White Pass Kids’ Clinic continues January-March

The dates are set, and more kids’ clinics will be offered at White Pass January-March.

Boys and girls ages 5-12 can experience full-day skiing or snowboarding clinics with specialized children’s instructors.

The remaining sessions offered are Jan. 12-13, Jan. 26-27, Feb. 9-10, Feb. 23-24, Mar. 9-10 & Mar. 23-24.

Registration takes place from 8-9:15 a.m. on those dates in the Talus Room. Clinic participants meet at The Learning Center at White Pass at 9:30 a.m. each day. The cost is $90 single day, $130 weekend; includes lunch, snacks and lift tickets.

Register with The Learning Center at White Pass, 509-672-3101, and check out skiwhitepass.com for more info.

Yakima Parks & Rec teams up with White Pass for EZ Ski/Ride program

“Baby, it’s cold outside…”

Yep, and there’s lots of snow, too.  What are you and your family going to do about it?  Sure, snow angels can get you so far, but if you want real adventure, why not try skiing or snowboarding?

If you’re not sure how to start, especially for the little ones, Yakima Parks and Recreation and White Pass are teaming up to offer “EZ Ski/Ride 1,2,3,” a program designed to teach kids an introduction to snow sports, including skiing and snowboarding.

Three dates and times are set: Jan. 21, Feb. 15 & Feb. 21, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.  The cost is $140 or$147, depending on residency; the fee includes transportation and three days of lift tickets. If you’d rather just tag along, a transportation only fee is $15 or $17, again depending on residency. Contact Yakima Parks and Rec for more info at 509-575-6020.

Experiencing culture … not far from home

By Lacy Heinz

When my mother-in-law offered to watch the kids for a weekend, she might as well have offered to send us to Ireland for a month. The idea of going away for two whole nights with my spouse was just that foreign.

In the old days, weekends out of town were just part of our marriage adventure. And maybe for parents with family in town, there is still an opportunity to sneak away every few months. But for us, with family living far away, we had not been on a weekend trip alone since before our daughter was born. It was exciting! And much like planning for a month in Ireland, it seemed an impossible dream. Especially when we started checking for places to stay.

We have lived in Washington for seven years now, but have never explored the San Juan islands. It seemed like a perfect opportunity. Romantic, recreational, and the perfect time of year to check the area out. We figured we would hang out by some water, take a leisurely drive northwestward on Hwy. 20, and enjoy each other’s company for a couple of days.

Unfortunately for us, every other Washingtonian must have thought the exact same thing! There were literally no rooms or cabins available in our price range. We were even willing to splurge a little, but all of the scheduled weddings, reunions, and Canadian adventurers booked everything in our price range. I couldn’t even get into the Super 8 in Ferndale. It was maddening.

I had started looking at different areas to visit when a blinking icon caught my attention: CASINO HOTEL. Casino? Hmm. I checked availability. Available! I checked photos of rooms. Luxurious! I checked prices. Reasonable! What choice did I have? It blinked at me. So I booked it and hoped for the best.

Booking rooms at a casino made me feel like I was going on a double adventure. Not only would I get to see new outdoor territory, I would get my first Washington casino experience! Tribal casinos conjure all kinds of imagery. Of course I pictured the neon slots dinging, dark smoky corners, and an obligatory buffet. But I also had curious thoughts about generating revenue for the tribe, jobs created on the reservation, and tribal traditions generally. I wondered if I would get any sense of the tribe associated with the casino.

The weekend arrived for our departure. Despite having looked forward to our weekend away with zeal appropriate to a month in Ireland, it was excruciating to actually step out the door, away from the kids. Would I be in a tragic car accident and never be able to speak my feelings to my babies again? Would Nana take them away to Montana with the lure of three indoor cats and unlimited chocolate chip cookies? Never to be seen by their loving mother again? I admit, I wrote a note in case of my untimely demise. Morbid, maybe. But I think I was only able to get in the car because of it.

Once we were on the road, it was blissful. Adult conversation, new sights to see, luxurious rooms, romance, Thai food. All accomplished before 9 p.m.! That was when I started begging to hit the casino. My husband was reluctant. We had taken a brief trip through on our way up to the room, and he only saw gambling addiction and wild elderly Canadians. I only had eyes for the Star Wars slot machine.

With some gentle prodding, I got him back down to the casino for an hour. (An hour in which the man on the Star Wars machine did not even move to use the bathroom.) I ended up having pretty good luck on a dollar machine. Luck, which my husband kept insisting I abandon. Every time I pushed the button I would smile and he would yell, “Cash out now! Don’t you think you should cash out now?” We broke even. It was fun and completely successful as a much-needed couples weekend away from toddlers. However, I did have just a wee bit of disappointment that I did not get any sense of the tribe in that smoky den of vice and Star Wars.

My disappointment did not last long. Fast forward to the Kittitas County Fair. The Rodeo had just opened its doors, the sun was just getting hot, and a band of beautiful people, straight out of a picture book, were lining up to perform. We happened upon the Yakama Nation dancers, right as they started their first routine. If you haven’t seen it, you must. My daughter was on my lap. My baby boy was pointing at the smallest dancers in their festive garb. And my eyes were filled with tears as the most simple, astonishingly visceral drumming and stepping hit me like a ton of bricks. Why did it take a casino to get me thinking about tribal life?

In seven years of being a Washington resident, I had never explored the San Juans. And what a treat it was! In seven years of being a Yakima resident, I had never seen the tribe dance. You can hear the earth in their drums. It was more than a treat. It was important. It was history and hope and sadness in a dance.

And you should see it as soon as possible.

Lacy Heinz is a Mom with a capital M who loves to read, root for the Oregon Ducks, and do a little legal work when time and preschoolers permit.

Moses Lake water park a great day trip option

Summer usually means road trips, and you don’t have to go far if you’re looking for a real water park adventure.
Moses Lake is home to Surf ‘n Slide Water Park, which attracts visitors from all over the area. There are plenty of attractions for the brave swimmers, but there’s no need to be shy; the water park offers fun options for all ages and abilities.
There are plenty of ways to make a splash at the park. Some highlights include two 200-foot water slides, a 300-foot “river,” an artificial surfing simulator, volleyball courts, pools and diving boards, and a tube slide.
This year’s early season opens May 26 until June 7, when operating hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends, and 4-8 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Regular season commences June 8 until Aug. 28, when the hours expand to 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
Late season spans Aug. 29-Sept. 3, when hours go back to 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends, and 4-8 p.m. Monday-Friday.
It’s advised to call ahead of your trip to make sure hours haven’t changed.
Cost: $9 adult, $8 student (ages 13-17), $7 seniors and children (ages 5-12), free for children under 4. Call or check website for season and family passes.

