road trips with kids - Pitstops for Kids

Six kid-friendly tourist attractions to visit in Pigeon Forge

November 9, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

Travel can be challenging right now. If you decide traveling is right for your family, be sure to social distance, wear masks, and quarantine upon your return.

If you’re ready to hit the road and take your family on an adventurer’s journey, here are six incredible kid-friendly tourist attractions to visit in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Ziplining through the Great Smoky Mountains

One of the best adventures your kids can enjoy in Pigeon Forge is a ziplining tour in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The adrenaline rush of swinging above the treetops on a hanging wire is pure exhilaration. Besides the fun and action-packed ziplining experience, your family can also discover the forest’s diverse wildlife, breathtaking streams, and indigenous flowering plants.

Fat Daddy Arcade

Fat Daddy Arcade is the real definition of having fun and building strong family bonds. Packed with all sorts of classical games and fun things like the milk jug toss, dueling basketball hoops, the Clown, Plinko, and more, this one’s always a hit with kids. This event offers you an opportunity to have fun with your family and still win big.

Take a Hike

There is no better way to spend a summer afternoon with the kids than to connect with Mother Nature. The beautiful and welcoming hiking trails provide the best kids adventure and what you need to enjoy a peaceful hike with your loved ones.

Furthermore, exploring new places and unlocking new experiences is an excellent way to stay active, spend quality time, and bond with your family. With some snacks and drinks, you’re ready to hit the trail and explore the fascinating scenic routes in the Forge area.

Xtreme Racing Center

Your trip to the Forge area isn’t complete without the kids visiting the Xtreme center. The Xtreme center is dedicated to providing tourists with the ultimate Pigeon Forge go-kart excursion with various thrilling course alternatives. The track is also packed with exciting adventures, narrow straightaways, and winding turns. Your children will treasure and appreciate the time spent zooming around the sharp corners of the race tracks and competing for first place forever.

Watch the Island Show Fountain

The Island show fountain is a state-of-the-art presentation that showcases a beautiful water dance and light. The exhibition is carefully choreographed to a stunning fourteen pieces of music. Over 89 vertical nozzles cause movement and six motion-based nozzles also form detailed water sprays that dance to the music.

The Titanic Museum

How about giving your kids a bit of a history lesson? Visiting the Titanic museum is a pure eye-opener. You and your family will learn more about the titanic ship, its crew, and passengers. You will have an opportunity to walk your family through the inside and experience how it felt like to walk the cabins, hallways, grand staircases, and parlors. Visit the memorial room to discover the 2,208 names on the historic wall and let the kids connect with history.

Final word

Road tripping is indeed a one-of-the-kind adventure. Besides unlocking new experiences, road trips can improve family bonds. However, you should be aware of the mishaps that might occur when road tripping with your kids and figure out how to combat them. You may need to carry car spare parts and medicine in case of a car breakdown or if one of your family members gets car sick.

Quick and easy guide to kids’ road trip snacks

October 5, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

There’s a lot that goes into making a road trip happen. Your level of organization probably lands somewhere in between winging it and micromanaging every detail, and with kids, you always have to leave room for the unexpected. If there’s one thing you should get right, though, it’s snacks for the road.

Guide to road trip snacks:

A sick kid is the surest way to derail your plans, and packing some reliable grub can help you avoid this fate. There are plenty of recipes for crafting easy-to-eat fare from scratch, but if you’re looking for something simple and quick, choose carefully at the grocery store. Pay attention to ingredients, avoid foods with inflammatory additives, and look for fare that is natural or organic. Excessively sugary or processed foods take enough of a toll on kids’ bodies on a normal day, but when you’re on the road, the results can be even worse. With these tips, you can pull off the road trip of a lifetime and keep your kids well while doing so.

Keep it Light

If junk food is a road trip tradition, here’s to breaking tradition and living better! It’s been estimated that kids get up to 40 percent of their calories from foods such as pizza, cookies and soda. When you’re driving for extended period of time, kids are trapped in the backseat with no way to mitigate all those calories. In addition to its obvious unhealthiness, this combination of extra calories and lack of exercise can lead to sickness. If you don’t want to land yourself nursing a sick kid on the side of the road, uphold a no junk food rule.

