Portland, Oregon is a beautiful river city known for its aesthetics and culture. Its a great place to find outdoor adventure, a thriving arts & music scene, and access to all sorts of eco-friendly experiences. There is plenty of family fun to be had in the downtown area and the rest of the Willamette Valley. Trekaroo is proud to be launching Portland this week and looks forward to exploring the rest of the state of Oregon with all of you wonderful members of the Trekaroo community.
So, what have Trekaroo families shared thus far?
- 236 Activities listed in the Portland/Willamette Valley Region alone! Have you been to any of these kid-friendly places? If so, add your insight! Did you see something we missed? Be sure to share your experiences.
- Activities and hotel reviews across the 4 main regions of Oregon: Willamette Valley (Portland), Southern Oregon, Central Oregon, and Mt. Hood / The Gorge
- A list of Kid-friendly hotels in Portland waiting to be rated by parents like you
- Lots of fun lists like:
- Top Kid Activities in Portland as voted by Trekaroo families
- 5 Family Activities for $5 or less in Portland
- Cheap and Fun Eats in Portland!
- Things to see and do around Portland with Children
- Favorite kid-friendly restaurants in the Portland Metro Area
- Favorite Rainy Day Activities in Portland
- Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in Oregon with Kid Programs
- Favorite places to walk or hike in Oregon
Have you experienced Portland or any other part of the beautiful state of Oregon with your kids? Tell us all about your experiences – good and bad. Join now and start writing reviews. New members get to take advantage of Welcome Rewards. A gift card to Amazon, Starbucks, or REI was enough to convince me to join way back when!
What location is next? Georgia! Be part of the founding team to help launch Georgia on Trekaroo by sharing about activities you like and the best places to stay.
Special thanks to the 47 families who have collaborated to build a list of fantastic kid-friendly recommendations with their reviews! In particular, special thanks are due to PDXBloss, pitstopsforkids, bayareababyblog, Beaverton Mama, Living Beaverton, Camillegrimshaw, thriftyportlandmom, Leigh Anne, fani*fam, McPippi, and naturalist who have gone above and beyond to inside scoop and create such helpful lists for Portland and Oregon.
And of course, thanks to team Trekaroo who sacrifice so much to pull it all together.
Put on those rain boots and get out there!
Esther Lee (thelees3) – CEO
- – – – – – – – – – -
Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
Last summer, my family stumbled upon the summer fun that the popular ski town, Park City, had to offer. I couldn’t believe just how much there was to do in a place normally associated with winter activity. This year, we found summer fun in a ski town closer to home: Mammoth Lakes, CA.
Mammoth had always been on my radar as a winter destination, with its world class skiing, dramatic high Sierra beauty, and popular resorts, but to be honest, I never even knew much went on in this town once the snow melted. When the Snowcreek Resort invited my family up to visit their resort in Mammoth and participate in the Children’s Fishing Festival I thought it sounded like fun but wasn’t sure how else we would spend our time. After spending the weekend in Mammoth Lakes, I left wishing we had about 5 more days to enjoy this amazing place. Here are my tips for what to do, where to eat, and where to stay while in Mammoth:
Where to Stay: The Snowcreek Resort
Wow. I could have lived here. This resort features spacious condos with all the amenities of home, and then some. We stayed in a two bedroom condo (which was bigger than my house!) and loved every minute of it. The bedrooms were spacious and each had it’s own full bathroom. The living area of the condo had a sleeper sofa, wood burning fireplace, dining table and full gourmet kitchen. There are also three and four bedroom condos available and I think these condos would be great for multigenerational family travel, large families, or family friends traveling together. You can read my full review of the Snowcreek Resort and all its incredible amenities (including golf, tennis, and an awesome athletic club) here.
Where to Eat: Publik Square and Petra’s Bistro
I am sure there are many fine places to eat in a resort town like Mammoth Lakes, but these are two places I can personally vouch for. The first, Publik Square, is a little sandwich shop that is locally owned, reasonably priced, and just plain yummy. My family and I love to picnic when we hike or play by a lake and Publik Square is the exact style place I look for when packing our lunch.