If you go:
Surf ‘n Slide Water Park
401 W. 4th Ave.
Moses Lake
509-764-3842
surfnslide.com

Summer at the Museum

Summer at the Museum

 

Sometimes you don’t have to go far to go on a long journey. That’s the beauty of museums. You can drive for a few minutes, or take a road trip to explore one of the many options in the state, and you’ll be transported to another time and place.

Here’s a roundup of fun regional museums that are worth the road trip this summer:

 

Yakima County

Central Washington Agricultural Museum

Museum grounds feature horse-drawn and early mechanical farm machinery, plus 3,000 antique hand tools, a steam engine, bells, a sawmill, a blacksmith shop, an apple packing line and the Lindeman Tractor. Educational programs available 9:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays though June 8. Other special events include various tractor runs, tractor pulls and the annual Central Washington Antique Farm Equipment Expo, scheduled for Aug. 18-19.

Fullbright Park, 4508 Main St., Union Gap

Museum grounds open every day of the year

Buildings open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday through October

Free admission ($5 suggested donation per person)

509-457-8735 • centralwaagmuseum.org

 

McAllister Museum of Aviation

Opened in 1926 by brothers Charles and Alister McAllister. Special event: B-17 Bomber, ground tours and rides available at 4 p.m., June 25-28.

Open all year: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays

2008 S. 16^th Ave., Yakima

509-457-4933 • mcallistermuseum.org

 

Northern Pacific Railway Museum

The Northern Pacific Railway depot was in use from 1911 until 1981, and the museum was opened in 1989. Highlight: Have your birthday party in a caboose!  The 13^th Annual Railroad Show is Aug. 24-25 and features art, demonstrations, caboose rides and tours.

10 Asotin Ave., Toppenish

Open through October

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 12-4 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday

$5 adults, $3 children 17 and under and seniors

Contact: Roger, 509-865-1911, or Mary (special events), 509-877-3894

nprymuseum.org

 

Yakima Area Arboretum

Described as a “living collection of trees and plants.” Park grounds cover 46 acres, 30 of which house trees and display gardens, and 15 acres of natural area. Jewett Interpretive Center features a bell tower, Heritage of Trees display, reference library, herbarium, gift shop and courtyard.

1401 Arboretum Drive, Yakima

Park open dawn to dusk; Jewett Visitor Center open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays

Admission by donation

509-248-7337 • ahtrees.org

 

Yakima Electric Railway Museum

Since 1907 this has been the home of Yakima Valley Trolleys, which its website says is “America’s last intact, early 20^th century, interurban electric railroad.” A collection of trolleys for observation and weekend and holiday trolley rides available.

South Third Avenue & Pine Street, Yakima

Open through September 3

Trolley rides 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays

$4 adults, $3 children 12 and under and seniors 60 and up, children on lap are free (cash only)

509-249-5962 • yakimavalleytrolleys.org

 

Yakama Nation Cultural Heritage Center Museum

Exhibits include life-size dwellings, a mannequin exhibit of Native American leaders and sound effects with music and oral narratives. There’s also a gift shop, restaurant and theater.

Highway 97 and Buster Road, Toppenish

Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily

$6 adults, $4 seniors 55 & older and children 11-18, $2 children 0-10, $15 family (2 adults and 2 children under 18), $25 guided tour

509-865-2800, ext. 1 • yakamamuseum.com

 

Yakima Valley Museum • Children’s Underground

Historical exhibits of Yakima Valley, from pioneer days to early city life. Highlights include a focus on the area’s fruit industry, horse-drawn vehicles, Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas exhibit, the Children’s Underground and the adjacent Museum Soda Fountain. Gift shop and educational programs available. Other rotating exhibits throughout the year.

2105 Tieton Drive, Yakima (Franklin Park)

Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; Children’s Underground opens 1 p.m. weekdays & 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday

Museum & Children’s Underground: $5 adults, $3 students and seniors, children under 5 free, $12 family (check for special group rates)

Soda Fountain: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; summer hours 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday

509-248-0747 for museum; 509-457-9810 for Soda Fountain

yakimavalleymuseum.org

 

Take a little road trip for these museums:

 

Benton County Historical Museum

Antique clothing, Pomo baskets and a Christmas toy exhibit.

Located in Prosser City Park, 1000 Paterson Road, Prosser

Open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 12-3 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday-Monday

$3 adults, $1 children under 18

509-786-3842

 

Children’s Activity Museum

Since 1991, hands-on fun includes themed play areas, the vortex machine and a reading nook. Preschool program, party rentals and field trips available.

118 E. Fourth Ave., Ellensburg

Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, 12-7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday & Saturday; closed Sunday-Tuesday

$4.25 per person, ages 1 and up; $14.50 family admission for four or more immediate family

509-925-6789 • childrensactivitymuseum.org

 

Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science & Technology

Highlights the scientific and technology history of Columbia Basin area, including nuclear technology, molecular science, hydroelectric power and Hanford.

95 Lee Boulevard, Richland

Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday & Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 12-5 p.m. Sunday

$5 adults, $4 students ages 7-17 and seniors

509-943-9000 • crehst.org

 

Fort Simcoe State Park

This 200-acre, day-use park features five original buildings, picnic areas and interpretive displays. A family weekend in June celebrates military and Fort Simcoe history.

At the end of State Route 220, located on the Yakama Reservation (45 minutes south of Yakima)

Summer hours (through September): daily, 6:30 a.m. to dusk.

Free admission and parking

509-874-2372

 

Goldendale Observatory

Budding astronauts will enjoy staying up late to star gaze at this hilltop observatory housing one of the nation’s largest public telescopes. Or stop by during the afternoon for a daylight view of the countryside.

1602 Observatory Drive, Goldendale (70 miles south of Yakima)

Summer hours (through September): 2-5 p.m. & 8 p.m.-midnight Wednesday-Saturday.

Admission by Discover Pass, donations

509-773-3141 • perr.com/gosp.html

 

Kittitas County Historical Museum

A local history museum. The Exploring Kittitas County summer program offers an extensive calendar of field trips and hands-on activities for kids.

114 E. Third Ave., Ellensburg

Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Admission by donation

509-925-3778 • kchm.org

 

Maryhill Museum of Art

Set in a three-story mansion overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, the Maryhill Museum of Art features European and American paintings, Native American arts and pieces from the Queen of Romania. The kid-friendly EyeSEE Resource Room features games and special exhibits. Enjoy a picnic in the large garden. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Stonehenge Memorial.

