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The way to see Grand Teton National Park with kids: OARS Jackson Lake 2-Day Trip

When I knew my family and I would be spending time in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Grand Teton National Park, I immediately looked for an OARS trip to take in the area. After our five-day Rogue River rafting trip with OARS, it was the easy choice. OARS is just that good at what they do.

oars-jackson-lake

I’ve already talked about what sets OARS apart. In a nutshell, the guides are professionals but also become friends, the service and food is phenomenal, and the overall experience ensures a stress-free, family-bonding time for everyone. Check it out:

OARS’ 2-day Jackson Lake kayak trip departs and returns to and from Signal Mountain boat dock on Jackson Lake, in the heart of Grand Teton National Park (you’ll need to pay the $20 park fee to get there).

tetons

Day 1:

Day 1 takes families across open water to lunch at Marie Island, then approximately five more miles across to Grassy Island, in the shadow of Mount Moran. OARS is the only concessionaire with a permit to camp on Jackson Lake, ensuring we were all alone, within a hairsbreath of the Teton range. We arrived and set up camp around 4:30 pm, leaving plenty of time to splash in the water, read a book, or play a card game before appetizers. Yes, appetizers.

OARS-food

Dinner consisted of hearty burritos with fresh, homemade salsa (the veggies and herbs chopped up in front of us). For dessert…birthday brownie: one of the two six-year-olds on our trip was celebrating his big day. We camped under the stars (in OARS’ supplied tents), and a campfire with our fellow kayakers.

oars-guides

Day 2:

On Day 2, it’s all about exploring the Tetons from the vantage point of the water and trails. We broke camp after a leisurely breakfast of French toast and bacon, and hit the water around 10 am. We paddled to Bearpaw Bay, where we caught the trail to Bearpaw Lake and Leigh Lake. This two-mile hike doesn’t include much elevation gain, which meant even the youngest in our group could navigate it, while the rest of us still found it to be a decent length.

OARS-jackson-lake

After a swim in Leigh with a picnic lunch, we paddled on to Spalding camp, on the mainland overlooking the Tetons. Once again, our campsite was our own, thanks to OARS’ exclusivity. We BBQed burgers for dinner (and when I say ‘we’, I mean our amazing OARS crew) and settled in for riddles and games of Uno around the campfire.

OARS

Day 3:

We broke camp on Day 3 around 9 am, and paddled at a leisurely pace back to the boat dock, none of us anxious to arrive! I asked my kids: how does the kayak trip compare with an OARS whitewater rafting trip? Calvin (age 13) said the two simply couldn’t be compared, but loved both. Before our kayak adventure, he feared the trip would be too tame, with perhaps too much downtime. We found this to be untrue. While a whitewater trip packs more adrenaline-inducing excitement, the kayak trip requires more muscle and includes just as much sightseeing. On both trips, we had stellar guides (shout out to Nate, Marcus, and Max this time around!).

OARS-kayak-trip

Things to know before you go:

On any OARS trip, it’s very important to have the right clothing and gear. The weather is all over the map in the Tetons, so bring layers. If you follow the packing list, you’ll be fine. We were especially glad to have long underwear for night, and light gloves and hats for brisk mornings. OARS supplied us with splash jackets (like rain jackets) for use in the kayaks, and tents. When you book a trip, you have the option of bringing your own sleep kit, or renting one of theirs. Our recommendation: bring your own sleeping bag if you have one rated to 20 degrees, but opt to rent their sleeping pads. They’re thick and puffy, and you’ll be glad you did!

OARS-trip

On our previous OARS trip, beer, wine, and soda were included. On this trip, soda was available, but beer and wine was BYO. If you hand over your wine and beer to the crew, they’ll keep it chilled for you! We all shared during the trip, which was a nice touch.

OARS-campsite

Bring a few small games or other entertainment for camp time. We like to bring a deck of cards and books or Kindles. Leave iPods or gaming devices at home or in the car. We had cell service for most of the trip, but without anywhere to charge phones, it was easier to leave those in the car as well.

OARS-j-rig

In short, OARS is able to access a part of Jackson Lake and Grand Teton you otherwise wouldn’t be able to see, and show it to you in a way that allows for family togetherness, relaxation, and carefree fun. Pair it with 2-3 additional nights in the park or adjacent Yellowstone National Park, and know you’ll be in good hands!

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced this OARS trip as guests of the company, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 14): Grand Teton Horseback Ride

Setting off on our 1 hour trail ride through the Tetons.

On Day 14, we treated Nate and Calvin to a horseback ride through the Tetons (something they’d been wanting to try since Glacier National Park). Luckily, Colter Bay Village has stables on-site, making it easy!

We made reservations at the Activities Center near the Colter Bay Village store (be sure to sign up ASAP: we signed up the night we arrived and got the last three slots for the entire weekend). For our 9 am ride, we were told to be at the stable at 8:45. Our ‘wranglers’ were very friendly and experienced horsemen and women, and took us through the ropes. We were each told which horse we’d be riding (they decide based on temperment, experience of the rider, age, etc) and mounted one by one.