Petra’s Bistro is a high end restaurant in the heart of the main tourist village in Mammoth Lakes. If you are looking for a special occasion meal, this is the place to go. Although they do not have a specific children’s menu, they do have child friendly options and were very accommodating to our family. The food was amazing and it was quite nice to put on a dress and see that my kids are capable of eating dinner like civilized little people. Even though we had a very pleasant experience, I do think this restaurant is best suited for parents with older children.
What to do: Mammoth Mountain and Devil’s Postpile National Monument
Most people know Mammoth Mountain Resort for its skiing and snow park, but come summer it is also a mountain biking mecca. Riders from all over the country come to take the gondola up to the11,000 foot summit and ride some of the 70 miles worth of trails that traverse the mountain. I saw kids as young as 7 or 8 strap on their helmets and take to the slopes like pros. Since my children are still on training wheels, we opted to take the gondola ride and explore the summit on foot. The view of the Eastern Sierra was breathtaking. We could see everything from granite and pine covered mountains to the lakes that are Mammoth Lakes’ namesake. Back down below there is also a climbing wall and a zipline specifically designed for children 12 and younger. I couldn’t convince my kids to zip but I did see tots as young as 3 or 4 ride.
There are so many fun outdoor activities to take part in while visiting Mammoth, including fishing, golfing, and taking day trips to Mono Lake and Yosemite. My family loves to hike, and we found there was no shortage of trails in the region. Some of the best family friendly hikes in the area are found at Devil’s Postpile National Monument. The hike from the ranger’s station to Devil’s Postpile, an impressive and extremely rare example of columnar basalt, is a half mile stroller friendly walk to the base of the formation. Those who choose to head further down the trail (which you absolutely should), will be rewarded by the sight of the 100 foot Rainbow Falls. On sunny days, the mist reflects two rainbows near the base of the falls, thus giving the waterfall it’s multihued name.
Disclosure: My family received a complimentary stay at the Snowcreek Resort as part of a press tour. Snowcreek Resort also covered our dining at Publik Square and Petra’s Bistro and the Gondola Ride at Mammoth Mountain. They never requested that I express any particular opinion in my reviews. I will always give you my honest opinion of every hotel, restaurant, and activity I visit.
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – -
Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
We all know that the certain hotels roll-out the red carpet for babies and toddlers. Upon arrival, you get diapers, wipes, bottle warmers, bibs and more to ensure that your littlest travelers are comfortable. Most of those places, come with a hefty price-tag.
Not any more. Marriott International recently launched Tots Travel Too, a program to make more than 2,500 Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites hotels in the US and Canada tot-friendly. Praises to them for being the first chain of suite hotels and inns to make their properties nice for babies and toddlers free of charge!
So, what’s the big deal? Everyone provides a portable crib for babies and toddlers. The complimentary Tots Travel Too not only provides provides with a travel crib, but a fresh COVERPLAY crib cover to make sure that baby’s bed is not only safe, but clean. Knowing how dirty my son’s portable crib gets, it’s nice to know that they’ve taken the extra step to make it clean for the next guest.
In addition, the Tots Travel Too provides an animal squirtie toy for the bath time, outlet covers to help baby-proof the hotel room, nightlights, Johnson & Johnson’s baby shampoo and baby lotion. Adorable disposable bibs will be available upon request in the breakfast areas which is great since I never seem to pack enough clean bibs for the road.
The Steal: Win a Tots Travel Too Welcome Pack
Trekaroo is giving away a Marriott Tots Travel Too welcome pack.
Number of Winners: One (1) winner
Prize: One Tots Travel Too welcome pack which includes a COVERPLAY removable crib cover, portable crib sheet, squirtie toy, outlet covers, nightlight, baby shampoo, baby lotion and disposable bib. (Value $70)
How to enter:
Leave a comment telling us how hotel’s can make your “traveler(s)-in training” comfortable beyond portable cribs.