Opt for Nutritious Options

Processed foods are to blame for a host of health problems affecting kids. As a parent, you’re probably well aware of the ways in which additives and GMOs can irritate young digestive systems and cause problems such as inflammation. Recent innovations by some companies have replaced these ingredients with plant-based ones. Hamptoncreek, for example, utilizes sorghum and pea protein in lieu of materials that are harmful to consumers and the environment. As you prepare for your road trip, find snacks that follow this principle and provide real nutrition for kids.

Make a Plan and Stick to It

Even if you aren’t up for handcrafting enough snacks to last the duration of your trip, you can make the experience easier by making a plan and sticking to it. Pack a cooler with sandwiches, wholesome juice and other easy eats. A sandwich with egg-free mayo and lunch meat can save you from succumbing to the beckoning of fast food. You will likely want to eat out and experience local cuisine during your traverse, so you need only prepare snacks that will fill the gaps. By simply doing this, though, you maintain control of meals and ensure everybody eats well.

Skip Greasy Temptations

The aforementioned temptation of fast food has been the downfall of many. Remember that there’s often a price to pay when kids don’t eat well, and keep snacks such as fruit, sandwiches and hamptoncreek cookies for occasional treats. So long as you can avoid greasy fare and stay focused on the road, you’re sure to have a trip to remember. When it comes to memories, keep those of sick kids at bay and make ones with happy, healthy kids instead. The food you choose will make all the difference.

Keep the Whole Family in Mind

Though keeping the kids well is your top concern, you should also consider what you plan to eat. Don’t neglect to pack some grub for yourself and any other adults along for the ride. One of the best parts of bringing along healthy snacks is their appropriateness for every member of the group. When you’re making plans, consider favorite foods and eating habits of the whole family. It’ll make for a better experience, and with access to nutritious snacks, everybody will have the energy to grab the road trip by its horns. Whether they’re at school, at home, or in the backseat, your kids deserve the advantage of healthy and nutritious meals. By cutting out additives, GMOs, and other harmful ingredients, you are taking important steps towards investing in their long-term health. Don’t let a road trip be a lapse in this commitment when instead, you can plan for it by keeping a supply of healthy and natural snacks on hand for the whole family.

And now that you’re snack-ready, how about some tried-and-true road trip games?!

Road Trip Safety: What to do if your car breaks down

July 19, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

A few years ago, we were ten minutes into a six-hour road trip when we ran over a nail in the road and got a flat tire. Yep, only ten minutes in…and while it was a bummer to be sidelined so quickly, at least we were close to home. Within a few hours, we were back on the road. But what if you were further afield?

Any time your car breaks down, it’s natural for panic to set in—but what if you’re miles and miles into a road trip? What if you’re in unfamiliar territory and have no cell phone signal? As difficult as it is, don’t panic. Here are a few things to do if you have to take that gut-wrenching park on the side of the highway:

1. Move away from the car if you see smoke. It’s very unlikely for modern cars to catch fire, but it does happen. If you see smoke or otherwise suspect staying in or near the car is dangerous, move away. Your safety is the top priority.

2. Put on your hazards and set out flares if you have them. Flares should be part of any roadside emergency kit. However, if you don’t have them, at the bare minimum put on the hazards. This will minimize your risk (and the risk of a car accidentally hitting yours).

3. Call for help if you have a signal. Most insurance companies include roadside assistance with policies. However, the waits can be long. If you do have a roadside assistance program, call them first so you can get help as soon as possible. Next, call someone nearby who may be able to help. If that isn’t an option, call someone you trust to let them know what happened and where you are.

4. Start walking if you have no cell service but know a store is nearby. Maybe you recently passed an interstate gas station or saw signs for a small town within a couple of miles. Only start walking if you’re confident that you can safely and quickly get to a business where you can then call for help. If possible, walk against traffic so you can see cars as they approach.

