15 ways to fill the dog days of summer: late summer getaways and tips

By this part of summer, some families have already begun the school year, and the rest of us are in the last leg of vacation. If you're like us, the planned summer trips are behind you, yet empty days still stretch ahead. How to fill these dog days of summer? We have 15 ideas for late summer getaways, day trips, and pit stops. 1. Check ReserveAmerica for last-minute cancellations at a local … [Read more...]

Guide to Iceland national parks

Nearly ALL of Iceland looks like a national park, so families can’t go wrong finding beautiful outdoor experiences on an Iceland vacation with kids. But Iceland national parks do pack in a lot of interesting natural features you won’t want to miss. Here’s what to see in each. Þingvellir National Park: Þingvellir is easily accessed from Reykjavik, and is located on the Golden Circle, so … [Read more...]

Beyond the Blue Lagoon: Iceland hot springs off the beaten path

Yep, we went to Iceland for eight days and never went to the Blue Lagoon. Why pay a crazy entry fee to go to an overcrowded geothermal pool, when so many remote, beautiful, and FREE pools exist all over Iceland? During our camper van road trip in Iceland, we dipped our toes in steaming water every single day, and never paid an entry fee of more than $25 (and usually paid nothing at all). Where … [Read more...]

Earth Day-friendly bucket list experiences and destinations

In celebration of Earth Day, we've rounded up our favorite experiences, tours, and travel operations that promote a spirit of 'Earth Day every day'. These travel experiences, through their passion for their destinations, help create the next generation of environmentalists. Earth Day-friendly bucket list experiences: Uncruise in Panama and Costa Rica: We just returned from Uncruise's newest … [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...]

Beyond Mt. Rushmore: Custer, South Dakota

Mt. Rushmore is iconic, monumental, and inspiring. By all means, go and see it. Check out the museum below the viewing platform, and definitely stop for some vanilla ice cream made from Thomas Jefferson's original recipe. (The shop is located directly in the monument cafeteria.) After you've crossed this landmark off your list, however, you'll find an array of outdoor, active things to do in … [Read more...]

Mount Rainier National Park two-day itinerary

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...]

A week stay at Three Bars Ranch, British Columbia

There are beautiful resorts and vacation properties all over the world. The best start with a stunning destination, then add experiences, dining, and activities in a way that feeds both a sense of adventure and the need for relaxation. Then there are a few truly special, tucked-away places that manage to do all of the above, plus add a certain something that take them over-the-top for family … [Read more...]

Ozarks with kids: Branson Zip Line

Driving into Branson from Springfield on Highway 65, families won’t be able to pass Branson Zip Line at Wolfe Creek Station without the kids noticing the tall towers and cables stretching over the beautiful Ozarks. Go ahead and stop, because if you plan to include zip-lining in your Branson stay, this is the place to do it. A lot of zip lining operations have popped up in this area, but … [Read more...]

Wet Planet Whitewater adventure rafting near Columbia River Gorge

Julie Henning runs Road Trips for Families, a resource for families love to get out on the open road and let their adventures unfold.  Fed by underground aquifers and the glacial melt of nearby Mount Adams, the second-tallest mountain in Washington State, the White Salmon River never runs dry. A brisk 40 degrees, anyone venturing out on the river encouraged to wear a wetsuit, booties, fleece, a … [Read more...]