Uncrowded Yosemite: backpacking Yosemite National Park with kids

Would you believe that in July, in the center of Yosemite National Park, we enjoyed an entire day where we never saw another soul? It's possible, provided you depart from the usual tourist destinations in the valley and explore Yosemite backcountry. Backpacking Yosemite National Park with kids: We chose to hike a portion of The John Muir Trail, a 211 mile path between Happy Isles in Yosemite … [Read more...]

Mexico with kids: family fun Huatulco style

Guest post written by Travel with Kids Mexico’s Pacific Riviera has been on the tourist track for decades with popular cities like Acapulco, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. But head a bit south in Mexico with kids, and you will find the nine beautiful bays of lesser known Huatulco. The town itself blends old Mexico style, with a huge Spanish colonial church and town square, with laid-back beach … [Read more...]

Big White Dog Sled Tours

I thoroughly enjoyed every outdoor activity I tried during our family vacation at Big White Ski Resort, but I think flying down a nordic trail pulled by a team of sled dogs was my favorite (don't tell). I arrived for my Big White dog sledding experience with my mom, a long-time follower of the Iditerod and dog-lover. We met with Tim, Big White's resident dog musher, and his team of dogs at their … [Read more...]

Big White Ice Tower Climb: a family activity (yes, really!)

Among the many unique outdoor activities offered at Big White Ski Resort in Kelowna BC is their 60 foot Ice Tower. The only such tower in North America, this structure is looms as a huge, contoured block of ice in the center of Big White's Adventure area, and yes, it's intimidating! But here's the best part: anyone can try to climb it…no experience necessary! Ice climbing is normally an … [Read more...]

Hiking in Tofino BC: Visiting Meares Island with Remote Passages

For families looking for a budget-friendly Tofino excursion or are simply low on time, Remote Passages offers a 1.5 hour round-trip Vancouver Island hiking adventure of Big Tree Trail on nearby Meares Island. Hiking in Tofino: Located just a few fun Zodiac boat turns from the Remote Passages boat dock, Meares Island is uninhabited and protected by a local First Nations land conservation … [Read more...]

Tofino whale watching with Remote Passages

I'd heard the West Coast of Vancouver Island called the Galapagos of the Northwest, and never is that more apparent than while on the water, whether families are exploring tide pools, kayaking, or in this case, on the open ocean on a Remote Passages whale watch in Tofino BC. Tofino whale watching: Our Tofino whale watch with Remote Passages just may have been the crown jewel on the treasure … [Read more...]

Kayaking the Vancouver Island west coast with Majestic Ocean Kayaking

Families don't have to venture far into the Pacific or spend a whole day (and a whole lotta cash) seeing nature up close on a Vancouver Island west coast kayaking tour. When we joined Majestic Ocean Kayaking on their half-day harbor tour, we hadn't even pushed off from the boat dock before Calvin spotted a massive sea star glowing purple and pink under the shallow water. "What, that little thing?" … [Read more...]

Top 10 family hiking trails in Utah

It's difficult to select only ten great family hiking trails in Utah, but the trails in Utah's national parks are especially good places for families to explore the natural wonders of the world together. These are my family's favorite trails from each of Utah's national parks. I use two criteria for determining whether a hike is family-friendly. First, the hike must be easy enough for a … [Read more...]

How to plan a multi-day backpacking trip with kids

Yes, kids can backpack! And yes, it's a bit more work than traditional tent or RV camping with kids, but twice as rewarding. We've backpacked annually with our kids since Nate (now age 13) was 13 months old, and while older kids make for the best backpackers, even backpacking with babies and toddlers is possible. To ensure a successful backpacking trip with kids, most of the work will take place … [Read more...]

Downhill mountain biking with Northstar Bike Academy

In the process of soaking up all the summer ski resort activities on offer at Northstar California this July, the whole family took part in the Northstar Bike Academy Bike 101 package. Bike 101 includes a full day lift ticket, half-day bike and protective equipment rental, and Bike 101 lesson, and is perfect for families new to the sport of downhill mountain biking. Families sign up for Bike … [Read more...]