Special event: Family Fun-Draw Your Own Landscape,  1-4 p.m. Jun. 9 (free with museum admission)

35 Maryhill Museum Drive, Goldendale (Located off Highway 97, 12 miles south of Goldendale)

Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, through November 15, including holidays

$9 adults, $8 seniors 65 and up, $3 youth ages 7-18, children free 6 and under, $25 family (2 adults and all related children ages 7-18); free parking and exploration of grounds

509-773-3733 • maryhillmuseum.org

 

It’s only a couple of hours to ancient Egypt…

If you’re hitting the road for the west side, be sure not to miss something extra special at Seattle’s Pacific Science Center. (This just might be the attraction to give you an excuse to hit the road!)

That’s because the “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs” exhibit will be unveiled for the last time in North America, from May 24 until Jan. 6, 2013. The attraction features more than 100 artifacts, many of them having been around for 2,000 years. Visitors will get to see 50 items that came right from King Tut’s tomb.

The exhibit is a collaboration of National Geographic and Arts & Exhibitions International and the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, and sponsored by Seattle’s Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Tickets range from $15.50-$32.50. Pacific Science Center is located at 200 Second Avenue North in Seattle.

Find out more information: http://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/King-Tut/king-tut-the-exhibition

Backyard camping!

Make camping go a long way — without going far away.

By Scott Klepach Jr.

 

What I’m about to divulge may stir up some controversy.

I’m not a happy camper.

I mean that literally. I’m really not a camper at all.

Sure, sure, I may have had a bad experience, or maybe I didn’t give camping a chance. I can enjoy staying in a cabin – or even being under the cover of a makeshift structure for shelter.

But tent camping? Gasp!

I want to like it. I’ve tried, even though last summer was only my second time.

As I wrote then, for me camping conjures up images of tics, murderers and bears. Oh, and cougars, too. Or as my daughter Elise calls them, “poogars.” Not so cute when they are staring at you hungrily — in your imagination.

 

Growing up, my family never went camping. Not once.

In fact, the closest we came to camping was staying in an Embassy Suites hotel in Bellevue – you know, with all those plants and the jungle décor.

Oh, but I’ve sacrificed — or compromised — my comfort for the sake of family. What’s the compromise? Tent camping in our backyard. (My wife assures me we will go “real” tent camping again later this year.)

The Backyardigans had it right. Why spend all that time and effort packing and traveling to some distant location when you can bring “the wild” to the green space at your back doorstep? (Now if only I could make this argument work with my wife.)

This experience was grand. It helped, sure, to have a fenced-in yard, a familiar setting and our house several yards away – which I retreated to several times (Hey! It was a cold April night!). It also helped having an airbed and an extension cord running from the house to power the Christmas Story leg lamp that lit the tent inside.

I mused that Mark Twain would be proud, and by the light of the leg lamp I read his travel memoir Roughin’ It—rather than experiencing the real deal.

You think I’m lazy? A wimp? A bore? Call me what you will. But we did have fun. Our family roasted s’mores over our fire pit, slept in a real tent, shared scary stories and snuggled to keep warm.

And you know what? I learned some things about our neighborhood because of this experience. Traffic was not the biggest problem keeping us awake. Instead, it was a combination of other sounds: mating cats, a noisy donkey, a persistent rooster and the incessant chirping of birds (and we live within the city limits!).

So if you want to go “roughin’ it” in your own backyard, get ready for adventure of a tamer kind. But be sure to have these items with you:

• Tent
• Sleeping bags, pillows, blankets
• Christmas Story leg lamp
• Fire pit
• Branches or sticks for marshmallows. And marshmallows!
• Graham crackers
• Chocolate squares
• Hot dogs and hot dog buns
• Glow sticks—fun!
• Board games
• iPad with Wi-Fi connection
• Toy fishing poles for the little ones (attach a magnet and go “fishing” for aluminum cans)
• River rock (in case you want to do some arts and crafts. Pet rock, anyone?)
• Imagination (good for creating spooky stories and pretending you’re not in the backyard)

 

 

Moses Lake Water Park – Make it a day trip!

Moses Lake Water Park

Summer usually means road trips, and you don’t have to go far if you’re looking for a real water park adventure.
Moses Lake is home to Surf ‘n Slide Water Park, which attracts visitors from all over the area. There are plenty of attractions for the brave swimmers, but there’s no need to be shy; the water park offers fun options for all ages and abilities.
There are plenty of ways to make a splash at the park. Some highlights include two 200-foot water slides, a 300-foot “river,” an artificial surfing simulator, volleyball courts, pools and diving boards, and a tube slide.
This year’s early season opens May 26 until June 7, when operating hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends, and 4-8 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Regular season commences June 8 until Aug. 28, when the hours expand to 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
Late season spans Aug. 29-Sept. 3, when hours go back to 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends, and 4-8 p.m. Monday-Friday.
It’s advised to call ahead of your trip to make sure hours haven’t changed.
Cost: $9 adult, $8 student (ages 13-17), $7 seniors and children (ages 5-12), free for children under 4. Call or check website for season and family passes.

If you go:
Surf ‘n Slide Water Park
401 W. 4th Ave.
Moses Lake
509-764-3842
surfnslide.com

Sweet S’mores

Don’t settle for the humdrum … use fun and usual ingredients to give your backyard campfire S’mores that little extra kick.

 

Choco-berry S’more

Use a dark chocolate bar for this one. Then put a dollop of raspberry on the chocolate, then smush your ‘shmeller in between.

 

Basil-strawberry S’more

This one requires special marshmallows, so if you’re in the mood to get really fancy, you can order your own off of websites like >>>>>.  Just replace your regular ol’ marshmallow and impress your tastebuds.

 

Nutella and banana S’more

Get your two regular graham crackers, slice some bananas on one side, then spread the other with Nutella. Add marshmallow if you really want, but we think it sounds delicious without.

 

Petit Ecolier S’more

Easy peasy. Put a nice warm marshmallow between two of these European chocolate “biscuits.” Yum!

Escape to Great Wolf Lodge

By Heather Caro

It’s that time again, folks: summer vacation planning time.

