Tips for Rocky Mountain National Park with kids

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the United States’ premier family destinations, a jewel in the national park crown. In the summertime, the weather is beautiful, the scenery spectacular, and the opportunity to interact with nature unparalleled. Here are some things to know to help you make the most out of visiting with your kids. Tips for Rocky Mountain National Park with kids: West side … [Read more...]

Two days in Joshua Tree National Park and Indian Cove Campground with Kids

Joshua Tree National Park is a gem! With a higher elevation than our other favorite desert camping location, Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree offers a desert experience with more vegetation, wildflowers, and of course, Joshua Tree’s fabled rock climbing boulders. You don’t have to be rock climbers to enjoy it, though you’ll see plenty of that ilk. Our kids absolutely loved the freedom of … [Read more...]

Zion National Park in winter

Before I visited Zion National Park in winter, I pictured the famed slot canyons and rock formations of the park buried in snow, with park amenities shuttered for the season and the adjacent town of Springdale hard to access on wintery roads. I could not have been more wrong. Thanks to it's low elevation and Southern Utah location near St. George, Zion National Park in winter is completely … [Read more...]

Bryce Canyon National Park in winter

If you’ve been to Bryce Canyon in summer, you know this national park is incredibly scenic, and also incredibly crowded. Even the ‘shoulder’ seasons of late spring and early fall are becoming congested with tourists. But come in the heart of winter, and you’ll have this playground of natural wonders to yourself. Things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park in winter: Much of Bryce Canyon stays … [Read more...]

Haleakala National Park

When I think of Maui, I think sun-kissed sand and stunning beaches...not ascending to 10,000 feet to hike amid peaks. But families vacationing on the island would be remiss to skip Haleakala National Park, where kids will learn about the natural landscape of this breathtaking area, and get a glimpse of a Maui not well-known. Haleakala consists of both Haleakala Summit and the lower Kipahulu … [Read more...]

One day in Badlands National Park itinerary with kids

We were blown away by the beauty and peacefulness of Badlands National Park! During our one day visit, we found ourselves comparing this dry, rugged, and dramatic park to other favorites: it has much of the same feel as Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. However, Badlands adds another element: high prairie wildlife and terrain that will impress in a subtile, almost delicate … [Read more...]

Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park (or Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio), is about a three hour drive from San Jose, Costa Rica, an hour from Playa Jaco, and only a short distance from a number of the coastal towns that serve it. We arrived via the Pacific Ocean, on our Uncruise ship, the Safari Voyager, but once in the park, the same tips apply to cruise passengers and other visitors. Manuel Antonio … [Read more...]

Three things to do in Acadia National Park with kids

Acadia National Park may be quite a hike from the nearest urban center or major airport, but this beautiful corner of downeast Maine offers families unlimited adventures, from bikes to boats to hiking trails and, if you’re lucky, the earliest sunrise in the continental US! Acadia is a relatively small park, and offers a lot of short, gentle hikes (and some tough ones as well) in addition to their … [Read more...]

Death Valley National Park with kids: top hikes for active kids

We love exploring Death Valley National Park with kids! And no, you won't swelter in the heat if you follow our tips! After our fourth visit with kids (stay at either Furnace Creek Ranch or Furnace Creek Campground), we’ve narrowed down our list of favorite Death Valley hikes to our top three. These hikes--detailed below--are best for active, school-aged kids who love exploring, climbing, … [Read more...]

Dinosaur National Monument with Kids

Spanning both Utah and Colorado, Dinosaur National Monument is a national park destination too massive to tackle in a day, or even a few days. During our visit, we opted to check out only one section of the park, on the Utah side, but we tasted just enough of this park to know we’ll be back. Here’s how to plan a trip to Dinosaur National Monument with kids: Know the lay of the land: There are two … [Read more...]