A rustic cabin stay at Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

A state park stay can be a great way to safely travel with the family during COVID-19. For up-to-date information on park closures and updates in Oregon, check here. Located approximately 25 miles east of Salem, Oregon off Highway 22, Silver Falls State Park is the largest in Oregon. With each site tucked away under the canopy of the temperate rain forest, however, you'd never know it. Silver … [Read more...]

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and Mt. San Jacinto State Park

If you have a few days in Palm Springs, a trip to the Aerial Tramway  is well-worth your time. This ‘world’s largest rotating tram’ takes visitors from the desert floor to over 8,000 feet in elevation to Mt. San Jacinto State Park in just a few minutes. The tram ride itself is fun for everyone (even those who experience ski resort gondolas and trams often), but the real gem is at the top. Mt. San … [Read more...]

Five things to do with kids in Moran State Park, Orcas Island WA

Orcas Island is a great destination for families in the San Juan Island network. Kids will enjoy kayaking or exploring the numerous farmer's markets and two public beaches, but the highlight for us was Moran State Park. Located on the Doe Bay section of the island, Moran includes two lakes, numerous hikes, beautiful cascade waterfalls, a wonderful nature center, and swimming beaches. What … [Read more...]

Florida Caverns State Park

State parks make some of the very best pit stops, as fans of Florida Caverns State Park well know! One of the few state parks with dry (air-filled) caves, Florida Caverns is the only Florida state park to offer cave tours to the public. Accessible to all ages, the cave has dazzling formations of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones, and draperies. The park is also popular … [Read more...]

Exploring Custer State Park with kids

Haven't been to Custer State Park? Get ready to be impressed! This state park encompasses 71,000 acres, making it larger than some national parks. In fact, some argue that Custer should be a national park, and after visiting, I agree! Plan to stay at least two nights to see the majority of what this park has to offer, or at least one full day to see some highlights. Here's how to tackle Custer … [Read more...]

Multi-day kayaking in the San Juan Islands

Families will always see more detail of the area they’re traveling by car rather than by plane, and even more by bicycle than by car. In the San Juan Islands, there’s no better way to explore this vast network of islands than by kayak. On our previous trips to the San Juan Islands, we arrived by ferry, then visited two islands: Orcas and San Juan. This time, we decided we were ready for the … [Read more...]

Hiking the Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast (with teens to toddlers)

You don’t have to be a through-hiker with a backcountry permit and backpacking equipment to experience Kauai’s Na Pali Coast.Yes, the further you hike, the more you’ll see, but it’s entirely possible to hike just half a day and see enough to be wowed. The Kalalau Trail runs 11 miles one-way along the stunning and steep Na Pali Coast, and provides the only means of traveling this section of … [Read more...]

Guide to Whidbey Island State Parks

Whidbey Island, Washington is known for its picturesque coastline and pastoral setting. It's true that Whidbey, located north of Seattle, offers abundant farm stands and a healthy agri-tourism trade, but many families --including mine!-- had no idea how many beautiful, exciting state parks fill this small island! We recommend coming to stay at least three days in order to experience most of … [Read more...]

Exploring Port Townsend with kids

Located at the very tip of Washington State's Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend has a lot to offer families. From the quaint waterfront town with its lively history to a storied military presence, exploring Port Townsend with kids includes hiking trails, fort batteries, ice cream shops, and touch tanks! Here's what's in store (and where to stay): Downtown Port Townsend: It's easy to see the … [Read more...]

Educational Travel: Three Island Crossing State Park, Idaho

Back to school doesn't have to mean only back to the books! Explore educational travel with pit stops to historic sites! Case in point: when traveling through Idaho on I-84, families may think there's not much in the way of a pit stop past Boise. About one hour east of the Boise/Nampa area, it's well worth a stop at Three Island Crossing State Park. Located in the town of Glenns Ferry, Three … [Read more...]