For additional entries, feel free to do any or all of the following. Each one counts as an extra entry but be sure to LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ONE.
- Write a review on Trekaroo and post a link to it in the comments (include your Trekaroo username) one entry per review. (each review gets you 5 entries)
- Subscribe to the Trekaroo Blog
- Tweet a link to this Monday Mad Steal via @Trekaroo
- Post this on your Facebook Wall using the Facebook Share link above
- Fan Trekaroo on Facebook
- Follow Trekaroo on Twitter
- Post this giveaway on your blog
- Subscribe to Trekaroo in your reader
Rules and guidelines:
- 18 years of age or older
- US Residents only
Deadline to enter: Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 11:59PM PST
Want to buy it now? Get your own COVERPLAY crib coversheet or play yard sheets in a variety of stylish patterns from Amazon.
What is Monday Madness?
Every Monday, Trekaroo announces on our blog, either a fantastic giveaway or an incredible deal. It could be a green water bottle, a hotel stay on Maui or theme park tickets. Return every Monday to the Talking Trekaroo Blog for the details. Want a reminder? Become a Trekaroo member or follow us on facebook or twitter.
Thanks to Contest for Moms, Online Sweepstakes, CashNet Sweepstakes, and Sweepstakes Advantage.
- – – – – – – – – – – – – – -
Esther Lee is co-founder of Trekaroo - a website dedicated to traveling with kids
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
Ready for your kids to experience Elvis and the rich culture of country music and rock-n-roll? Welcome to Tennessee! Trekaroo’s putting on it’s “Blue Suede Shoes” because we “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with Tennessee. Why? Because it’s got a little something for every child, young and old. There’s a rich culture of music to explore, historical landmarks that changed our country and the breath-taking Great Smoky Mountains that provides hours of outdoor adventure for every outdoor enthusiast.
So, what have Trekaroo families shared?
- Close to 700 kid-friendly activities throughout Tennessee
- Activities and hotel reviews across the 4 main regions of Tennessee: Eastern Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains, Nashville and the Heartland, Memphis and the Western Plains, and Central Tennessee
- A list of Kid-friendly hotels in Tennessee waiting to be rated by parents like you
- Lots of fun lists like:
Have you been to Tennessee with your kids, don’t hold back now, y’all. Tell us all about your experiences – good and bad. Join now and start writing reviews. New members get to take advantage of Welcome Rewards.
What location is next? We’d like everyone who’s been to Oregon to share about activities they like and the best places to stay
Special thanks to the moms of The Mommies Network in Tennessee, RunnerGrrrl, lldenton412, krisco32, mkmom, knoxvilledoula, Shelby Underhill, cinnamonsugah, ORFamilyof4, Nene. and JanTN and for their love of Tennessee and sharing so many of their adventures with kids with the Trekaroo community. And of course, thanks to team Trekaroo who sacrifice so much to pull it all together.
Put on those shoes and get out there!
Esther Lee (thelees3) – CEO
- – - – - – - – - – -
Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
Our Trekaroo KidsMobile has pulled into one of American’s most visited destinations:
Orlando, Florida
Just about every family who visits Orlando will make a pilgrimage to Walt Disney World. Some will not see anything else in Orlando besides their Disney resort and theme parks. Whether you’ve got eyes only for Disney or you’re hoping to explore all the other kid-friendly attractions in Orlando, we all want to know what real families say is worth it in Orlando.
First up, Trekaroo families have cast their votes and have decided that they simply love these attractions in Orlando.
Top Activities for Kids in Orlando, Florida – voted by parents
Top Kid-friendly Hotels in Orlando, Florida – voted by parents
Next, here’s what some local Floridian mom bloggers and Orlando aficionados recommend to visiting families. They’ve been there, done that, and now they’re giving you their inside scoop.