But if your tots’ wails for a certain mouse-filled getaway have you checking second mortgage options, don’t despair. Great Wolf Lodge offers a howlin’ good theme-park experience — and a lot closer to home.
Massive lupine statues greet guests to Great Wolf Lodge, located in Grand Mound, which is styled in a “north woods” theme. Official check-in time is not until 4 p.m. (or as rooms become available) but guests may stop by the front desk to pick up their water park wristbands (which also serve as room keys) as early as 1 p.m. to squeeze in extra swim time. And likewise, after checkout at 11 a.m., guests can play at the water park until it closes at 9 p.m.  The 398 rooms feature many family-friendly suites with separate kids’ quarters, complete with bunk beds and television.
The indoor water park is the premier Lodge attraction – and for good reason. The fully enclosed indoor park is

maintained at a balmy 84 degrees and includes water play areas for all ages and skill sets, from puddle splashing to thrill seeking. The 78,000-square-foot park features seven waterslides: two tube slides, two body slides, two kiddie slides and the Howlin’ Tornado – a 65-foot funnel guaranteed to thrill any adrenaline junky. There are also four pools, including an enormous wave pool, an activity pool with floating lily pads and water basketball and a kiddie pool.  And kids will get a kick out of “Fort Mackenzie” – a four-story tree house with cargo nets, suspension bridges and a 1,000 gallon tipping water bucket.
Safety is strictly enforced by well-positioned lifeguards — the lodge employs more than 100 — and a few of the slides require adult supervision or have height requirements of 42 or 48 inches, depending on scare factor. Towers of warm towels are supplied for free, as well as lifejackets for weaker swimmers and tiny tots.
Once kiddies become water-logged, guests may enjoy touring the Lodge’s many family-friendly amenities – including an arcade, a teens-only videogame room, “The Cub Room,” which offers crafts and activities for youngsters and “Scoops Spa,” which is touted for “tweens” and features ice cream-themed products. The Great Clock Tower — located in the main lobby — features timed showings of the animated “Rhythm of Nature” show as well as a nightly storytime with a guest appearance from the Lodge mascot, Wiley the Wolf.
Well worth the money is the Harry Potter-inspired scavenger hunt, MagiQuest. The interactive adventure game spans two floors of the resort and will keep kiddos busy wielding wands and deciphering clues throughout their stay. Returning guests may bring wands back to be reactivated for another chance to complete the quests.
Lodge food options are plentiful but pricy. Two Lodge restaurants offer casual dining but there is also a Starbucks, Pizza Hut, ice cream and sweets shop, various well-placed snack shops as well as Grizzly Rob’s, the indoor waterpark bar for the over-21 crowd. Thrifty guests may want to venture outside the lodge to dine or bring along a few groceries. Guest rooms come equipped with mini-fridge and a microwave for easy meal preparation, and noshing on “outside” fare is not discouraged in most lodge areas.

And should parents find themselves needing a “vacation from their vacation” don’t forget to check out Elements Spa Salon, which features 10 treatment rooms as well as a 24-hour fitness room.

If You Go:
Great Wolf Lodge is located approximately three hours from Yakima at Grand Mound, Wash., just south of Olympia.
Lodge rooms are not cheap (prices start around $180), however two full days of water park admission are included in the fare, and admission to the water park is only available to lodge guests. For extra savings, be sure to check the website for seasonal and package specials.
greatwolf.com

It’s not camping

“It’s not camping,” the sign on the office door said. “It’s kamping.”

My family spent last weekend at the Redmond/Central Oregon KOA, located about 3.5 hours south of Yakima off US Highway 97. Although I grew up “car camping,” I’d never stayed at anything quite as civilized as a KOA before. And, honestly, we chose the location only because my college BFF lives there (her husband works there), we hadn’t seen each other in a couple years, and it was a relatively inexpensive way to get out of town for a long weekend. Rates vary depending on how many people are in your group and whether you’re renting a “kabin” or bringing an RV, but our 4-person tent site was about $30 a night.

Naturally, we knew this was not going to be a rural, “roughin’ it” experience. But I was still a little shocked when I realized our “camp site” was a patch of grass roughly half the size of my front lawn (without so much as a picket fence for privacy). However, I have to say, the KOA’s amenities were kinda nice. We had flush toilets and free showers. There was a heated swimming pool and playground. The kiddos enjoyed sleeping in a tent and our fire pit was perfect for making s’mores. On Saturday night, camp staff led all the little ones (decked out with glow necklaces) on a boisterous “glow light parade” around the campground, complete with boosterish chant: “I don’t know, but I’ve been told, the KOA is the place to go.”

It’s not traditional camping, but this “kamping” trip definitely had its perks. One of them was definitely the patch of grass. We ran around in bare feet or flip-flops without the dirt-kicking and constant filth that I’ve come to associate with “kid camping.” KOA camping, I discovered, is actually pretty “klean.”

And that was perfect because we didn’t want to look like Pigpen when we drove into Bend to do some tax-free school clothes shopping. (You can do that when you’re kamping.) We found fun shops and lunch at the Old Mill District, a mixed-use development on the site of an enormous old lumber mill. Stop by the Central Oregon Visitor Center to pick up brochures and maps with loads of information about all the recreational opportunities in the area. Find pint-sized entertainment at the Working Wonders Children’s Museum is also located right at the Old Mill. (Find pint-sized entertainment for adults across the river at the Deschutes Brewery, but that’s a different vacation.) Just for kicks, we rented a surrey (with the fringe on top) from Wheel Fun Rentals; an hour cost $20. The kids thought that was hilarious good fun.

We were disappointed that we didn’t have enough time to tour Lava River Cave in Newbury National Volcanic Monument. The High Desert Museum is also definitely worth a visit. Guess we’ll have something to look forward to next time we go kamping…

Of course, we could save some gas if we tried the fresh pizza delivery and pony rides at the Naches/Mt. Rainier KOA at Squaw Rock Resort. Krazy, I never stayed at the KOA before.

Even tots can trek Wildlife Refuge

Story and photos by Heather Caro

Looking for an excuse to take a walk on the wild side this summer? The Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge may be just what you’ve been waiting for.

Nestled in the lower Yakima Valley, this protective wetlands habitat has been created to enhance natural, historic settings and encourage wildlife habitation.

The tall grasses and secluded waterfowl sanctuaries make this outing perfect for budding bird watchers and nature aficionados.

More than 250 species of birds — including ducks, geese, hawks, eagles, herons, owls and songbirds — are known to reside here at varying times throughout the year. Other animals make the refuge their home as well. So, be on the lookout for river otters, badgers and beavers.

What to Expect
Though the refuge sprawls across nearly 2,000 protected acres, the most easily accessible trail ambles over a mile of mowed grass. The trailhead begins at the first parking lot and leads to the headquarters/maintenance office. The hike is flat and can be easily trekked by all age groups; however, there are no amenities available, so plan accordingly.

Getting There
The Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge is located approximately six miles south of Toppenish on U.S. Highway 97. The drive from Yakima is about 35 minutes.