5. Make a sign for jumper cables and wait by your car if you know your battery is dead. It’s rare that a car will stop working suddenly on the highway because of a dead battery, but it can happen—especially if you recently turned the car off. If you’re certain that’s the issue and have jumper cables, hold them up to passing cars. If you don’t, make a “jumper cables” sign with your hands to let passing cars know what you need. It shouldn’t take long for someone to stop.

The best way to avoid getting stranded is to take precautions. Make sure you’ve ticked off these tasks before taking your next road trip:

1. Get your car serviced. Regular maintenance is the best way to stay safe and spot any troubling signs before they get out of control. Maintenance checks are fast, affordable, and save you money in the long run. Aim for at least one car service per year.

2. Make a roadside kit and always keep it with you. This should include jumper cables, safety items such as pepper spray, solar-powered chargers, a wind-up radio, road flares, and a first-aid kit. Hopefully you’ll never need it, but you’ll be glad to have it if you do.

3. Choose a wireless plan with good coverage. It’s tempting to save money on a bargain carrier, but you’ll regret it if you travel to a more rural area without coverage. The best way to get help is simply to make a phone call. Don’t opt to take that away from yourself.

In the worst-case scenario, you might have to sell your car if it breaks down. If you must, you can find a company near you. For example, a company like Junk That Car in Temecula will purchase your car and tow it away getting rid of the hassles associated with a broken-down car.

Another way to increase safety on a road trip? Don’t go alone. There’s safety and power in numbers.

Four family-friendly Ohio road trip destinations

April 6, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

If you are planning a road trip for your family, chances are you will not be alone on the highway. One survey released by a major travel company revealed that 35 percent of families take at least one vacation together annually, with some taking two or three trips per year. When it comes to popular destinations in America, Ohio often tops the list because of its family-friendly offerings, and there are several that stand out if you are ready to explore this fun and fascinating state.

1. The Wilds: Cumberland

The animal lovers in your family will thrill to The Wilds, a sanctuary that stretches over 9,000 acres of land and where over two dozen different species of mammals, insects, and reptiles roam free. Take safari-style bus tours during the day and then retire to The Lodge for comfort and convenience during an overnight stay. The Wilds also offers family-friendly activities as well, including horseback riding and zip line adventures.

2. Lake Erie Shore

Lake Erie is the fourth smallest of the Great Lakes, but when it comes to adventure, it’s one of the largest in the state. Enjoy wildlife parks and the beauty of Maumee Bay State Park, where you can relax on two sandy beaches, enjoy a two-mile boardwalk stroll, or simply enjoy the view of the lakeshore. If you have any thrill seekers in the family, then you can head to Cedar Point Amusement Park, which features a breathless collection of roller coasters and other thrill rides, all with panoramic lake views.

3. The Valley Gem Sternwheeler

If you and your family are looking for a nautical adventure after your road trip to Ohio, then you might be able to find it on the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers when you board the Valley Gem. This pleasure cruiser, which can accommodate over 900 passengers, offers river tours between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati from early spring through late November. The boat features its own restaurant, a shaded upper deck, and a temperature-controlled lower deck for comfort. All ages are welcome on a 90-minute cruise that is sure to please.

If you plan to drive to Pittsburgh and take both river tours, you may want to ask your auto insurance company if you are covered in both states. Because coverage may vary depending on location, it is wise to meet with your agent before your trip to ensure you are covered if you plan to venture into nearby Pennsylvania.

4. The Christmas Story House

For those who love Christmas all year round, a road trip to Ohio would not be complete without a visit to the house from the iconic holiday movie, “A Christmas Story.” The house where the movie was filmed has been lovingly preserved, and after you walk through, you can cross the street and visit the movie museum, where some of the props are on display. If you are a die-hard fan, you and the family can stay overnight in the home, which would make a visit to this Ohio landmark complete.

Taking a road trip to Ohio with your family can make for a wonderful vacation, whether you travel overnight or choose to explore the entire state during an extended holiday. No matter where you roam, spending time with family can be the greatest adventure of all.