It took about 20 minutes to get everyone on their horse and lined up, then we set off down a narrow trail for our 1 hour ride. The horses were well trained, and everyone (even my kids…first time riders) easily managed their horse. We followed our wrangler single-file (another wrangler made up the rear) and they told us information about the surrounding area and the horses as we rode.

The wranglers made sure to keep family groups together.

The ride took us past a great view of the Tetons, a small pond where you can often spot moose (we didn’t) and the side of Jackson Lake (where we saw Toby canoeing with Grandma). The kids enjoyed the experience of controlling their own stead, and had fun bonding with their horses (named Quarter and Chuck Norris…mine was Claire).

The one hour ride was just about enough for us. Much longer, and we’d get sore and the kids might have gotten bored. The scenery was beautiful, and being horseback afforded a different view (not to mention new trails). We’d definitely do it again!

Note: Kids have to be eight years old to ride. Younger kids can ride a pony in the stable area (with an adult present). Backpacks are not permitted, and you’ll want to move things from back pockets (or the saddle will do it for you en route).

Extra Tip: Bring water. We made the mistake of thinking we’d have no place to put it, but the wranglers issue saddle bags and/or water bottle holders for those who ask for them. The trail meanders through some exposed sections of valley, and the morning was warmer than we anticipated!

Date last visited: July 2010.

Distance off the interstate: About 30 minutes from Hwy 89.

Bathrooms: Pit toilets located at the stables. Be sure to go before trail riding!

Costs: One hour rides cost $35 per person. (Canoe rentals, which Toby did instead with his grandparents, are $18/hour.)

Food Services: None. Two restaurants (one cafeteria-style) are located nearby in Colter Bay Village.

Directions: The stables are just past the tent village at Colter Bay Village Resort. From anywhere in the park, take Teton Park Road to Colter Bay, and follow the signs.

Up Next: We drive from Grand Teton National Park to Utah and enjoy a stay at Westgate Park City.

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 13): Hidden Falls Hike, Grand Teton NP

Calvin poses along the Hidden Falls hike.

On Day 13, we set off from Colter Bay Village Resort to hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point on Jenny Lake.

This two mile (each way) moderate hike culminates near the Jenny Lake ferry boat shuttle dock on the far side of Jenny Lake, where the trail climbs up from the lake, following swift-moving Cascade Creek to Hidden Falls. From there, hikers can continue .5 mile to Inspiration Point, which overlooks Jenny Lake.

Inspiration Point truly is inspiring, but then again, so is the whole hike. From the very start of the trail, you enjoy a stunning view of the Tetons, rushing streams, kayakers on the lake, then a beautiful waterfall.

Toby (age 5) got a bit tired on the return trip, but in general, this is a great hike for families. You’ll want to grab a hand or carry very little ones on the short section of trail leading up to and at the falls (and further up to Inspiration Point…see below), but otherwise, the terrain is easy to manage.

Nate records his experience on the Pit Stops for Kids’ Cam:

Note: The last part of the hike (from Hidden Falls to Inspiration Point) is very steep and fairly dangerous. The trail hugs the side of the granite, exposing hikers to drop-offs in some places and rocky in all places. We didn’t take our five-year-old (instead, he stayed at Hidden Falls with his grandmother).

Extra Tip: The hike is beautiful, but if your group isn’t up for the full two miles (each way), there is the option of taking the ferry boat shuttle across Jenny lake. From there, you need only hike .2 miles to Hidden Falls (additional .5 to Inspiration Point).

View from Inspiration Point.

Date last visited: July, 2010.

Distance off the interstate: About 30 minutes from Hwy 89.

Bathrooms: Full bathrooms at the picnic area (see below).

Food Services: None on-site. There is a picnic area at the far end of the Leigh and String Lakes parking lot (right on String Lake). The kids swam there (but I found the water to be freezing!)

String Lake picnic and swimming area.

Directions: From Teton Park Road, take the North Jenny Lake Junction and park at the Leigh and String Lakes trailhead. If you opt for the ferry boat ride, continue on Teton Park Road to the South Jenny Lake Junction.

Up Next: We take a horseback ride through high alpine forests!

Need to catch up? Find all ‘A Pit Stop a Day’ posts by searching ‘a pit stop a day’ in the search box!

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 12): Colter Bay Village, Grand Teton

Toby carts luggage into our double room cabin.

Day 12 found us crossing the national park border from Yellowstone to Grand Teton to check in at Colter Bay Village Resort.

Located within the park boundary and managed by Grand Teton Lodge Company (go through them when booking), Colter Bay Village Resort comprises of a campground, tent village, and cabin village clustered around the shore of Jackson Lake. The resort also includes a marina, visitor’s center, store, horseback riding stables, and two restaurants. There is lake access along the marina.