The refuge entrance is located on the west side of the road. Parking is available in front of the Wildlife Observation viewing gazebo. No fees are required.

Tips for Wetland Walkers
For best bird watching, remind children to try to stay quiet so as not to frighten away wildlife. Binoculars are also helpful though not mandatory. The birds are most active during early morning and evening hours, and populations are most plentiful during spring and early fall. However, the refuge can be enjoyed year-round for wildlife observation, hiking and seasonal hunting in designated areas. Hours are from 5 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset.

For a quick lesson on habitats, ask your kids what they need to survive (food, water, shelter). Then talk about how the refuge is providing those same needs to the animals that live in it. They’ll learn something before they even saw it coming!

The refuge encourages discovery, but please leave all plants, animals, rocks and artifacts as you found them. Bring a camera instead, and take pictures of your discoveries to identify together later.

Watch for ticks in the spring and summer and bring plenty of sunscreen and water.

For more information, call 509-865-2405 or visit www.fws.gov/toppenish.

Are we there yet?

A vagabond mama cures the backseat blues

By Sara Bristol

Some mothers swear by it, but I just can’t buy into the idea of my kids watching movies in the car.

No, I’m not one of those anti-TV fanatics. My kids certainly watch more than their share of round-the-clock satellite programming in our three television household.

So I guess that’s why I draw the line at the driveway. When we’re on the road, the scenery should be different than that which we can watch from the sofa.

After all, the whole point of a road trip (or any vacation) is to do something that you don’t do everyday at home.

That said, long hours in little space can be uncomfortable and, yes, sometimes boring. Here are a few suggestions to keep your next road trip from veering off course:

MAP YOUR ROUTE
When children are in the car, driving straight through doesn’t make the trip go faster. It makes the kids whine.

* Schedule breaks. When MapQuest says the drive takes four hours, allow for five. Plan to get out of the car — at a rest area, park or roadside attraction — every couple of hours.

Do this religiously unless the kids are asleep, in which case our advice deviates: Drive, drive, drive until you’re running on fumes.

Hint: Kids love chicken nuggets and using public restrooms. The trip planner at mcdonalds.com can help you find every McDonald’s Playland between home and your destination.

EMERGENCY ROAD KIT
The question is inevitable: “Are we there yet?” Combat this by giving kids some tools:

* A map. Show the kids the route you’re traveling and encourage them to read road signs to note your progress. For very young children, try drawing a simple Dora-style map with major landmarks, i.e. “When we cross the river, we will be halfway there.”

* Audio books. Check them out from the library. If you choose a chapter book, listen for 30-minutes at a time when you need the gang to quiet down.

* Music. Sing-along CDs are corny good fun. The library has a good selection. If you’ll be using the car stereo, preview new tunes before you go to make sure they’re not too annoying. Or, choose “grown up” tunes everybody can enjoy; our kids go crazy for The Beach Boys.

Last Christmas, we bought simple MP3 players for about $10, paired them with $5 headphones and enjoyed the quietest drive to Grandma’s house in years.

* Travel games. The best car toys will pass the time without making a mess. Unfortunately, many games labeled “travel” are just smaller with lots of pieces — OK for the hotel, maybe, but not the car.

Instead, turn to the old faithfuls, including Etch A Sketch, Doodle Pro and auto bingo. (Find the classic Regal Travel Auto Bingo cards online at kidslovetravel.com; set of four is $5.95.)

Imaginetics makes a line of magnetic play boards and magnet stickers that are convenient for travel and fairly affordable at about $5-$10 each. My favorite is the Magnetic USA Map for its “puzzle factor,” which gives kids a job and helps keep them busy. Use caution when giving magnet toys to very small kids, however; magnets can be dangerous to children under age 3 or who might swallow them.

Activity books can be another good option for kids old enough to hold a pen. Crayola Color Wonder and other invisible ink products are perfect for messy preschoolers. Dover’s pocket-sized series of Little Activity Books include easy mazes and connect-the-dot puzzles that even non-reading youngsters can handle. (Hint: Tuck one in your purse for those when-is-our-food-gonna-get-here restaurant moments.) Older children enjoy crosswords, word search puzzles, Sudoko and Mad Libs.

PREPARE TO DETOUR
Even the best laid plans are likely to run into the occasional roadblock. Just when you think you’ve run out of tricks, reach into your bag and see if you can’t pull out another rabbit:

* Slug Bug. Even little kids can recognize a Volkswagen Beetle. This game’s pretty simple: When you spot one, call out “slug bug.” We play non-competitively and without slugging; everybody calls it when they see it. In our car, we also call the color: Green bean, true blue, bright white, etc. And, to mix things up, we also keep an eye out for PT Cruisers and Jeep Wranglers, which are each distinctive enough for a 3-year-old to identify.

* I Spy. You say, “I spy something blue,” and the other players guess what you see: The sky, dad’s sweater, a car, etc. Whoever guesses correctly starts the next round.

* 20 Questions. Think about anything; the other players have 20 questions to try and narrow down what it is. The first question is always, “Animal, vegetable or mineral?” Players then take turns asking pointed yes-or-no questions: Can it fly? Is it bigger than a car? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Only 16 more to go!

By age three, the Bristol kids had each been to at least five states and Canada. They’ll drive to Disneyland this summer.

Getting around Portland is half the fun

By Sara Bristol

This vacation is all about the destination — and the journey. An extremely family-friendly city, Portland has enough crowd pleasers to fill a long weekend or a week — and keep you coming back for more.

The drive from Yakima takes just over three hours. It’s an easy, beautiful trip through the Columbia River Gorge with multiple opportunities to stop and take in the scenery or enjoy a new adventure. (Detour ideas listed below.)

Getting there, it’s been said, is half the fun. With this transportation-oriented itinerary, the fun is all about the journey:

Portland’s public transit system is among the nation’s best. Of course, you’re not worried about commuting, so consider this: Kids love trains. Portland has light rail, modern streetcars and a vintage trolley — as well as an aerial tram.

Riding TriMet buses, trains and streetcars is free in the downtown area known as Fareless Square, which extends to the Rose Quarter entertainment epicenter and Lloyd Center shopping mall (with an indoor ice rink). A TriMet day pass, if you’re planning to ride into other zones, is $4.75.

But there are other perks: Ride the MAX to the Oregon Zoo and you’ll actually save $1 on admission, as well as $2 on parking. Put your savings toward a ticket on the zoo train; one route stops at the Japanese Garden, where you can take a short walk to the world-famous (and free) International Rose Test Garden. See? Everything’s coming up roses.