Kicking us off with a list of the 5 Tot-friendly Restaurants Favorites in at Disney in Orlando is Jen who lives in Florida and has spent lots of time at Disney World. She’s an adventurous mom of two kids (ages 2 and 4) who has not allowed having kids to slow her down. She writes in depth about their family’s exciting adventures on Two Kids and A Map.
Mary shares her favorite Disney Hotels for Teens and Tweens. She loves thoroughly researching and planning their family’s trips and we all get to benefit from her road-tested recommendations. You can follow her travel trips and tips on Travel with Teens and Tweens . Although they live in Boston, they’ve visited Disney World in Orlando every year since their kids could walk.
Amanda brings us her Top 5 “Must Do” Walt Disney World Attractions with Teens. She been a Disney fanatic since she was a wee one and has even been a Disney cast member. Being local to Orlando has made it possible for her to visit every Disney attraction, event and restaurant. If you’re heading to Walt Disney World, this is THE mom you want to talk to for the inside scoop. Heading to Disney, stop over at her blog Disney Everyday.
Melanie brings us a prized list of Free and Low-Cost Activities in Orlando for Preschoolers. She’s the mom behind the well-written and thoughtful blog modernmami where she gives ink to topics such as being a working mom and parenting a preschooler. Lucky for us she’s sharing the inside scoop on her home town of Orlando.
Other Resources for Walt Disney World and Orlando, Florida
- All 71 Activities for Kids in and around Orlando, Florida
- Kid-friendly hotels in and around Orlando, Florida
- Water Parks in Florida – Cheerio Family
- More Disney, Less Waiting – A review of RideMax – Li Er Hanson
Next stop, Memphis, Tennessee – Jump on board the KidsMobile!
The Trekaroo KidsMobile is a blog carnival with a twist. It’s designed to provide a unique opportunity for mom and dad bloggers to be featured on Trekaroo while
1) expressing their unique point of view
2) getting a web of link exchanges.
Join us for one of our next stopovers.
——–
LiLing Pang is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TX | VA | WA
Orlando is famous for some of the top theme parks in the world. With warm weather year round, Orlando is also home to some of the most fanciful hotels that make families feel like they’re in paradise. With so many great hotels to choose from in Orlando, which ones do Trekaroo families truly love? Here’s the our verdict for 2010.
#1 Kid-friendly Hotel Orlando and Walt Disney World:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Although this Disney hotel is the farthest from the theme parks, it’s seems that being able to wake up to giraffes and zebras at your window is an experience so unique and wonderful that it’s worth every penny. Dancing Queen declares that Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas are “Beyond Fantastic…Nature hunts, crafts, cookie decorating, night vision goggle observation of the animals, fireside storytelling, it goes on and on.” AuntieMie recommends getting a room with a balcony because “the animals, food, and surroundings are amazing” and kids will simply love gazing out their window. Restaurant Bomo also gets a big thumbs up from families.
Parent Review of Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Rates begin at $237/night. Check Availability
Top Kid-friendly Hotel Really Near Magic Kingdom:
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Located just a mile from Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge got a raving review from HTanner who says it’s the “Best on-site hotel for families”. Why? Maybe it’s the beautiful architecture, or the two amazing pools complete with water slide and waterfall. Perhaps it’s the more affordable prices and close proximity to Magic Kingdom. That’s not even mentioning the funny waiters at the Whispering Canyon Cafe. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge also has a kids club and myrid of fun activities for the whole family. Amanda Lisk says, “This resort was less expensive than the Floridian, Polynesian and Contemporary – but just as nice and convenient!”