Kayaks for rent along the marina.

The moment we arrived and found our double cabin (one bedroom on each side of a shared bathroom (fits 6), we knew the kids were going to love this place. The winding paved roads joining the various cabins were similar to those of any standard campground, which made meeting other campers, riding bikes, etc easy and fun. Plus, it probably goes without saying, since we never saw a bad view in all of Grand Teton, but the location of Colter Bay is stunning. We had a perfect view of the Tetons and Jackson Lake from the marina (just yards from our cabin).

Jackson lake with view of the Tetons (from marina).

The cabins had an air of authenticity, which we soon learned was earned: each one was salvaged from area Teton ranches and brought to their current location when the village was constructed. In the restaurants, you can find framed photos of some cabins in their original locations.

The interiors are rustic, but comfortable. There is no air conditioning (you rarely need it this high in the mountains), but each cabin does have a heater unit. Our bathroom had it’s own hot water heater, but no bath tub (shower stall only). There are no TV units, microwaves, or fridges. Free wifi is available in the cabin check-in office and in the guest lounge located adjacent to cabin 451.

Cabin interior.

Depending on your cabin location, you may be in easy walking distance to the two restaurants, the marina, the visitor’s center, and the store. If you opt to stay in the campground or tent village instead (canvas tents with wooden porches, bunks, and communal bathrooms), you may have to drive to these amenities.

During our stay, we utilized the many hiking trails, rented a canoe at the marina to explore the lake, and took the kids horseback riding (review to come).

Note: There are two other accommodations within this side of the national park. Jenny Lake Lodge is located on Jenny Lake, and is what I’d describe as a ‘make sure your kids are on their best behavior’ type of place. Jackson Lake Lodge is more family friendly, but does not sit directly on the lake. You do have great lake views, however, and our waiters at Colter Bay told us that more wildlife can be spotted there.

Extra Tip: Nights get cold in Grand Teton! We visited in July, but still needed jackets and long pants several times. You also want to make sure to pack warm pajamas for all: the heaters work, but you are in a rustic cabin with little insulation!

Date last visited: July 3-5, 2010.

Distance off the interstate: Right off Hwy 89.

Room Rates: Rates vary from $60 a night for semi-private cabins (share a communal bathroom) to $209 a night for a two-room private cabin (what we had).

Food Services: We were very pleased with the food at the resort. The Ranch House offered two ‘tiers’ of a breakfast buffet (you could opt for pastries, fruit, and cereals for $7 or a full buffet for $12…kids’ prices $5 and $7, respectively) and was very good. Dinner entrees were more expensive ($12-18 range) but the soup and salad bar option was very reasonable (and very filling). Kids’ menu prices were low. We bought food from the store for lunches, and ate at the cafeteria-style Colter Cafe Court only once: they have sandwiches, Mexican fare, and burgers in addition to a lunch take-out option.

Website: Colter Bay Village

Up Next: We hike to Inspiration Point on Jenny Lake!

Need to catch up? Read all ‘A Pit Stop a Day’ posts along our 22-day road trip by entering ‘a pit stop a day’ into our search box!

25 travel blogger-approved road trip itineraries

Ready to hit the road this summer with your crew? The open road awaits, and nothing beats a good road trip. If you’re not sure where to go, or simply want a vetted and approved itinerary to follow, read on! I asked travel bloggers across the US and Canada for their top summer road trip itineraries.

Western US:

western-us-road-trip

The western states are prime road trip territory if you’re seeking nature, the outdoors, national parks, and adventure! Below are our two favorite national park road trips through the western US, as well as additional itineraries from other travel bloggers.

Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Zion National Parks road trip: This trip from yours truly at Pit Stops for Kids can be started in Portland, OR or Spokane, WA, and takes families through Washington, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah to some of the most breathtaking national parks in our country. Plan to camp along the way, or look for historic lodging inside the parks.

Great Basin, Arches, Mesa Verde, and Grand Canyon National Parks road trip: This Pit Stops for Kids trip through the Southwestern US takes families from Nevada to Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. We ended in California, but where you go after touring the parks is up to you!

National Park to Park Highway road trip: If you want the ultimate national park road trip, follow this seven week wonder from Mountain Mom and Tots! It follows the original 1920s national parks driving route and visits 16 parks! What an adventure!

Colorado road trip: This road trip from Denver to Redstone Colorado takes families on the scenic path, with stops in Buena Vista and Aspen. It’s been approved by Traveling in Heels. If you have a few extra days, head five hours to Sand Dunes National Park as well.

Oregon-Northern CA road trip: This 11-day road trip from Wild Tales Of features my hometown! It takes visitors from Southern Oregon’s forests and valleys to California wine country and back again!

California coastal road trip: This Pit Stops for Kids trip along scenic Highway 1 on the California coast starts and ends in San Francisco, and takes families along windy roadways, through wine country, and to historic stops like Hearst Castle. If you’re looking for an iconic road trip that combines beauty with culture, this one’s for you!

