National Parks and Monuments - Pitstops for Kids

Exploring the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: navigating Upper and Lower Falls

October 9, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

During a time when many vacations are not possible, outdoor activities in road trip-accessible locations offer the ability to safely social distance. Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring Yellowstone, so start here as you plan a safe and responsible vacation.

Located a full 50 miles away from the central hub (and congestion) of Yellowstone National Park‘s Old Faithful, the Canyon Village area of the park offers arguably the most dramatic scenery with fewer tourists to contend with. In this “Grand Canyon of Yellowstone”, families can view yellow-tinted cliffs and the Yellowstone River at its most active at both the Upper and Lower Falls.

The best hiking and waterfall viewing is found at Lower Falls, which can be viewed by car pull-out along the North Rim Drive at Lookout Point and Red Rock Point. (South Rim Drive takes you to the Upper Falls at Artist Point.) If you’re hiking instead, take the South Rim Trail (though be advised that it is one-way), or the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail. Both offer great views of Lower Falls, which is actually longer in height than Niagara Falls. We opted to hike just 1/2 mile along the South Rim Trail, turning down steep steps to view the falls from an overlook. The entire hike, including the hike back to the car and the overlook detour, was approximately 1.5 miles…just right for a quick after-lunch excursion. The entire trail is 2.5 miles, though one-way.

Be careful on all the overlooks and trails along the canyon with young kids. The way is often steep, and the drops are severe. We never felt unsafe, but we did require our adventurous kids to stay close by. Keep to the overlooks if series of steep stairs may be too much for little legs: the way is slow and long!

A good dining option near the falls is found at Canyon Village. Skip the often-crowded soda fountain and grille for the cafeteria.

Where to stay in and near Yellowstone:

Wondering about Yellowstone lodging? If you can get reservations well in advance (think 8-9 months out), a stay at the Old Faithful Inn is iconic (though often crowded). The Lake Yellowstone Hotel is another great option, or the park offers many cabin rentals in addition to campgrounds. You will need to reserve any and all of these well in advance. For an option away from the crowds, consider Harriman State Park, on the Idaho side. Its rustic yurts and bird sanctuary provide much-needed peace!

What else not to miss:

In addition to the falls, time spent in the Madison section of the park will offer great geothermal displays, though crowds will teem here due to its proximity to Old Faithful (only 16 miles away). Another less crowded option in the park is Fishing Bridge and the Sylvan Pass area near Yellowstone Lake: the vistas are made even more beautiful here due to the lack of tourists. In our experience, Yellowstone’s West Entrance tends to get the most crowded, while the East Entrance is nearly always empty. Granted, visitors entering here will have a long drive to reach the center of the park (over 30 miles), but the way is rugged and stunning in its remoteness (just keep an eye on when the Sylvan Pass opens each spring).

No matter where you head in the park, expect slow driving on park roads, and plan to stop a time or two for wildlife viewing. During our single day in the park, we stopped for buffalo twice, a bear once, and an osprey nest (with osprey).

As I disclose whenever applicable, we are partnering with Hotels.com to bring you this post on Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon.

Olympic National Park with kids

July 31, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

Tucked away on Washington state’s Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park offers the best of not one, not two, but three worlds: temperate rain forest, ocean beaches, and mountain peaks await visitors to this unique park. No matter the season, families can escape metropolitan life in only a matter of several hours (approximately three from Portland and Seattle) and find themselves hiking between moss-covered Sitka spruce, beach-combing along wild coastline, and even skiing.

During a time when many vacations are not possible, national parks offer the ability to safely social distance, especially if families road trip to their destination. Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring this Olympic National Park, so start here as you plan a safe and responsible vacation.

Park Overview: Olympic National Park is unique not only in its ecosystem, but in its geography; the majority of the interior of the park is free of roads (great for backpackers and wildlife, not so great for traveling families). In order to see the park, visitors must skirt the boundary on Highway 101, which is certainly scenic, but makes for quite a bit of car time. We suggest making a ‘home base’ on either end of the park, staying in Lake Quinault Lodge on the southern end or Port Angeles on the northern end. (If you have time, do both!) We chose the southern end for its rare rain forests, and saved the drive through the length of the park for another trip.

Where to stay: Lake Quinault Lodge sits on national park land just past the southern entrance to the park, its back porch and lawn leading straight to the shores of beautiful Lake Quinault. We love this lodge for its rustic yet elegant charm, kid-friendly features such as croquet sets, board games, and even an indoor pool, and proximity to incredible hiking in the Quinault Rain Forest (one of only three temperate rain forests in the world).