Parent Reviews of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Rates begin at $219/night. Check Availability
Top Kid-friendly Hotel Near Epcot:
Disney’s Port Orleans Hotel – Riverside
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside with it’s old southern charm received top votes by Trekaroo families. Families on Trekaroo love what they get at this moderately priced hotel. Metro927 summed it up by saying that they “LOVE this hotel. Definitely going back”. Their sentiment was shared by several other families. Leigh’s “children LOVED the pool area, huge slide and kiddie pool area.” Hope says this is their favorite moderately priced hotel because “the rooms are spacious and (they) loved the view in Alligator Bayou”. Families also loved the large pool with a water slide and the shuttle to the theme parks as well as the excellent service and chocolate milk on tap. A big bonus – many rooms accommodate a family of 5 in one room.
Parent Reviews of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Rates begin at $136/night. Check Availability
Top Kid-friendly Hotel Near Universal Studios:
Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Located just minutes from Universal Studios, Trekaroo families love Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort. It’s no surprise, because this hotel has a fantastic pool designed to look like a South Seas Lagoon. This is not just a pool. The landscape transports you to a tropical paradise complete with water cannons, fake beach, and water polo equipment. You even get free use of the cool water taxi to Universal Studios, as well as no wait access to Universal’s parks and rides. PaulaKaronline sums up her impressions, “The hotel was breakthtaking, the food was excellent and the pool area was fantastic…the staff was super-friendly and eager to please.”
Parent Reviews of Universal Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Rates begin at $161/night. Check Availability
Wonder what Trekaroo Families voted as the Top Activities for Kids in Orlando?
Top Activities for Kids in Orlando, Florida - voted by parents
More Resources for Orlando
- All 71 Activities for Kids in and around Orlando, Florida
- Kid-friendly hotels in and around Orlando, Florida
- More Disney, Less Waiting – A review of RideMax
- 5 Tot-friendly Restaurants Favorites in at Disney
- Disney Hotels for Tween and Teens
- Top 5 “Must Do” Walt Disney World Attractions with Teens
- Free and Low-Cost Activities in Orlando for Preschoolers
- Water Parks in Florida
——–
LiLing Pang is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TX | VA | WA
In celebration of Trekaroo’s launch in North Carolina, the Trekaroo KidsMobile is making a stop in
Charlotte, North Carolina
Trekaroo families love visiting Charlotte because there is an abundance of kid-friendly activities. Within a short drive, there are hiking trails galore. If you’re staying in the city, you’ll also find some world class museums that your kids will love. Trekaroo Families who live in Charlotte or have visited with their kids pitched in with their recommendations. Here’s a list of what our community recommended as the Best Activities for Kids in the Piedmont Triangle.
For our KidsMobile’s stop in Charlotte, we welcomed on board some local blogging moms and dads to give us the local scoop on what’s great for kids around Charlotte.
First up, Angela shares with us an excellent list of her family’s favorite Places to Hike with Kids Around Charlotte, North Carolina. Her family loves exploring outdoors. She is the mom behind Roses and Brambles where she shares amusing stories about their family’s adventures and misadventures in the daily life of growing and exploring together.
Jody knows how to make a dollar stretch! Here’s her list of Cheap Things to Do in Charlotte, NC with kids. After living abroad for a few years, she returned to settle in Charlotte with her family. Jody keeps the blog Charlotte on the Cheap where she complies a fantastic list of free or almost free events around Charlotte for children and adults.
Spencer Spellman is a travel journalist base out of Greenville South Carolina. He brings us a list of Kid-friendly Hotels in Charlotte, NC. Spencer is the go-to guy for tips on traveling around North and South Carolina and you can get his in depth travel advice on Carolina Nomad as well as on Uptake and Nile Guide.
Richard is a dad to 3 teens. Check out what he recommends as Fun for Dudes, Both Kids and Bigs Near Charlotte, NC. Richard is one of the dads behind A Dude’s Guide where he shares parenting tips from a Dad’s perspective. As a stay-at-home dad, he provides tips on fatherhood with a dose of humor in hopes of sparing other dudes the bewilderment he experienced as a first time dad.