Grand California road trip: For a more, well, grand trip down the California coast, Trekaroo‘s itinerary includes luxury digs and educational stops all down the coastline. It’s ‘bucket list worthy’, for sure!

Arizona road trip: This multi-day itinerary from Mira Terra Travel Blog touches upon all the national parks and national monuments in Arizona, with break taking scenery and desert landscapes dominating your days.

Pacific Northwest coastal road trip: This trip from Family Travels USA takes road trippers through Oregon and Washington follows the coastline and major interstates, like I-5, and hits major cities like Seattle and Portland, plus scenic regions like Crater Lake and the northern WA coast.

Four Corners road trip: Have you ever wanted to stand on the four corners (of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah)? It’s a fun family activity that always revolves around a larger road trip!

Midwest:

midwest-road-trip

Ohio Learning Vacation road trip: Brought to us by Family Travels on a Budget, this Ohio road trip takes families on a tour of history through the state, from Amish country to Cleveland and everything in-between. Plan to spend about a week, and good news for kids: they can consider this summer school!

Tennessee family road trip: This road trip from Crazy Family Adventure goes from Nashville to Gatlinburg to Chattanooga with kid-friendly attractions at every stop. It features Ruby Falls, which was a favorite with our Midwest writer’s family! Find nature and city sights in one compact road trip.

Iowa/Nebraska/South Dakota road trip: This road trip ends up in the Black Hills, but it takes its time getting there…in the best way possible. If you’re starting from the eastern or southern side of South Dakota’s Black Hills, Oh My Omaha has the route for you!

Black Hills road trip: This outdoor adventure road trip through Black Hills country in South Dakota is tested and approved by Tips for Family Trips. It covers the Black Hills exclusively, including Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devil’s Tower, and the scenic towns dotting the region.

Eastern US:

revolutionary-city-with-kids

American Colonial and Revolutionary History road trip: An epic Pit Stops for Kids road trip ideal for school-aged kids and teens, this trip through Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia spans US history from early settlement to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The Best Ever East Coast road trip: If you want to see a little of everything, the title of this road trip, from Flashpacker Family, says it all. It spans from Maine to Florida, with all sorts of cities, historic sites, theme parks, and nature trails in-between.

New York to Florida road trip: For those not needing to start at the top of the country, this road trip along I-95 from New York to Florida is explained in clear steps by Kids Unplugged. I love that it includes useful tips on where to stop to stretch legs along the way. If you’ll be flying into NYC to start your trip and have a family larger than four, consider arranging for a limo with a service such as Limo Find to make the ground transportation much smoother.

Virginia road trip: This road trip from We3Travel  covers highlights in the entire state, from Hampton to Shenandoah to Newport News. It takes families from history lessons in Jamestown to soft serve and museums in a two-week timeframe.

Vermont Leaf-Peeping road trip: The folks at Back Road Ramblers have the ideal, ready-made road trip itinerary for nature lovers in New England. From state parks to quaint towns to miles of autumn glory, you can easily fill 3-5 days!

Connecticut road trip: This quintessential East Coast road trip from Road Trips for Families takes families from riding roller coasters to enjoying New England charm. Centered around Litchfield Hills, it can be driven in just a few days, making it ideal for a long weekend.

Florida Keys road trip: One of the most scenic road trips in the USA, perfect for a summer adventure, is undoubtedly along the overseas highway from Miami to Key West. Couple Travel The World outlines the key stops to make along the way with everything from eating key lime pie in Key Largo, visiting the Turtle Hospital in Marathon to feeding giant tarpon in Islamorada included. If you decide to hire a red convertible mustang to complete the trip, even better!

All the way across!

Cross-Country road trip: If you want to do it all, or at least see a little bit of everything, this road trip from Walking On Travels starts in Seattle and ends in Maryland. It emphasizes national parks and off-the-beaten-path stops.

Epic Cross-Country trip: Readers will find several great road trip itineraries in this post from Flashpacker Family, but their cross-country trip takes the cake, with stops along Route 66 as well as national parks.

Park-to-park trip: Families can hit 16 major national parks in one trip in this post from Mountain Mom and Tots!

Canada:

canada-road-trip

Families could spend all summer road tripping through Canada! With incredible wildlife and natural beauty and lots of open road, Canada offers outdoor fun combined with city and cultural offerings on both coasts.

Vancouver Island adventure road trip: This trip was one of our all-time favorites at Pit Stops for Kids. Starting in the city of Vancouver, BC with a ferry ride to the island, this road trip includes kayaking, whale watching, hiking, and beach combing.

Ontario and Quebec road trip: On the other side of the country, We3Travel offers up an eight-day road trip starting in Niagara Falls and ending in Montreal. What a perfect way to combine nature with culture!

Nova Scotia road trip: From Mira Terra Travel Blog, this road trip spanning Nova Scotia’s eastern shore is all about wild, sandy beaches and untamed scenery.