Other nearby accommodations include the park’s additional lodges, and hotel options along Highway 101 along the peninsula. The Log Cabin Resort on Lake Crescent is rustic but the most budget and kid-friendly, and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is where to go for a cozy getaway. Kalaloch Lodge is a no-frills lodge right on the ocean, and kids love it…just know that many times of the year, you’re not protected from wind and storms coming on off the Pacific.

What to do: Trust me, you won’t be bored! In the Quinault Rain Forest area, families can enjoy many day hikes under three miles in length that hold kids’ attention as they weave through jungle-like forests, follow ice-cold streams, and end in crashing waterfalls. Our favorites are the Maple Glade and Cascading Terraces trails, both starting right across the street from Lake Quinault Lodge at the ranger station.

Further north (back on Highway 101), kids will want to stop to explore any of the short, forested paths from the highway to the ocean near Kalaloch, all of which open out upon the wide, long-stretching beaches along this part of the coast. (Look for the huge, wind-blown trees barely hanging onto the ocean cliff-sides…their exposed roots make for great jungle gyms!)

From Kalaloch, continue north on Highway 101 to the turnoff for the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center (15 miles further on Upper Hoh Road). The center is only open seasonally, but families will find excellent picnic areas and self-guided hikes through some of the most dramatic rain forest yet! Check out the Hall of Mosses for a good taste of this terrain that even preschoolers can hike.

Extra Tip: for a good resource on all area hikes, click here!

A word on Twilight Territory: If you have a tween or teen in the car itching to see Cullen and Quileute country (or just admit it…it’s you, isn’t it?) the town of Forks is just 10 minutes further up Highway 101 from the turn-off to the Hoh Rain Forest. You’ll be tempted to make the detour, but trust us, it’s not worth it unless you’re heading in that direction anyway (or like cheesy souvenir shops and the like). If you’re not continuing further north but simply must make the trek (I understand, I really do), do the rest of your crew a favor and drop them off at scenic Ruby Beach, a national park site just past Kalaloch. The kids will have much more fun running on this beautiful beach, climbing its sea stacks, and playing in the creek that runs from forest to surf. And after you’ve driven through Forks, continue on to La Push’s First and Second beaches…they really are lovely.

Check out all we loved about Olympic National Park and Lake Quinault Lodge on the Pit Stops for Kids’ Kid Cam:

NOTE: As travel today remains uncertain, please keep your safety and the safety of others in mind at all times. If you are comfortable with traveling, please travel responsibly and within regulation as any travel is at your own risk.

If you do decide to travel at this time, here are our recommendations:

Wear a face mask.
Bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands on a regular basis.
Check official websites before your trip for the latest updates on policies, closures and status of local businesses.
Book a hotel with free cancellation in case you need to change your plans at the last minute.

Exploring Tucson with kids

March 9, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

Looking for a winter getaway? Thinking ahead to Spring Break? Tucson delighted us with genuine nature and wilderness, a lively, historic downtown, which has been newly revitalized, and resorts with all the amenities for a sunny vacation. We’ll definitely be back!

Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring Tucson, so start here as you plan your wintery vacation.

When picking a hotel, remember that Tucson’s warm weather makes outdoor space crucial: you’ll want a resort with all the amenities, with leisure space for soaking up the sun and a refreshing pool. If you plan to golf, hiking, or horseback ride, staying at a resort out of town will put you close to the outdoors. If shopping and dining is the central focus, stay right in town!

What to do in Tucson with kids:

Saguaro National Park:

This park of desert landscapes has two entrances, and two ‘sides’. Its two sections are on either side of the city of Tucson. The park is named for the large saguaro cactus, native to its desert environment. And yes, this is the type of cactus you picture when you think of the Southwestern desert. On the west side, Signal Hill Trail leads to petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people.On the east, Cactus Forest Drive is a loop road with striking views of the desert landscape. There is a robust array of ranger-led programs and junior rangers at the park; they even have Not-So-Junior Rangers, catering the the retirees who visit.

If you can’t make it into the park, try Sabino Canyon, just outside of town. This awesome hiking park has a tram system to take families to the top of a canyon loop, which they can then hike down (or stay on the tram). For families with kids ready to do more hiking, there are many loops that don’t necessitate the tram at all. Just be sure to take plenty of water, and a hat/sun protection. There are bathrooms and drinking fountains on site.