Winter driving tips for holiday road trips

December 3, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

It can happen in an instant, and last February, it did: one moment, we were making the turn from an icy highway onto a ski resort access road, and the next, we were sliding into a snowbank, nose first. Luckily, everyone was ok, but our car suffered upon its impact with the wall of snow. After rolling into the parking lot, we spent valuable ski time accessing the damage and making sure our car would be able to deliver us back home safely. Our brush with the snowbank turned out to be only a minor inconvenience (and the cost of our deductible), but it served as a good reminder to always be prepared.

Read on for winter driving tips for holiday road trips

Keep snow chains in your car at all times:

I’m embarrassed to say we had our chains with us the day we got up close and personal with the snowbank, but hadn’t taken the time to put them on. If you’re not familiar with their installation, practice at home (this can be a good activity to do with school-aged kids and teens). If you really don’t want to hassle with it, consider winter snow tires.

Travel with extra supplies:

In winter, we have two extra blankets, a few flashlights (with batteries), and a jug of drinking water in the back of the car at all times. You never know when you’ll be caught on a pass that closes or stuck roadside. If you’re not already packing these items, also pack:

a pair of winter boots
gloves
a small shovel

You’ll be very glad to have them if you need to get out to install chains or dig yourself out of snow.

Know your comfort level:

In our winter driving experiences, we’ve seen it many times: a driver slows past the point of caution and to the point of danger to others. When climbing a steep, icy hill or navigating a windy winter road, slowing too much can cause traffic behind you to lose momentum…and then traction. To avoid causing a mess behind you, only drive a road you feel comfortable navigating at a steady, safe speed, in a vehicle that’s up for the challenge. Of course, this is easier said than done. If you do feel overwhelmed in a white-out or ice situation, wait until you reach level ground, and pull over when safe. Better yet, consider paying for a shuttle from your resort to your ski area or even from the airport. The price may be worth the peace of mind.

Check tire pressure and windshield wiper fluid levels before leaving home:

We learned this tip the hard way, when forced to search everywhere for an open garage on a holiday weekend in December, while road tripping to Canada. Tip: ask for recommendations at local gas stations. Attendants there can often point you in the direction of shops that remain open. It’s far easier to deal with mundane maintenance issues while you’re still at home. Using precious vacation time to inflate tires gets old very fast. Also make certain you replace older tires and have the proper tires for your car, in all seasons. Tyre-Shopper is a good place to start for UK readers.

Have roadside assistance at the ready:

Whether you opt for a pay-as-you-need-it service like Allstate’s Roadside Assistance, which you can learn more about in this post on road trip tips, or subscribe to AAA, have a plan in place for roadside emergencies.

Top travel apps for winter road tripping:

You’ll need plenty of pit stops during your winter road trip! In addition to utilizing the hundreds of reviews on Pit Stops for Kids (did you know your smart phone will automatically load our mobile app?), check out the following for indoor play spaces and museums, low cost gasoline, and road side help.

Trekaroo app: Leave your own reviews of the restaurants, hotels, and attractions you visit on the road and help out other parents. The Trekaroo mobile app works much like TripAdvisor, allowing you to help out others (and read real parent reviews while on the go).

Pillows and Pitstops (UK): For my UK readers, Pillows and Pitstops is like the Pit Stops for Kids of Britain! I love that parents can plug in their beginning and ending locations, and get ideas for their route.

Fuelcaster: Gas prices tend to go up during peak car travel periods, such as winter holidays. With Fuelcaster, we can check on fuel prices as we go, predicting what we’ll pay. This way, we can know whether it’s best to ‘top off’ or wait. Just don’t run out of gas trying to find the best deal!

Department of Transportation: There are plenty of traffic apps out there, but dot.gov should be your starting point for road conditions in every state. We like to check the desktop site before we leave, then have the mobile site loaded on at least one phone during any winter trip.

Do you need more winter driving tips? We have our best all-season road trip advice at the ready!

Photo by: Flickr/miguelb