Pin it for later!

summer-road-trip

How to pick a dude ranch for your family trip

Dude ranch vacations have gained immense popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They combine the peace of mind and convenience of an all-inclusive vacation with the nostalgia of summer camp, all against a backdrop of beautiful wilderness and lively adventure. The best will offer a range of activities that appeal to your whole family, but each ranch specializes in different things and has different strengths and weaknesses. The task of finding the right one for your needs can feel daunting. Here’s how to pick a dude ranch for your family trip, plus top ranches in each of four general categories.

how-to-pick-a-dude-ranch

Step 1: Ask yourself the following questions

1. Is horseback riding the most important aspect of a dude ranch vacation for our family?

If the answer is yes, choose from ranches that emphasize their riding programs above all else. These ranches tend to be the best pick for advanced, experienced riders who seek more freedom in their rides.

If the answer is no, you’ll want to look for a ranch that offers a wider range of more generalized activities, or risk booking a ranch that’s all horseback riding, all the time. Many will offer golf, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, and rafting in addition to riding.

2. Are your kids all over at the age of 6-8 years?

If the answer is no, you’ll need to look carefully at the fine print of each dude ranch site, to make sure your kids will be able to participate. At many ranches, kids under age 6-8 (depending on the ranch) cannot join riding programs. Some ranches will offer babysitting or childcare services, but most will require you have an adult in your party willing to forego activities to watch young kids. We highly recommend waiting to take a dude ranch vacation when all kids are over age six, at least.

3. How important is your dining experience at the ranch?

If ranch cuisine is very important, you’re in luck: there are certainly ranches offering gourmet dining experiences. If not, you’ll certainly have more options, and can expect food that falls in the upscale family style buffet category.

4. Will you be combining your dude ranch vacation with other destinations in the same trip?

If yes, look for ranches near vacation destinations that appeal to you, and make your dude ranch stay part of a longer road trip. While some ranches are truly apart from major towns, most will be in ‘gateway’ regions, such as a gateway to the Rockies or Sierras, to a national park, or to a city.

5. Do you want to make new friends, or bond as a family?

At some dude ranches, you can certainly do both, but at others, the kids’ program is separate from the adult program, making the experience is much more like ‘camp’ for the kids. If you have social butterflies who can’t wait to meet new kids, this may be perfect. Pick a ranch with a kids’ program that extends beyond riding to kids’ dining and kids’ afternoon activities. If you want to eat meals as a family and ride as a family, pick a ranch that is structured in this way, and avoid ranches that promote kids’ only dining and adults’ only activities.

Step 2: Narrow down your choices

Use a site such as the Dude Ranchers’ Association or a dude ranch round-up to identify specific ranches that will meet your needs. We recommend staying open-minded regarding ranch location as long as possible, placing a higher emphasis on ranch amenities and programs than on geography. To help you along, we compare and contrast three excellent ranches below. Note that while all are amazing ranches, they offer very different experiences.

Triangle X Ranch in Moose, Wyoming:

triangle-x-ranchTriangle X Ranch gives families quite a bit of rein (pun of course intended). Two rides per day are scheduled for those who wish for them, as well as an all-day ride for adults and optional overnight pack ride for teens. Beginning riders are accommodated, but the focus is definitely on advanced riders. Kids eat and ride separately from adults. Triangle X is open year round, with snow sports offered instead of horseback riding in winter. It’s located inside Grand Teton National Park, with absolutely stunning views. Read a full review of Triangle X.

Pros:

  • fun, exciting rides
  • beautiful setting
  • excellent evening programs and educational components
  • separate programs (including riding and dining) for adults and kids
  • nice cabin accommodations

Cons:

  • Inexperienced riders may feel in over their heads
  • separate programs for adults and kids
  • Meals are serviceable, but nothing fancy
  • WiFi in town only

Three Bars Ranch, Cranbrook, British Columbia: 

 

cabins-three-bars-ranchThree Bars Ranch is set against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, and offers a riding program that’s more family-focused. Rides are more flexible, with families able to decide whether to ride together or separately (kids together, with friends, etc) on the morning of each day. Rides are on the controlled side, with options to pick up speed as the week goes on. The ranch is picturesque, and many additional activities are offered. Read a full review of Three Bars.

Pros:

  • Beautiful grounds with comfortable cabins
  • WiFi available
  • family-focused with flexibility for mingling with others
  • safe horse program
  • multiple additional activities offered
  • above-average food
  • wranglers spend time with guests on and off the trails

Cons:

  • horse program may be too ‘tame’ for some advanced riders

Tanque Verde Ranch, Tuscan Arizona:

tanque-verde-ranch

If you want luxury, head to Tanque Verde in the Southwest, or go north to Paws Up in Montana. Both ranches offer a full spa as well as decidedly upscale cuisine. Guests are lodged in luxury dwellings and service is on par with top luxury resorts. Don’t worry: kids aren’t forgotten; they still have a full program of offerings.