Tucson Botanical Gardens:

Open 8:30 am until 4:30 pm daily, the botanical garden is a great spot to hit in the morning, while the desert sun is still mild. There’s a butterfly garden, and plenty of meandering walking trails, plus tours if you’re up for it (the bird tour is a good one). It’s $13 for adults and $7.50 for kids; consider becoming a member if you think you may visit more than once a year.

Horseback riding:

Check out Houston’s Horseback riding with kids. There are many options in and around Tucson, however, as well as several dude ranches, should you want to make an entire vacation of it. On average, two-hour rides are around $60.

Arizona Sonora Desert Museum:

See raptors, visit the ‘Cat Canyon’, check out a desert garden, feed birds in an aviary, and hike short nature trails and loop trails at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, celebrated as one of the top museums in the Southwest. Kids can easily spend half a day or more here, so plan accordingly! There are indoor and outdoor attractions, so bring sun protection and water. Check out the hours of operation here. Adults are $20 (age 13 and up), kids are $8 (under three are free).

Where to eat:

Tucson has been recently awarded with the UNESCO designation of World City of Gastronomy. The city’s cultural heritage is celebrated in its food, which is very multicultural. For a memorable meal, head to Downtown Kitchen, the Flying V, or, especially with kids, the Tucson Tamale Company and Cup Cafe. Many restaurants are within a few blocks of each other in Tucson’s downtown area, so make an evening out of it and wander a bit after dinner, keeping an eye out for ice cream and cocktails (if desired).

Tip: wherever you lay your head will become your oasis in hot and dry Arizona. Make sure your hotel or rental has a swimming pool, shaded grounds, and some indoor activites in addition to the standard tennis courts, fitness center, and workout clubs.

Haleakala National Park

August 26, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

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 Coast, making it possible for families to hike through barren and beautiful terrain as well as lush vegetation, all while learning more about native Hawaiian ecology and species during one of several ranger-guided talks offered. I love that Haleakala is such a region of contrasts: kids learn about many types of natural beauty, from the high peak to the streams and waterfalls in the park’s Kipahulu area.

Tip: The night sky is so clear at the national park, that it’s home to the Haleakala Observatory. Haleakala is open 24 hours a day, so if you time it right, you can take in the Milky Way as you’ve likely never seen it before!

For one family’s take on Haleakala National Park and its junior ranger program for kids, visit Mary at The World is a Book for an extensive review.

Distance from an interstate: See directions below.

Hours of operation: The park is open year-round, 24-hours a day, seven days per week. Visitor center hours are as follows: Haleakala Visitor Center (9740 ft/2969 m) 5:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Kipahulu Visitor Center (sea level) 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Admission costs: Daily park passes are $10 per vehicle. For more information on park fees, see the Haleakala National Park site.

Directions: Getting to Haleakala National Park includes a beautiful drive through Maui’s ‘upcountry’ of ranches and farms. To reach the Summit Area, start at Kahului via Route 37 to 377 to 378. Driving time to the summit from Kahului is approximately 1.5 hours. To the coastal area (Kipahulu), take Route 36 to 360 to 31. Driving time from Kahului is approximately 3 hours.

Things to do on Channel Islands with kids

August 19, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Channel Islands National Park is located right off the coast of Ventura, CA, but feels a million miles away from the rest of Southern California. The park has a different vibe than most: the main visitor’s center is located not in the park, but in the Ventura Harbor, where visitors depart for the islands, and the islands themselves remain remote, isolated, and almost completely undeveloped.

Don’t let the Channel Islands, and the logistics of exploring them, deter you: this national park is perfect for kids. Families simply need to know the best things to do on Channel Islands, how to get to Channel Islands National Park, and where to stay prior.

Which island?

All the Channel Islands are accessible, but the most easily accessed (and with the most to do for families) is Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the five. Protected coves allow for great snorkeling here, and the camping is easiest (on other islands, backpacking may be necessary). Santa Cruz Island is also the most affordable to travel to, making it ideal for larger family groups.

Camping or day trip?

The next thing families need to decide is whether to make their Channel Islands adventure a day trip or an overnight. Camping at Channel Islands is reserved by ReserveAmerica, and the most popular camping experience for families is located at Scorpion’s Cove on Santa Cruz. This campground is walk-in (meaning backpacking is not necessary) and the lower campground is only .2 mile from the beach. Running water and pit toilets are available, and each site has a picnic table and food storage box.