But why stop now? Portland offers more transportation options to explore: Hop a bus over to the hands-on Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), where you can tour the Navy’s last non-nuclear, fast-attack submarine, the USS Blueback.

In summer, Willamette Jet Boat excursions depart several times a day from the OMSI dock. Kids and grandparents alike will get a thrill from the fast-paced open boat excursions as that pass under Portland’s bridges and explore Willamette Falls.

Of course, Portland is a pedestrian and bike-friendly city, too. It would be a shame to visit Bridgetown without taking a walk through Tom McCall Waterfront Park. On a warm day, tots love to romp in the Salmon Street Springs fountain. Toward the park’s north end, bicyclists and pedestrians can cross the lower deck of the Steel Bridge to the Eastbank Esplanade, a 1.5-mile urban greenway that leads back to OMSI.

DESTINATION DETAILS
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), open daily; 1945 SE Water Ave.; omsi.edu; 503-797-6674. Admission: $11 adults, $9 ages 3-13; $2 parking. Separate fees for OMNIMAX theater, planetarium, laser light shows, submarine tours and motion simulator. Transit: TriMet bus.

Oregon Zoo, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Labor Day; Washington Park, 4001 SW Canyon Road; oregonzoo.org; 503-226-1561. Admission: $9.75 adult, $6.75 ages 3-11; $2 parking. Train rides: $3.50/$5. Chimpanzee Challenge Maze: $2. Summer Concert Series requires special tickets. Transit: MAX & TriMet bus.

View of Portland from the Aerial Tram.

Portland Aerial Tram, 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; runs from the South Waterfront up to Oregon Health & Science University; portlandtram.org. Fare: $4 round trip, ages 6 and under free. Strollers permitted. Transit: Streetcar.

TriMet, the Portland metro-area’s public transit system operates MAX Light Rail, Portland Streetcar and bus service. Schedules, fares and route information: trimet.org.

Vintage Trolley, runs every 30 minutes 12-6:30 p.m. Sundays between Lloyd Center and SW 11th Avenue in downtown Portland; trimet.org/streetcar. Free; donations accepted.

Willamette Jet Boat, multiple departures daily through Sept. 28; departs from OMSI; willamettejet.com; 888/538-2628. Fare for two-hour scenic excursion: $33 adult, $21 children 4-11; one-hour bridge tour slightly less. Transit: TriMet bus.

ROAD TRIP DETOURS
Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler, Cascade Locks, Ore.; portlandspirit.com; 800-224-3901. Fare for two-hour excursion cruise: $28 adult, $18 child; brunch, lunch and dinner cruises available.

Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls, second-highest waterfall in the U.S.; visitor center open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; Interstate 84 Exit 31 (left lane); multnomahfallslodge.com; 503-695-2372. Free parking and viewing. Gift shop, restaurant and ice cream cart at the day lodge. To see the falls from the top, a 1.2-mile trail climbs approximately 600 feet; not suitable for strollers.

Mount Hood Railroad, Hood River, Ore.; mthoodrr.com; 800-872-4661. Fare for two-hour excursion: $25 adult, $15 children 2-12; four-hour excursions, special trains and dinner trains also available. Day Out With Thomas: Trains depart on the hour, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 19-22 and 26-28.

Vista House, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; vistahouse.com; 503-695-2230. Free admission; visitor center and gift shop. Take I-84 to exit 22 and follow the signs four miles to Vista House and Crown Point State Park.

NW railroads host Thomas rides

If you know a little Thomas fan, here’s some really “useful” info: Kids can meet Sir Topham Hatt and take a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine during upcoming “Day Out With Thomas” events at Snoqualmie’s Northwest Railway Museum and the Mount Hood Railroad in Hood River, Ore.

Both railroads make regular excursion runs throughout the year, but during these special events, they’ll offer additional entertainment and activities aimed at young Thomas fans:

• Mount Hood Railroad | June 19-22 and 26-28 in Hood River, Ore., 42 miles west of Biggs Junction on Interstate 84. Drive time from Yakima is two hours. Trains depart on the hour, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $14-$16; advance purchase is strongly recommended. For more information, call the railroad at 800-872-4661, or visit mthoodrr.com.

• Northwest Railway Museum | July 10-12 and 17-19 in Snoqualmie, three miles off I-90 at North Bend. Drive time from Yakima is just shy of two hours. Trains depart every 45 minutes, 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Tickets are $18; advance purchase is strongly recommended. For more information, call the museum at 425-888-3030, or visit trainmuseum.org.

Remlinger Farms (Carnation)

For a fun and different change of scenery, take a drive over to Remlinger Farms and Country Fair Fun Park, open May through October, in Carnation, Wash. The drive from Yakima takes about two hours.

This quaint miniature theme park is a perfect day-long excursion for the entire family. In season, the farm offers U-Pick strawberries, raspberries and pumpkins. There’s also a variety of produce, baked goods and gift items in the market.

The Country Fair Fun Park has more than 25 rides and attractions, mostly aimed at young children. There are pony rides, barnyard petting pens and live entertainment by songwriter Eric Ode who puts on a fantastic interactive show that younger kids are sure to enjoy.

Most rides are suitable for children ages 2 and up, including a mini canoe ride, the Tolt River Railroad Steam Train and antique cars. Older and more adventurous kids will enjoy the roller coaster, a spinning pumpkin ride and a pint-sized Ferris Wheel.

In the Pioneer Homestead, you can visit with the pioneer woman who will explain and demonstrate some of the “olden days” ways.

Then find your way through the covered hay maze to the hay pit and try the rock climbing wall. In the fall, the farm also offers a corn maze and wagon rides to the U-pick pumpkin patch.

Admission is a bargain at $11 per person, but this varies during special festivals. There’s no admission fee for the market, restaurant or U-pick fields.

For more information, call 425-333-4135 or visit remlingerfarms.com.

— Melissa Paul

How to get there:
Take I-82 north toward Ellensburg, then merge onto I-90 west toward Seattle. Take Exit 22 (Preston/Fall City).

Follow the signs through Preston into Fall City. At the stop sign in Fall City, go right over the Snoqualmie River Bridge. Take an immediate left on the other side of the bridge. Traveling north on Hwy 203, continue 5 miles toward Carnation until you see the Remlinger Farms sign. Turn right onto NE 32nd Street (in front of the sign). This road dead ends at Remlinger Farms.

Elk Feeding Station (Naches)

January and February are the best months for viewing elk at the Oak Creek feeding station near Naches. Kids will enjoy bundling up for a ride on the safari-style truck tours that provide an up-close look at the animals.