Pros:

  • dining is amazing
  • service is outstanding

Cons:

  • high price
  • riding sometimes takes a backseat to spa treatments or golf

Aspen Ridge Resort, Bly Oregon:

Want a non all-inclusive option? Several ranches in Central and Southern Oregon, such as Aspen Ridge, offer ranch programs with a more B&B feel. Families stay in log cabins with full kitchens, make their own meals, and plan only the number of horseback rides they want. The setting is lovely, and families get a good sense of what a working ranch really feels like. In addition to riding, families can bike, hike, and play tennis. Aspen Ridge is open year round, with snowshoeing offer in winter.

Pros:

  • stays can be shorter than the standard week
  • price can be lower, since you pay a la carte
  • dates are more flexible than an all-inclusive ranch

Cons:

  • riding is individualized, not in a program (could be a pro)
  • dining is on your own, or in Aspen Ridge’s dining room (a la carte)

Have you gone on a dude ranch vacation? What’s your pick?

Photo credit: Ken Bosna, Amy Whitley

Best family vacations during a time of social distancing

If you’re an adventurous family, you’re probably itching to travel again. Travel is coming back, but it will look different than in the past. We took an amazing rafting trip–and felt completely safe–in the midst of CV-19, for instance. Then, we ‘glamped’ in a rural location. The key: focus on outdoor-centric vacations that naturally promote social distancing.

Outdoor vacation ideas for families needing to social distance.

Note: Be careful if you’re doing activities requiring a release of liability waiver, and make sure that you’re thinking ahead to any safety concerns that might be specific to your destination. 

Once you’ve considered safety, the following are some tips and ideas to plan an adventure-friendly family vacation.

Rafting in the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a beautiful bucket list-type trip. Rafting can be one of the best ways for your family to explore the area. 

There are options such as what’s offered by the Grand Canyon Expeditions Company that will take you along 277 miles of rafting for eight days. Alternatively, any rafting company, like OARS, can take you out into the wilderness for a rafting, kayaking, and camping adventure.

OARS

You can camp at night, and the trips are well-planned in terms of adventure but also safety. This trip is recommended for kids eight and older. 

South African Safari

International travel is limited right now with the ongoing COVID-19 situation, but when it resumes, consider a trip to South Africa. 

Many companies offer kid-friendly safari adventures so you can see giraffes, lions, and leopards in their natural habitat. 

Some of the high-end lodges in South Africa offer things like fine dining and pre-planned kids activities, so everyone in the family is happy. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (or any national park!)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is the country’s most visited park. It is a domestic and socially-distanced destination as well if you’re looking for a trip you can do now. 

The Smoky Mountains feature hikes, such as the 80-foot Laurel Falls hike. You can walk or drive Cades Cove, and there are also more tourist attractions like the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge. 

Costa Rica

There’s no one specific way to enjoy adventurous travels in Costa Rica. The whole country is known for outdoor adventure. 

costa-rica

Some families opt for multisport trips that might include rafting, jungle hikes, and surfing. You can do ziplines in the cloud forest canopy, learn more about the rainforests’ wildlife, or visit the Arenal Volcano. 

The White Mountains New Hampshire

New Hampshire is an underrated travel destination. 

There are rustic lodges and huts that you can visit while you’re in the White Mountains. For example, there’s Lonesome Lake Hut, which is inexpensive, and you can access it via hiking. 

There’s also Cardigan Lodge, which is just two hours from Boston and accessible by car. 

Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a good adventure destination in the summer and the winter. You can stay at a working ranch and visit nearby Grand Teton National Park. If you stay at a ranch, there are activities like guided fishing tours, floating trips on the Snake River, horseback riding, and nightly cookouts. 

During the winter, Jackson Hole is known for skiing. 

If you’re not a skier, you can take a winter tour of Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Park from a snow coach. You can take a dog sledding tour, go snowshoeing, or take a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge. 

The Swiss Alps

The Swiss Alps might be among the most breath-taking scenery you’ll find anywhere in the world. 

You can plan a family trip to hike and explore the alps organized by a company, or you can plan it on your own. 

The Alps, along with hiking, are known for river rafting, dog-sledding, and bike riding. You can visit restaurants perched on mountain tops and enjoy local cheese. There are beautiful chalet hotels and even the train rides are stunning. 

Scuba Diving in the Keys

Finally, the Florida Keys aren’t known for their beaches, but they are known for their snorkeling. 

If your kids are old enough, you can make your way through the keys by boat and snorkel the best spots. 

A lot of the resorts will offer scuba diving options. For example, Hawks Cay, located in Duck Key, can arrange scuba diving. 

If you want something longer or further offshore, many companies will arrange that as well. 

If you really wanted to be adventurous you could rent a catamaran and stay there as you wander through the Keys. There are scuba and snorkeling options for families with kids of all ages. 

Top spots include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, Sombrero Reef, and Looe Key. 