For families deciding not to camp, a day trip to Santa Cruz Island can be more than enough to experience the National Park. Santa Cruz (the most easily accessible island) is undeveloped; in addition to the campground, there are only a few ranger cabins (rangers are on-site), evidence of the island’s ranching history, and hiking trails. A dock exists at Scorpion’s Cove, where passengers disembark. For a day trip, we recommend taking an early boat (9 am) out to Scorpion’s Cove, and returning at 4 pm or 5 pm. This gives visitors enough time to experience the island’s snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking.

How to get there:

Island Packers is the official transportation to the islands. They’re located in the Ventura Harbor adjacent to the Channel Islands visitor center (follow the brown National Park signs to the end of the drive along the pier) and reservations should be made in advance. The boat ride over takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and is certainly part of the fun. We spotted dolphins during our passage, and when the water is choppy, as it was on our visit, the ride is downright exhilarating. Kids can stand at the deck and feel the spray of the ocean, or interior seats are also available. The Island Packers crew and staff are all friendly, laid-back, and fun. The cost of an Island Packers passage varies by island and whether your passage is a day trip or camping trip. At the time of my visit, day trip passage was $56 round trip for adults and $39 round trip for children (up to age 12). Overnight passage was $75 for adults and $54 for children.

Snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking on the islands:

Snorkeling at Scorpion’s Cove, we swam with harbor seals, and spotted multiple fish species, sea urchins, sea stars, and kelp forests. Snorkeling gear can be rented by the day at Ventura Sports, located in the Ventura Harbor, but be advised: they don’t have adequate sizes for kids under age 10. While their staff was friendly, they rented us a wetsuit that was far too large for our seven-year-old, with no warning that it wouldn’t work for him. (Wet suits are usually necessary in all seasons on Channel Islands.) In addition to snorkeling, kayaks can be rented in the harbor and transported for the day or the duration of your camping trip by Island Packers, or guided kayak tours are available on the island (reserve ahead of time). When not on or in the water, numerous hiking trails (of about 2 miles in length at most) are available on Santa Cruz Island, and offer beautiful vistas of the island and sea.

Where to stay in Ventura:

If you’re coming any distance to visit the islands, you’ll need to stay overnight in Ventura the evening prior. We recommend the Holiday Inn Express Ventura Harbor, which overlooks the Ventura Harbor and is less than a quarter mile from Island Packers. I call this Holiday Inn Express an ‘express plus’, because it’s directly tied to the Four Points Sheraton next door, and guests have access to their very nice outdoor heated pool and hot tub (hot tub for adults only). A pedestrian bridge connects the two hotels, and the Holiday Inn Express includes one of the best complimentary breakfasts we’ve ever experienced. Bottom line: the Holiday Inn Express Ventura is a great value for families, and you’ll be close enough to enjoy the Ventura Harbor prior to your Channel Islands trip.

One day in Badlands National Park itinerary with kids

August 8, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

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 manner. Here’s what to do with one day in Badlands National Park:

Allow me to explain: while the first thing visitors are likely to notice about the park is its dramatic rock formations and chasms (think of Grand Canyon in miniature, or as one fellow traveler put it, of being a giant hiking in the Grand Canyon), it’s quickly evident that beyond, and in some cases, above, these rock formations, lie plateaus, gulches, and lowlands blooming with sunflowers and wildflowers, harboring prairie dogs and rabbits, and opening up onto prairie grasses. The juxtaposition of dry, cracking rock and flowering plants is stunning.

The park is well-known for fossil finds dating to prehistoric eras, though we learned that dinosaur fossils are not found here. The region was underwater during that time period. Instead, early mammal fossils are found quite regularly, and dig sites can still be active.

How to spend a day at Badlands National Park:

Ready for your Badlands National Park itinerary with kids? Though the park area is quite large, most of the sites and hiking options are in a concentrated area, making this park do-able in a day, if needed. As we always suggest, start at the Badlands visitor center to get your bearings. Here, kids can see a well-made 20-minute video, then tour several rooms of exhibits on the park’s geological history, wildlife, and native history (this is Lakota territory). Stop at the desk and ask for a form on which to document any fossil finds. They can still be spotted in the rock throughout the park, and park scientists depend on visitor documentation to help their research. Cool, right?