Each winter, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife provides a supplementary feeding program for up to 1,500 elk — including as many as 150 branched-antler bulls — to keep them from damaging private property. (Humans, you see, have inhabited the herd’s winter range.)

REMEMBER! • Dress warmly. • Bring a camera. • Make reservations if you’d like to go out on the truck: 509-698-5106. • Be quiet. Wild animals don’t like loud noises

For families, the feeding station is a cheap and easy field trip, located about 20 miles west of Yakima on U.S. Highway 12. The elk are fed daily at 1:30 p.m., though you’ll find animals there throughout the day.

A fence separates the elk from the viewing area, but the animals are free to head up to the hills, so their numbers vary throughout the season. More will visit the feeding station when snow and extreme cold prevents them from grazing naturally.

Also worth a stop, bighorn sheep are fed mid-morning at the nearby Cleman Mountain feeding site, just a couple miles up the road. Feeding season for both the elk and bighorns is typically mid-December to early March.

There’s a visitor center at the elk’s Oak Creek Headquarters, open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily during the elk’s feeding season. The center has a video program, exhibits and a hands-on kids’ corner where children can get a feel for elk fur and antlers. There’s no charge, but donations are accepted to help support the feeding program.

Volunteers can take you for a ride into the feeding area on an old open-air Army truck. Tours typically depart at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Tours are first-come, first-served, but reservations are accepted; call ahead at least 48 hours in advance if you’re visiting with a large group, as the trucks are limited to 14 passengers. Call 509-698-5106 for tour reservations.

During the tour, the truck will drive slowly out into the field and then kill the engine so you can quietly observe the elk. A docent provides some information and answers questions. Bring a camera, and be sure and dress warmly; the tours typically last about 30 minutes.

If you have preschoolers, please note that the volunteers prefer a 1:1 adult-child ratio for younger kids. Also, the children need to refrain from yelling or making other loud noises since the elk are easily startled.

If you’re hungry for more details, there’s a ton of information about the animals and the feeding stations on the Naches Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Web site. Or, call the Oak Creek Wildlife area at 509-653-2390.

HOW TO GET THERE
Oak Creek Headquarters (elk): Drive west on U.S. Highway 12 and continue past Naches. At the junction with Hwy 410, turn left, continuing on Hwy 12. About two miles past the junction, the feeding station will be on the right.

Cleman Mountain feeding station (bighorn sheep): Drive west on U.S. Highway 12 and continue past Naches. At the junction with State Route 410, stay straight, heading west on SR 410 for about one block, then make a sharp right on the Old Naches Highway. The feeding station is on the left.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FACTS
• Rocky Mountain Elk from Yellowstone National Park were introduced to Yakima County in 1913.
• Bulls weigh an average of 450-900 lbs.
• Cows are pregnant for 270 days (about 9 months).
• Twin calves are rare.
• Antlers (found only on the bulls) fall off in the spring and regrow by August.
• Wintering elk may eat 3 to 10 lbs of hay per day at the feeding stations.

— Source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

ABOUT BIGHORN SHEEP
• Both Rocky Mountain and California bighorn sheep are native to Washington.
• Can live up to 17 years, but general life expectancy is 10-12 years.
• Rocky Mountain bighorns are larger than the California sub-species. Rocky Mountain rams weigh 160-315 lbs, while a California ram weighs about 180-205 lbs.
• The gestation period for ewes is 180 days (about 6 months).
• Twin lambs do occur.
• Both rams and ewes have horns, which never fall off and continue to grow through the sheep’s lifetime.

— Source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Leavenworth at Christmas

For me, Leavenworth was love at first sight.

Half-timbered store fronts, horse-drawn carriages, quaint little bakeries, bratwurst, beer. And a whole store filled with Christmas, every season of the year.

In fact, each season offers something new to love about Leavenworth. But Washington’s little Bavarian-themed village is particularly delicious at Christmas.

Someday, my husband and I would love to take our kids to the real Christmas markets in Germany. But the kids are still young and plane tickets aren’t cheap, so those plans are on a semi-permanent pause.

However, the kids have been going to Leavenworth since they were breastfeeding (discretely, in a dimly lit booth at the restaurant mentioned a few paragraphs further down). We tend to skip most of the tchotchke shops but always find enough fun in Leavenworth to fill at least half a day. (Hint: Leave the stroller at home.) Here are some highlights:

First, check the city’s festival schedule to see what’s going on the weekend you’d like to visit. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the town lights up first for the Christkindlemarkt (the closest thing this side of the Atlantic to the previously noted Christmas markets) and, later, literally illuminates during the Christmas Lighting Festival. Both events would appeal to families.

Throughout the year, you can find holiday cheer at Kris Kringl, a two-story ornament shop at the east end of downtown. This one can be a little dicey if your kids are touchy-touchy, but the miniature villages are fun to peek at if you’re able to keep little fingers under control.

For that very reason, we avoided for several years the little sign further up the street that pointed towards a nutcracker museum upstairs. Museums and kids don’t mix, right? Wrong!

The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum is fabulous for kids. Open weekends in the winter, the museum offers scavenger hunts for kids to search through the 5,000-piece nutcracker collection for kiddy favorites from Mickey Mouse to Darth Vader. Those who complete their task receive a prize.

On the same block, The Hat Shop and adjoining Wood Shop toy shop are perennial favorites. For Mama and Papa, however, the trip wouldn’t be complete without popping into The Cheesemonger’s Shop, where the monger is always eager to hand out a few tasty samples.

For dinner, we like to head down the nearby stairs to Andreas Keller, where the jägerschnitzel’s good and the atmosphere even better. Through the end of the year, they’ll have live accordion music every night. The rumpus is great for dining with kids, who couldn’t possibly cause a stir amidst the dining room’s healthy clamor.

Be sure to pick up some fudge for the road before you say auf wiedersehen. Then it’s time to head back home, thankfully some 4,700 miles this side of Germany.

— Sara Bristol

GETTING THERE
Leavenworth is about a 90-minute drive, north of Yakima. Take I-82 north and merge onto I-90 west to Ellensburg. Just past Ellensburg, take Exit 106 and follow U.S. Highway 97 toward Wenatchee. The highway will make a few turns, so follow the signs toward Wenatchee until you reach Highway 2. There, turn left and continue 5 miles to Leavenworth.

WHERE TO GO
Andreas Keller Restaurant, 829 Front St., lower level; 509-548-6000. Dinner menu starts at $10.99. Children’s specials are $5.99 to $6.99.

The Cheesemonger’s Shop, 819 Front St.; 509-548-0778.

