for kids? Here are some ideas!
Best hydration packs for kids
Nikon Coolpix Giveaway

Product review: Little Passports

June 28, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

We’re always on the lookout for educational products that teach kids about global destinations and cultures in a fun way. When we can’t travel the globe or the US, the next best thing is to learn about new places from home! Enter Little Passports. This subscription series is a home run: it’s creative, engaging, educational, and affordable.

What is Little Passports?

Basically, it’s a subscription for your kids. For the cost of a few magazine subscriptions, your kids get a package every month with activities, workbooks, art projects, and cultural lessons centered around one country or two US states. We’ve tried other educational subscriptions, but never have I seen one with so many features. Each monthly package comes with crafts, tangible items that represent the location, postcards, photos, and (actually fun) workbooks. In initial ‘Discovery’ kit includes an excellent world or US map.There’s a storyline every time which ties all the package elements together.

What sets Little Passports apart: We love the storytelling angle of Little Passports. The first month of subscription, your kids will receive a play suitcase filled with introductory materials. They’ll ‘meet’ Sam and Sofia, the two Little Passports characters, and learn their backstory: they’ve discovered a magical scooter which can take them to any state or country. (Think Magic Treehouse.) In subsequent months, Sam and Sofia return with a letter explaining what country or state they’re writing from. We find this to be a nice theme to hold the concept together: kids can immediately relate to the materials because of the fictional characters.

1. Choose the World Edition or the USA Edition:

We tried one of each, and are not sure which we like better. Our sample World Edition package was on Japan: we received our letter from Sam and Sofia describing the country and fun activities kids do there, such as origami and sushi rolling, then the kids were able to reach into the package to find a packet of origami paper and instructions, and a sushi eraser to use with the included worksheet. They got postcards from Japan, and a sticker to put on their suitcase or in their passport. Our USA Edition package included two states: California and North Dakota. There was a paper craft for each state, plus a workbook (one half on each state). Postcards, photos, and a letter from Sam and Sofia completed the kit.

Uses for your subscription: homeschooling, road trips, air travel, rainy days, boring weekends

Age range: both my eight-year-old and 11-year-old were engaged. The USA Edition actually has harder workbook materials in it for older kids, but the crafts and activities are geared to any age. My opinion: ages 4-6 with parent help (reading and helping with projects), ages 7-12 independently.

Can kids share? Absolutely. No need to buy more than one subscription per family.

Can you choose which destinations you receive? No. Therefore, Little Passports isn’t intended for travel planning or preparation in the direct sense. Rather, it’s intended for keeping kids excited about travel even when they’re at home, and for educating them about countries and states they have not visited (and may not have the opportunity to visit).

2. Choose a subscription plan:

You can buy month-to-month for $11.95, or can choose a 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month plan. If choosing a plan, you’ll pay upfront, but save money. My suggestion: opt for the 3 month plan to try it out.

Pit Stops for Kids was given a sample of Little Passports at no cost, for the purpose of review.

Keeping kids safe this holiday season: SafetyTat review

November 18, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Are your kids prone to wandering off while on a family vacation, at a theme park, or just out for the day? Mine can be. (I like to call it ‘being inquisitive’, not disobedient!) One memorable summer day at SeaWorld San Diego, I actually lost sight of then-three-year-old Calvin for a full five minutes (and as any parent knows, that’s a long time!). As I looked for him urgently, I knew the chances of him remembering my cell phone number (or even his full name) if found by park personnel was not likely.

Luckily, I found him mesmerized by the sea lions a moment later, but ever since, I’ve made sure to take important safety precautions with my kids whenever we’re in a crowded or unfamiliar environment. We always review where to meet in case of separation, who to ask for help if needed (we believe mothers with strollers make for the easiest and generally safest demographic to seek out), and write contact information somewhere on their person.

Toby demos the Quick Stick Write-On SafetyTat.

The company SafetyTat has made that process easier than ever. These temporary tattoos, customized with your emergency contact information, last for up to five days, are waterproof, and are fun for kids to wear. Pit Stops for Kids tried both their original SafetyTat Child ID Tattoos and their Quick Stick Write-On applique (sticker), and both worked beautifully. I love that they’re waterproof (you don’t have to worry about them fading or coming off while your child is swimming, and applying sunscreen doesn’t damage them in the least), and that the Quick Stick variety stay on so well (they’re made of medical-grade adhesive).

There are many designs and styles to choose from with their online ‘Tat Builder’ (so both your princess and your sports fan will be happy), and SafetyTat has included alllergy and autism alert options as well. As a Search and Rescue volunteer, I know how important information like this is to searchers and other authorities. If you’re traveling with a larger group of family or friends, the Write On variety is ideal; it comes with a waterproof pen to customize your SafetyTats with different mobile phone numbers. (Remember not to write kids’ first names on tats.)

We’ll be using SafetyTat on our next trip, at the airport, at our next holiday parade, and during our next visit to a theme park!

SafetyTat generously provided Pit Stops for Kids with the aforementioned products at no charge. This compensation did not come with any expectation of a positive review.