After touring the visitor center, take the Badlands Loop Road. Backtrack to the Window Trail and Door Trail parking lot.

Tip: to do this itinerary as described, enter the park via I-90 Exit 131 instead of via Exit 110 near Wall. We suggest this direction because it places families at the visitor center early on.

The Door Trail offers an amazing vista of the canyons of the park, with half a mile of ‘trail’, which is actually rock hopping and free-form hiking from marked post to post (the rock bottom here doesn’t allow for a proper trail). The way is easy enough, but kids can make it more fun by climbing a few short rock formations along the path. The nearby Window Trail consists just of a boardwalk ending in a vista to see a very deep chasm in the canyon. Definitely do both. Note: we hit this trail at sunrise, which rewarded us with beautiful light against the stone.

Accessed from the same parking lot, the short Notch Trail is great for kids who want more climbing, as this 1.5 mile loop descends through the canyon then up a wooden ladder to follow a ledge to a great view of the White River valley. Only proceed on this trail if you’re comfortable with heights.

For those wanting a longer hike, The Castle Trailhead is located just across the street from the Door and Window trails. This trail is 10 miles long, and travels west all the way to the opposite end of the Badlands Loop Road at the Fossil Exhibit. Those wanting to hike 10 miles will need a car to pick them up on the other end. However, thanks to a very user-friendly trail system in the park, it’s possible to hike only a portion of the Castle Trail. Starting at the trailhead at Door, hike a short distance on flat terrain to the junction of the Castle and Medicine Root trails. At this point, families have access to a loop of 4 miles, making the hike around 5.5 miles total, or can opt for an out-and-back for less mileage, turning around at the junction.

Or, do what we did: after seeing Door and Windows, head back on the Badlands Loop Road in your car and stop at the Saddle Pass trailhead. This quarter mile trail connects you to the Medicine Root/Castle Trail loop for a hike of 4.2 miles. The short Saddle Pass section is severely steep as you climb from the valley floor to the top of the ‘wall’, but once there, the terrain is quite flat. Up on this wall while hiking the Medicine Root Loop, you’ll see prairie grasses, sunflowers, wildflowers, and, possibly, snakes and other small animals. There is no shade up here, so plan to accomplish this part of your day in the morning.

Further along the Badlands Loop Road, families will come to the Fossil Exhibit Trail. This boardwalk loop of about half a mile features well-done displays en route, which describe the various fossils found here, and whether these prehistoric animals ended up adapting, moving to a new region, or becoming extinct.

If you depart the park via the Badlands Loop Road toward Wall, you’ll come across many more roadside pull-outs with vistas of this area of the park. It seems to go on and on!

Where to eat:

During your day, definitely stop to eat at the Cedar Pass Lodge. This lodge is modern-looking and new, which didn’t quite seem to fit in with the setting of the national park, but inside, it has a very nice gift shop filled with handmade items and Lakota souvenirs, and a casual cafe that serves wonderful fry bread tacos. These native treats can be ordered with buffalo meat or black beans, and they are huge…two people can definitely share one. And yes, they are very fattening. Enjoy!

Where to stay:

The park does have lodging at Cedar Pass, in the form of very nice cabins overlooking the terrain (and the highway, but it’s no big deal). I did not stay the night on this trip, as the park can definitely be done in one day, but certainly this would be a good option as well.

The park is located along I-90 in South Dakota, near Wall. Make a stop at Wall Drug before or after!

Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park Costa Rica

July 29, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

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 has a well-earned reputation for animal spotting, and during our day there, we were rewarded with sightings of capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, sloths, white-tailed deer, raccoons, quatis, and more types of birds (including macaws) than we could keep track of. It’s small in size at only about 1,700 acres, but it packs a big punch, with expanses of white-sand beaches, jungle hikes, and wildlife viewing platforms. Because this national park is so popular, it has a daily cap of visitors, which helps with the flow of pedestrian traffic.

You can definitely spend a whole day here, alternating between the hiking trails and the beach; we recommend setting up a beach base camp after your morning hike so people can come and go to explore. Just remember to keep someone ‘manning the fort’ as it were, or monkeys will steal all your possessions!

Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park: Top trails for animal viewing:

We absolutely loved the Punta Cathedral Point Trail, which winds from one beach to the next, elevating through the jungle via many series of rustic stairs to prime viewing areas. We saw monkeys here, but the prime sloth viewing is on the aptly named Sloth Trail, which is shorter in length and flatter. Ironically, we ended up seeing a sloth in a tree near the beach. Playa Espadilla Sur Beach and Playa Manuel Antonio appear on the map to be on opposite ends of the park, but are in fact only separated by a matter of yards, making it easy to explore both sides.

Tips for visiting Manuel Antonio National Park:

First off, start early! The park opens at 7 am, and since it fills up fast (and many animals are most active in the morning and evening), we recommend getting there when it opens. Start with a morning hike while it’s still relatively cool (ha!) then head to one of the beaches for a post-hike dip. In our experience, most visitors tend to settle in at the beaches of Manuel Antonio, and it’s hard to blame them; this park has been voted one of the most beautiful in the world many times for a reason. However, getting off of the sand and into the jungle will reward you with animal sightings.
Take precautions around the capuchin monkeys (white-faced monkeys) and the raccoons, as they have become so accustomed to humans, they have no fear and will blatantly try to steal your food, backpacks, hats, and just about anything else. Staying on the trail helps somewhat.
Consider hiring a guide. We had naturalist guides included in our Uncruise visit, but anyone can hire a guide for the day, who will walk you through the park. At the time of our visit, they were about $40 US for three hours, and from what I could see from observing them with many families, well worth it. (Note: you can bargain.)
Bring a picnic or sack lunch and lots of water. While some vendors are outside the park, no food vendors are inside the park boundaries. We also recommend bringing a few beach towels in a backpack.
Wear swimsuits over sun and insect-protectant clothing, such as trekking pants and long-sleeve sun shirts. You WILL want to swim, and you WILL sweat a lot!
The entrance fee is $16/pp US for foreign visitors, so plan accordingly.
Beware the Beach Apple trees. These highly poisonous trees are (mostly) marked, but even sitting under them and touching their leaves can be dangerous. Eating beach apples is highly dangerous, and usually results in a hospital stay. Take the warnings seriously.

If you need lodging and food recommendations outside the park, check out this post.

Popular state parks in Hawaii

July 25, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Many people around the world think that Hawaii is just a place where they can see a lot of beautiful beaches and water activities such as surfing and kiteboarding. This picture of Hawaii is what has always been portrayed on TV and magazines; however, there’s so much more to Hawaii than meets as it’s also a place for many natural and historical wonders. Did you know there are more than six state and national parks in Hawaii?

Popular state parks in Hawaii: Today, we will be going through six state and national parks that you have to visit.

1. Na Pali Coast State Park

Na Pali Coast State Park is known for the world’s famous footpaths – the Kalalau Trail. This trail is situated along the tropical rainforest facing the panoramic seafront.

You can reach Kalalau Valley from Ke’e Beach. The trail is a little dangerous during rainfall, so you have to equip yourself with good footwear and other safety gear.

2. Waimea Canyon State Park

Waimea Canyon State Park is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. However, unlike the Grand Canyon, Waimea Canyon State Park is mixed with lush and green areas.

The rocky portions are red, and the interior is wild and not barren. Although the road is undeveloped, you can have a short walk toward the Waimea Canyon and Pu’uokila from the paved Route 550 in order to get a perfect view.

3. Diamond Head State Park

Diamond Head State Park is located in the eastern part of Honolulu, Hawaii. It’s a circular volcano that looks like diamond crystals.

If you are in Honolulu, Diamond Head State Park is one of the most famous landmarks you will come across.

4. Makena State Park

Maui is what makes Hawaii famous for great beaches, and one of these is Makena State Park. It’s been declared a national park to preserve its beauty and wonder.

It’s not an ordinary beach as Makena State Park is surrounded with white sand and clear water. This is perfect for all beach activities like sunbathing and snorkeling.

5. Iao Valley State Monument

For hikers and mountain climbers, Lao Valley State Monument is another ideal destination. Most visitors climb this mountain not to seek adventure but to find fulfillment in reaching this sacred altar.

Aside from that, the place is also historical as this used to be the site where the Maui army and King Kamehameha I had their historic battle.

6. Haleakala National Park

Hawaii is known for its live volcanoes. When it comes to volcanoes, the Big Island is the place to think of.

There are several volcanic craters in the Big Island and one of them is Haleakala National Park. This attracts not only scientists, but also ordinary spectators.

Conclusion

Hawaii has many things to offer; aside from its great coastline and warm tropical weather, it possesses some hidden gems that are no longer secret to the locals and regular visitors. This is evident in the many national parks you can find in Hawaii.