Other Resources for the Piedmont Triangle, North Carolina
- All 273 Activities for Kids in and around the Piedmont Triangle (Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh)
- Kid-friendly hotels in and around the Piedmont Triangle (Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh)
- Snow Tubing and Sledding Hills in North Carolina by thelees3
Next stop, Orlando, Florida – Disney Fans and Non-Disney Fans, jump on board the KidsMobile!
The Trekaroo KidsMobile is a blog carnival with a twist. It’s designed to provide a unique opportunity for mom and dad bloggers to be featured on Trekaroo while
1) expressing their unique point of view
2) getting a web of link exchanges.
Join us for one of our next stopovers.
——–
LiLing Pang is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TX | VA | WA
San Diego is one city not lacking in natural beauty. With that comes some world class hotels and resorts where families are simply in heaven. Here are some of the best of the best that Trekaroo families love.
# 1 Top Luxury Family-Friendly Hotel with Great Kid Perks: Hotel Del Coronado
This KSL Luxury property is getting rave 5 star reviews from families on Trekaroo. Not only is this hotel rich in history and Victorian charm, it is rich in family-friendly amenities. Michipo says the “grounds are immaculate and the beach is beautiful”. Kids will enjoy it’s beach front location while mom and dad won’t be able to get enough of the splendid views and their extensive spa services. Their kids program caters to children of all ages with biking, kayaking, sailing, surfing, and all manner of water sports to entertain and amuse. Babysitting is can also be arranged through the hotel. Choose from a variety of accommodations, including beachfront cottages and villas. Until Dec 31, 2009, Hotel Del Coronado is offering family packages that include free meals for kids under 12. Rates start from $315/night
Read the full reviews from families on the Hotel Del Coronado| Check for Deals and Availability
Best Value Without Compromise Hotel: Catamaran Resort and Spa
The Catamaran Resort is located a short drive from SeaWorld (9 minutes) and the San Diego Zoo (15 minutes) on the north end of Mission Bay. Mission Bay itself is a treasure trove of water sports and outdoor fun. Catamaran Resort also offers accommodation and facilities that your kids will love at affordable prices. With a beachfront location, this resort also offers all sorts of water sports like sailing, surfing, water-skiing and more. They also offer babysitting services and a Kid’s Camp where parents can drop kids off for a fun filled day. In the evenings, enjoy a cruise on Bahai Belle on the house. Believe it or now, rates start at $109/night.
Read the full reviews from families on Sheraton Carlsbad | Check for Availability
Best Hotel Near Legoland: Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa
The Sheraton Carlsbad has direct access to Legoland reserved for Sheraton guests. With a number of generously sized suite room that offer a separate room for mom and dad, plus a large family-friendly pool stocked with floaties, beach balls, this hotel gets top marks from Trekaroo families. Consider upgrading to the Club Level for an additional $20-40, so you can enjoy th breakfast buffet and after/evenign snacks which allows you to avoid a visit to the grocery stores for milk and kid-friendly food on the go. There are a few additional charges to beware for WIFI and parking. Rates start from $159/night
Read the full reviews from families on Sheraton Carlsbad | Check for Availability
Which Activities came up at the top?
Top Activities for Kids in San Diego, CA – voted by parents
Other Resources for San Diego, CA
- All 104 Activities for kids in the San Diego County
- Kid-friendly hotels in and around San Diego County
- Top Tips for a Legoland Adventure with Toddler and Preschoolers – familyadventuremom
- Fun Things to Do After Visiting Legoland, California - familyadventuremom
- Must See Attractions with Kids in San Diego – theqfamily
- Kid-friendly Dining in Balboa Park – kidsgowest
- San Diego: Favorite Family Hotels – ciaobambino
- Fun Activities for Toddlers in San Diego – Toddler’s Travel
- 5 Best Family-friendly Restaurants in San Diego County – Travelmamas
- Things to Do in La Jolla With Kids – LaJollaMom
LiLing Pang is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | FL | HI | MA | NY | PA | TX | VA and now IL and WA