Best Mountain Towns: Jackson Hole Wyoming

Ready for a Western vacation in a breathtaking setting? Jackson, Wyoming is one of the best vacation towns for families, in any season. We love to visit in summer, where we can base ourselves in Jackson to explore Grand Teton National Park, the Snake River, and area lakes and hikes. Here’s what you can expect in Jackson Hole, what to do, where to stay, and where to eat. Read on for our Jackson Hole Wyoming guide:

jackson-hole

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 Jackson Hole, so start here as you plan a safe and responsible vacation.

The center of Jackson Hole is pedestrian-friendly, with a central square decorated with elk antlers and more than a few Western wear clothing stores and outdoor stores. You’ll find plenty of cowboy bars and casual eateries in the center of town, too. Along the outskirts, families will find the larger resorts, including the ski resorts of Snow King (just outside town) and Jackson Hole (a few miles away). The entire region is framed by the majesty of the Tetons….Grand Teton National Park is only 20 miles away, up Hwy 26 or Hwy 390.

Where to stay:

There are as many types of lodging in and around Jackson as there are ways to enjoy this town. Families can opt for luxury at the Four Seasons Jackson Hole or the Teton Village area, or find lower-budget motels in town (book early!). One travel hack for this area is to book a stay at the Snake River/Jackson Hole KOA just outside town. By far the nicest KOA we’ve stayed in, their luxury cabins are immaculate, and include full kitchens and bathrooms. Located directly on the Snake River about 15 minutes from Jackson Hole, this KOA also offers its own float trip in season. In addition to luxury cabins, they offer standard cabins for well under the cost of a hotel room, and standard RV and tent camping sites, some of which are directly on the river.

koa deluxe cabins

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.

What to do in Jackson Hole:

Plan at least one full day in town. Find parking once, then leave the car during the busy summer months and hoof it from place to place…everything is close by. Browse the fun shops in the heart of town, then head down Snow King Avenue to Snow King Mountain Resort. Try the alpine slide here, or the other summer recreational offerings.

maze 2 web

In warm weather, head next to the Amaz’n Jackson Hole Maze, where kids are given a water gun and sent into a large wooden maze to wage their water wars. This is good old fashioned fun at its best! Be sure to leave time to catch the historic Jackson Hole Rodeo, which performs every Wednesday and Saturday night in summer. Bring sweaters or a blanket…once the sun goes down over the Tetons, the summer air gets chilly!

Just outside of town, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers mountain biking with lift access during the summer months (and world-class skiing in winter). Families can also ride the ariel tram, try the bungee trampoline, or find hiking trails from Teton Village, at the base of the resort.

On a second day, plan a Snake River float trip from one of many operations based in Jackson Hole; we love to go with OARS. With the Tetons as a backdrop, Snake River floats are scenic but not high adrenaline affairs; look for wildlife and expect a packed lunch en route.

oars-jackson-lake

Head into Grand Teton National Park, entering the park at Moose to hike along Phelps Lake (we enjoyed bear sightings here), or continue on to Jenny Lake and String Lake for excellent swimming. Park at String Lake for the best kayaking, SUPing, and wading, but get there early in the summer months…it fills up fast. Farther into the park, rent canoes on Jackson Lake or take a horseback ride at Colter Bay Village.

horseback 2 web

Where to eat:

We’re not foodies. When we travel, we usually want healthy dining options in a casual atmosphere. In Jackson Hole, we love Pizzeria CalderaMacPhail’s Burgers, and the Snake River Brewing Company. For great coffee and wifi, the Bunnery is our go-to morning location.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we are partnering with Hotels.com to bring you this post on Jackson Hole.

Three best road trip itineraries for active families

 

best-road-trips

No matter how much we vacation, road trips remain one of our favorite modes of travel. Why? Road trips offer a sense of adventure and freedom that’s hard to beat. Plus, they’re often more affordable, more flexible, and allow us to see the country up-close and personally. I’m offering up our three best road trip itineraries for active families in the western US and Canada:

1. Northern California Coastal Road Trip

Think a road trip down California’s fabled Highway 1 is only for romantic getaways, ideally in a convertible? Well sure, that’d be nice, but a Highway 1 road trip is excellent with kids in tow, too. Our trip started in San Francisco and ended in San Simeon, with both city and country stops.

monterey bike path

Highlights for active families:

  • Hiking along Big Sur
  • Biking along Monterey Bay
  • Kayaking and seal watching
  • city exploration in San Francisco

Read our full Highway 1 itinerary.

2. Vancouver Island Road Trip

Head over the border to Canada, and explore all the rugged beauty of Vancouver Island, BC. We started in the city of Vancouver, then took a BC ferry at Horseshoe Bay. Once we were on Vancouver Island, we explored the east coast of the shore (known for its sunny weather), then crossed the island for breathtaking views and wildlife spotting on the western side.

remote passages

Highlights for active families:

  • Kayaking in Ucluelet
  • Whale watching via zephyr boat in Tofino
  • Exploring Pacific Rim National Park
  • Ferrying to old growth forests in Meares Island

Read our full Vancouver Island itinerary. Want to add a bit more Pacific Northwest south of the border?  Explore San Juan Islands, WA as well.