You don’t have to visit them all just to appreciate Hawaii, because each of these national parks is a complete travel experience in its own. Try to visit at least one or more during your travels, and you will understand what Hawaii really is.

Three things to do in Acadia National Park with kids

May 2, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

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 expansive network of bicycling carriage trails.

Acadia National Park with kids:

These carriage trails are perhaps what Acadia is best known for (in addition to lobster, blueberries, and the rugged Maine coast, of course!) and are perfect for an easy Acadia hike or bike excursion. After a day in the park, you shouldn’t miss Sand Beach (Park Loop Road). A beautiful beach with great spots for checking out tide pools, kids may even want to take a dip…although the water is almost always freezing!

The lovely town of Bar Harbor is located just a mile or so from the park. Bar Harbor has everything you’ll need—outdoor stores, restaurants, and an ice cream parlor on almost every block! Below, get the nitty-gritty on navigating the carriage trails, plus two other great things to do with young kids in Acadia National Park:

Bike the carriage trails:

Perhaps the best way to see the park with young kids is via bike. I rented a bike at Acadia Bike Rentals and took Homer (3.5) and Greta (1.5) out for a ride around Eagle Lake. The folks at Acadia Bike were friendly and helpful, and had me set up and ready to ride in just a few minutes. If you’re visiting during peak seasons—summer and fall—they recommend that you contact them before you travel to reserve your bikes, especially if you plan to rent specialized equipment, like a child’s trailer or tagalong.

To save you from some of the pitfalls that I encountered, I’ll include a few helpful carriage trail tips if you’re riding with or pulling young kids. Access to the carriage trails is within riding distance from Bar Harbor (where most bike rental shops, including Acadia Bike, are located), but it’s about two miles and a lot of it is uphill. You never really know how heavy your kids are until you’re hauling them up that hill! I walked a good portion of the trip to the carriage trails, but I did manage it with enough juice left over for a good morning ride.

I had two toddlers (3.5 and 1.5 years old) sharing a seat, and had to endure a lot of bickering and squirming from the trailer. It might have worked better to have the younger one in a child seat, and the older one in the trailer. Even better, if you have two adults on the ride (sadly, we had one parent stuck at work all day), you can split them up and share the burden—literally!

Visit Mount Desert Oceanarium:

Located on the north side of Mount Desert Island, just a few minutes drive from Bar Harbor, is the Mount Desert Oceanarium. The Oceanarium hosts the Maine Lobster Fishing Program, the Maine Lobster Hatchery, the Thomas Bay Salt Marsh, and the Discovery Touch Tank. My advice? Call ahead! You can’t tell from their website, but the only way to see the Oceanarium is by guided tours that go every 1.5 hours or so. Also, a lot of the tour involves lectures on various subjects from a local expert, so very small kids might be too squirmy to enjoy the visit. When we showed up, the last tour of the day had already started and we were able to join them for the last part—the Discovery Touch Tank. In hindsight, this was the best thing that could have happened for us, since our kids are too young to sit through a lecture-format tour anyway. If you have very little ones, you might see if they can accommodate you by giving you a brief tour or letting you join up with another group at the touch tank, since this is definitely a toddler favorite!

Eat at Jordan’s Restaurant:

When I was in college (in Maine, albeit a little bit farther south), I remember coming to Acadia to snowshoe with friends and having a delicious breakfast of blueberry pancakes at Jordan’s Restaurant (80 Cottage Street). I’m happy to report that Jordan’s is still there, and still serving up some tasty pancakes 10 years later! Needless to say, my kids ate blueberry pancakes for lunch every day of our trip…with blueberry juice, of course!

Guide to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with kids

April 11, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

On a recent tour through several California National Parks, I heard the same thing over and over again from fellow guests and even park employees: “We love Yosemite, but we’ve actually never been to Kings Canyon.” Or, “We come to Yosemite annually, but haven’t experienced Sequoia, yet.” This tells me two things: Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular in the nation (no surprise there), and neighboring Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will be vastly less congested nearly all year long. Are they worth visiting? Absolutely!

Park overview:

Sequoia and Kings Canyon are two distinct national parks with one planning site. They have separate entrances, though the same entry fee will get you into both. They sit side-by-side along the General’s Highway off Highway 198 (accessed from Fresno, California) and sit at impressively high elevation: between 6,000 and 8,000 feet for the most part. We suggest at least two days in the parks in the off-season, and three in summer, with the majority of your time spent in Sequoia.