Hat Shop/Wood Shop, 719 Front St.; 509-548-4442.

Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, 940 Highway 2; 509-548-5807.

Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, 735 Front St.; 509-548-4573. Admission is $2.50 for adults, $1 for students and free for children 5 and younger.

Kris Kringl, 907 Front St.; 509-548-6867.

NW tourist trains

All Aboard!
We’ve tracked down Northwest tourist trains within driving range of Yakima for a day trip or weekend getaway. Here’s a schedule, including drive times from Yakima.

YAKIMA VALLEY TROLLEYS | Yakima |
Yakima’s own historic trolleys take a short but affordable ride up Pine Street on weekends throughout the summer.

Trolleys depart several times a day on weekends and holidays, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Catch a ride from the car barn, located at Third Avenue and Pine Street. Also, tour the Electric Railway Museum, featuring antique streetcars and electric locomotives.

Fare: $4; free for children 5 and under sitting on a lap. Museum admission is free.
Phone: 249-5962. On the Web: yakimavalleytrolleys.org

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAY MUSEUM | Toppenish | 20 minutes
Explore railroad history at this local museum, located inside a restored 1911 Northern Pacific Railway depot. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday, May 3 through October.

Free caboose rides in the depot yard during special events: 10th Annual Toppenish Rail and Western Art Show (Aug. 15-17); Whistlestop! bluegrass festival (Aug. 23); Pumpkin Runs (Oct. 24-26, 29-31); and Toy Train Christmas (Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13-14, 20-21).

Admission: $5 adults, $3 children 17 and under.
Location: 10 S. Asotin Ave. in downtown Toppenish, 20 minutes south of Yakima on U.S. Highway 97.
Phone: 930-7210. On the Web: nprymuseum.org

NORTHWEST RAILWAY MUSEUM | Snoqualmie, Wash. | 2 hours
Ride aboard antique rail coaches during this 75-minute round trip excursion between Snoqualmie and North Bend, where you can hop off to explore downtown and catch a later train back to the depot. On the return trip, pause at the top of Snoqualmie Falls to enjoy the scenery.

Trains depart several times a day on weekends, April through October. Fare: $7-$10; children under 2 are free. Museum admission is free.

Day Out With Thomas: 25-minute excursions depart throughout the day on July 11-13 and 18-20. Public ticket sales open April 19. Fare: $18 for ages 2 and up.

Location: About 3 miles off I-90 at North Bend, just shy of a two-hour drive from Yakima.
Phone: 425-888-3030. On the Web: trainmuseum.org

MOUNT HOOD RAILROAD | Hood River, Ore. | 2 hours
Enjoy scenic views of Mount Hood, forests and fruit orchards aboard this railroad’s enclosed Pullman coaches or red caboose. Choose from 2.5- or 4-hour excursions ($15-$30), with layover stops in Odell or Parkdale. Brunch and dinner runs and other special events also available.

Location: Columbia Gorge, 60 miles east of Portland on Interstate 84. Drive time from Yakima is two hours.
Phone: 541-386-3556 or 800-872-4661. On the Web: mthoodrr.com

SEATTLE CENTER MONORAIL | Seattle | 2 hours
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, this was the nation’s first full-scale commercial monorail system. Each trip takes two minutes to cover the one-mile route, which connects downtown Seattle to the Seattle Center (across from the Space Needle).

Departs at least every 10 minutes from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Fare: $1.50-$4 round-trip. Free for children 4 and under.
On the Web: seattlemonorail.com

MOUNT RAINIER SCENIC RAILROAD | Mineral, Wash. | 2.5 hours
Explore the picturesque foothills of Mount Rainier on a two-hour journey that crosses an impressive curved wooden trestle. On the return, the steam locomotive proves it’s the engine that can, putting on a great show as it pulls the train up a steep hill to Divide. Open air cars and enclosed window cars available.

Regular excursions depart from the historic logging town of Mineral each weekend, May 24 through September. Special events throughout the year.

Fare: $15-$20; $4 children ages 1-3.
Location: 120 miles west of Yakima via U.S. Highway 12.
Phone: 360-492-5588 or 888-783-2611. On the Web: mrsr.com

CHEHALIS-CENTRALIA RAILROAD & MUSEUM | Chehalis, Wash. | 3 hours
Steam trains depart from Chehalis, between Seattle and Portland on Interstate 5, winds through scenic hills, farmland, and over several wooden trestles.

Regular excursions run weekends, May 24 through September. Choose from 12-mile (1.5 hours) or 18-mile routes (2 hours). Fare: $8-$14; free for children 3 and under.

Phone: 360-748-9593. On the Web: steamtrainride.com

CHELATCHIE PRAIRIE RAILROAD | Yacolt, Wash. | 4 hours
Experience the darkness of a 330-foot tunnel and cross a trestle over the Lewis River while riding in open-air cars during this 10-mile excursion. Stretch your legs during a stop at Moulton Falls.

Excursions run at least one weekend each month, February through December.

Fare: $8-$15 per person, kids under 2 are free.
Location: 40 miles northeast of Portland in the foothills of Mount St. Helens.
Phone: 360-686-3559. On the Web: bycx.com

10 Must-Do Camping Tips

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Try these ‘backyard’ campgrounds

Does the idea of sharing a tent with your toddler scare you more than noises in the woods? To camp with the comfort of knowing you could bail out anytime, consider these campgrounds in Yakima’s backyard. (Of course, your own backyard is an option, too.)

• Pedal a boat around the pond at the Yakima KOA, which offers cabin rentals as well as tent and RV spaces. With a store, heated pool, laundry facilities and even Internet access, the comforts of home are never far away.

For reservations, call 248-5882. The KOA Kampground is on the Yakima River at 1500 Keys Road.

• Catch a fish and a campfire program at Yakima Sportsman State Park, which offers a fishing pond for anglers under 15 and river fishing for adults. The park has a stroller-accessible wetlands trail. Saturday evening campfire programs run through Labor Day. Tent and RV sites are available.

For information, call 360-902-8844; for reservations, call 888-226-7688. The park is located at 904 S. 33rd Street.

• Sleep in a tepee at the Yakama Nation Resort RV Park in Toppenish. The park offers 14 tepees as well as sites for tents and RVs. There’s also a swimming pool and hot tub. No need to rough it: Catch a movie at the next-door Heritage Theater, or splurge for a slice of huckleberry pie at the adjacent restaurant.

For reservations, call 509-865-2000. The Resort RV Park is located at 280 Buster Road, Toppenish; it’s about 20 miles south of Yakima.

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