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...]
Mount Rainier National Park two-day itinerary
August 31, 2015 By
On the right day, Mount Rainier National Park can rival the scenery beheld at National Park greats such as Glacier and Canada’s Banff or Jasper. Often hidden in cloud, the mountain framed by blue skies is nothing short of breathtaking, and on clear days, the views from the Paradise end of the park reach from Mt. St. Helens to Mt. Hood to Mt. Baker. The day we arrived, looking from volcano … [Read more...]
Southwest Missouri pit stop: Fantastic Caverns
July 3, 2015 By
Southwest Missouri is filled with old-fashioned pit stops and slices of Americana. Case in point: Fantastic Caverns, 'America's only ride-through cave'. Fantastic Caverns is one of those natural wonders that probably should be protected by the US government, but is instead a privately-owned tourist attraction, making you worry a little bit. But go anyway (despite, or maybe because of, the … [Read more...]
Springfield Botanical Gardens
June 29, 2015 By
Driving through Springfield, Missouri? The Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Green/Close Memorial Park are free to the public, and extremely kid-friendly. Families can get a full afternoon of entertainment from this 114 acre park, or just stop in at a smaller section that appeal to them for a quicker stop. I definitely recommend picking up a lunch along Springfield's Commercial Street … [Read more...]
Adventures for Kids in Costa Rican National Parks
March 27, 2015 By
Costa Rica has a landscape brimming with opportunities for active adventure. National parks provide safe and pristine environments for rambunctious children to explore. If your youngsters have exhibited interest in climbing, jumping, gliding, or bouncing, make sure to fit some of these activities into your Costa Rica itinerary. You can usually find a tour that offers some combination of the … [Read more...]
Hometown ski resort: Badger Pass Ski Area
January 9, 2015 By
Ever wanted to downhill or nordic ski in Yosemite National Park? How about a morning of skiing followed by an afternoon of hiking on the valley floor? I spent a day at Badger Pass Ski Area, located in the center of Yosemite National Park, to see what it was like. What I found: wonderful ski culture, local enthusiasm, and lots of love for the outdoors. I guess that should come as no … [Read more...]
Exploring Port Townsend with kids
November 7, 2014 By
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...]
Shenandoah National Park: Nicholson Hollow hike
September 8, 2014 By
Shenandoah National Park is massive, and popular Skyline Drive necessities many hours in and out of the car. Everyone knows Old Rag Mountain offers one of the best day hikes on the East Coast, but it takes most of a day and is very strenuous...not the right fit for every itinerary or every family. However, few people know about the much shorter, much more kid-friendly hike of Nicholson Hollow, … [Read more...]
Philly with kids: how to plan for a two-day historical itinerary
August 15, 2014 By
Philadelphia has so much history in their many museums, exhibits, and attractions, families could easily be here 3-4 days. We only had two, so we had to make some tough decisions. We did manage to tour all the following Old City attractions in Philadelphia over the course of a day and a half, plus visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art and enjoyed some good eats Independence … [Read more...]
Mount Tom Reservation and Ice Cream
August 6, 2014 By
Ready for the perfect summer outing in Western Massachusetts? Mount Tom Reservation is located between EastHampton and Mt. Holyoke, and offers fishing, hiking, picnicking, and a play area, plus skating and cross-country skiing in winter. Mt. Tom: Mt. Tom offers the best view of the Connecticut Valley, the Berkshire mountains, and the Pelham hills. It meanders over 2,161 acres at the top of … [Read more...]