What to do:

Giant Forest:

Most of us come to Sequoia for the Giant Sequoia trees. And yes, they’re absolutely worth the trip. These towering giants reside in this region because of the ideal conditions: they cannot grow like this anywhere else in the world. Take the Big Trees Trail to walk amid these giants (you’ll find the hush of the forest soothing…unless you have restless kids with you!). The General Sherman Tree is the largest tree in the world. Bear in mind: the General Sherman is not the tallest tree in the world, but rather the biggest, measured in circumference around its trunk. The nearby Giant Forest Museum is worth a stop (in the off-season, it opens at 10 am).

Moro Rock:

Absolutely plan an hour or so at Moro Rock in the high season. This overlook includes a short but steep hike up the cliff-like rock, which will feel unsettling to anyone with fear of heights. I fall into that category, but had no problem with this short hike, because guard rails are set at key locations. There’s nothing to stop small children from wandering, however, so extreme attention is necessary. From the top of Moro Rock, the views are unparalleled. It’s possible to see the valley floor from one side of the viewing platform, and the peaks of the Sierras from the other. Point out the tops of the Giant Sequoias to kids: they look like bunches of broccoli from this height. Tip: after Moro Rock, continue a very short distance on the same road to drive through Tunnel Log and picnic in Crescent Meadow. Wolverton Snow Park is another nice resting stop in any season.

Crystal Cave:

I had no idea hundreds of caves lay under the surface of Sequoia National Park! The only cave available to tour is Crystal Cave, and it’s only accessible in summer. If you visit during the high season, this should be on your list.

Tip: Take a tour with Sequoia Sightseeing Tours with Paul Bischoff! Paul is a long-time resident of the area, and runs the best sightseeing tour I’ve taken from a private concessionaire in a national park. We spent a full morning with Paul, and learned more about the parks in a few hours than we ever could have guessed. Paul knows where the animals are, the best ways to avoid crowds, and can walk guests right to the most interesting trails and natural wonders.

Grant Grove of Giant Sequoias:

In Kings Canyon, the Grant Grove offers the General Grant Tree, plus a nice, easy hiking loop of additional Sequoias which includes some naturally downed trees. This is a great place for kids to see the root system of these giants, crawl through a fallen Sequoia log, and walk through a Sequoia tunnel! The Grant Grove Visitors Center is nearby as well, but we found it to be pretty limited.

Tip: While staying at Kings Canyon, catch the John Muir impersonation program by talented Frank Helling. Frank performs most Fridays at the Grant Grove evening campfire program during the summer months. I learned more about John Muir from Frank than I have before or since, and it was entertaining for all ages. Check at the Grant Grove Visitor Center to find out exactly when he’ll be performing during your summer visit.

Kings Canyon:

In summer, families can drive into the famed canyon, stopping for short hikes along the way. Kings Canyon is home to fabulous backcountry as well: if you plan to backpack in Kings Canyon or Sequoia, apply for a free backcountry permit. The good news: they’re far easier to get than Yosemite permits!

Tip: if you have the opportunity to listen to the storytelling of John Muir impersonator Frank Helling, make time to do this! Frank is absorbing and entertaining, and I learned more about John Muir in the 45 minutes I listened to him than I have before or since! Frank conducts his performances when available; as a park ranger or at the John Muir Lodge about opportunities to hear him speak.

Where to stay:

Kings Canyon offers the busiest ‘village’ of tent cabins, lodging, general stores, and visitors centers at Grant Grove Village. In the off-season, it’s quiet and we recommend the adjacent John Muir Lodge. However, in the height of summer, we’d opt for the less congested Wusachi Village of Sequoia National Park, where you’ll find Wusachi Lodge. This village center houses only the lodge and its restaurant (no adjacent camping and conveniences), which makes it somewhat quieter year-round. Read reviews of John Muir Lodge and Wusachi Lodge.

How to get here:

Access either park from Highway 198 from Fresno California. If you’re doing a loop of Sequoia and Kings Canyon as well as Yosemite National Park (called the Majestic Mountain Loop and highly recommended), you’ll need to depart Kings Canyon and return to the valley floor, then loop around to Yosemite via Highway 41. It’s not possible to drive over the Sierras, which is a good thing for all of us enjoying the parks!