3. Western National Parks road trip: Montana, Wyoming, and Utah

Want to see Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Zion, but can’t decide which epic national park to visit? Neither could we! For this national park-focused road trip, we started in Spokane, WA, and drove to Montana to see Glacier, then dropped down Big Sky for some outdoor playtime before driving to Wyoming to see Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Next, we headed to Park City, Utah for a breather before driving south to Zion.

swiftcurrent cruise Many Glacier

Highlights for active families:

  • Exploring 4 national parks in about 3 weeks
  • Camping in yurts and tents
  • Playing on ropes courses and zip lines in Park City and Big Sky
  • Boating on Glacier lakes
  • horseback riding in view of the Tetons

Read our full Western National Parks itinerary. Need a great detour? Drive to Cody, Wyoming after visiting Grand Teton to learn about Buffalo Bill and explore cowboy country.

Additional picks:

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Five resort towns with 4th of July parades

Due to summer travel plans, we usually spend 4th of July away from home. Sometimes, missing our hometown 4th of July parades bums the kids out, so wherever we find ourselves, we try to seek out the local parade festivities. As a result, we’ve experienced new customs, enjoyed local culture and foods, and Toby, always outgoing, has always made new friends. Below, find details on the 4th of July parades in five of our favorite resort towns across the U.S.! Maybe they’ll be on your family vacation route this holiday. Happy birthday, America!

4th of July parades

Jackson Hole, Wyoming:

Jackson Hole’s Howdy Pardners 4th of July parade always begins on Snow King Avenue from the Rodeo Grounds to Glenwood, continues on Broadway, and ends on Willow Street. If you’re staying in town, grab a curbside seat early in the day. While one parent holds everyone’s place (a thankless job!), the other can take the kids over to the Amazin’ Jackson Hole Maze for some water gun fight action. Kids rent water guns, pick teams, then spread out in the large maze area complete with water barrels for refills and platforms for scoping out the enemy. Kids are paired as best as possible by size and age, but very young kids may get scared. The parade starts at 10:30, but families will want to stay for the 6 pm town square frontier shoot out or the evening rodeo.

Where to stay: overnight a short car drive away in Grand Tetons National Park’s Colter Bay Village to combine a small town holiday with national park adventure. Alternatively, stay in town in a VacationRoost vacation home.

Park City, Utah:

This iconic ski town is transformed in the summer months to reflect Park City Utah’s love of the rugged outdoors in warm weather. Start your day with muffins or scones in one of the town’s many breakfast restaurants, or participate in 5K run. Then get a spot for the parade down the main street, which includes over 70 floats and an Air Force fly-over. You’ll still have most of the day to go mountain biking or hiking to escape the crowds, or you can stay for the fireworks.

Where to stay: Westgate Park City Resort is far enough from town (located at The Canyons Resort) to offer some tranquility when you’re ready for it.

Seaside, Oregon:

Families celebrating the 4th of July in Seaside might just as likely be wearing windbreakers as swim suits and shorts, but fog, wind, or sun, the party is happening! The Celebrate Freedom 4th of July  parade starts at the Seaside Museum, ending at the annual Old-Fashioned Social. The party goes on all day until it’s dark enough for fireworks on the beach. While not waiting for the parade, buy taffy at the famous Seaside Candy Man or make sand castles on the wide, open beach.

Where to stay: find a vacation home near the beach and rent it for the whole week to enjoy the town before and after the crowds descend.

Branson, Missouri:

Among the most patriotic resort towns in America, Branson’s celebration starts with a parade-type event families can participate in! The Spirit of ’76 celebration at Branson Stockstill Park and Branson Landing traditionally starts at 9 am, during which you can join others donning their red, white, and blue for a family-friendly event. Ice cream and flags are complimentary, which you can bring with you to one of the many fireworks displays on nearby Table Rock Lake or in Moonshine State Park.

Where to stay: the Chateau on the Lake Resort is the site of the best evening fireworks, and offers swimming, boating, a full-scale spa, and dining for the remainder of your vacation in Branson.

Stowe, Vermont:

The Moscow parade starts the celebration, which doesn’t end until Stowe’s annual fireworks display. Between events, check out the Village Festival from 11 am to 3 pm, for face painting, music, carnival-type activities for the kids, and a full seven miles of shoppingThe parade starts at 10 am, and kids can watch local softball and soccer tournaments, a 4th of July tradition in Stowe.

Where to stay: Settle in near Stowe at Smuggler’s Notch Resort, where kids will stay just as busy the rest of the vacation week with kids’ club activities, hiking and biking, golf, and kid-focused parties. 

Photo credit: inparistexas

This post written in partnership with VacationRoost.