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
September 16, 2015 By
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...]
Downtown Spokane and Hotel RL Spokane at the Park
July 24, 2015 By
After moving to Oregon from Spokane, Washington over 10 years ago, we try to get back to the Inland Empire every few years. This year, we spent two different weekends in Spokane, both of which at the Hotel RL Spokane at the Park, with lots of time to explore downtown with our (now) teen kids. What's so special about downtown Spokane? Spokane is one of those lucky cities that … [Read more...]
Suncadia Resort review with kids
July 22, 2015 By
Suncadia Resort, located right off I-90 in the Wenatchee National Forest southeast of Snoqualamie, WA, is your quintessential four-season, multi-activity contemporary resort. We stopped by for two nights during a long summer road trip through Washington State, and compared it to Bend Oregon’s Sunriver Resort or Redmond Oregon’s Eagle Crest. Suncadia boosts the same offerings, including … [Read more...]
Lookout Pass Ski Area: Idaho skiing with kids
March 2, 2015 By
There are only two ski resorts where kids can span two states while on the slopes, that we know of: Heavenly in Tahoe, which straddles Nevada and California, and Lookout Pass, which encompasses both Idaho and Montana. Skiing Lookout Pass is a friendly, low-stress affair: unlike large ski resorts, this hometown resort in Wallace, Idaho is very accessible, affordable, and welcoming. Located … [Read more...]
Spokane family festivals: year-round family fun
August 28, 2014 By
Who says families need to go to Seattle or Portland to have a good time, see an up-and-coming band, or celebrate a quirky holiday? During the seven years we lived in Spokane, WA, we happily became family festival guinea pigs, trying out a little of everything. In the years since, here's what we deem worthy of a return visit. Spokane festivals worth the trip: Green Bluff Growers Apple … [Read more...]
Summer in the Berkshires: Jiminy Peak summer activities
August 4, 2014 By
We love summer fun at ski resorts! In the Berkshires of Massachusetts, we've reviewed the summer activities at Bousquet, and now, can review in detail all that's on offer in summer at Jiminy Peak. Located in the heart of the Berkshires, Jiminy Peak is a well-known ski resort. In summer, it's transformed into a full-scale outdoor playground, with mountain biking trails, hiking, and an array of … [Read more...]
Tougas Family Farm: U-Pick apple orchard
September 25, 2013 By
U Pick apple orchards Massachusetts: An autumn tradition for many families, Tougas Family Farm in Northboro, Massachusetts offers some of the best apple and peach picking in the Northeast, as well as family harvest activities and harvest baked goods for purchase, such as apple cider doughnuts, freshly baked pies, and cookies. Plan your visit to coincide with the harvest you'd like … [Read more...]
The Coeur d’Alene Resort: a lakeside Idaho Preferred Family destination
May 13, 2013 By
With its white towers and castle-esque peaks, the Coeur d'Alene Resort is easy to spot along the lake shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. When we lived in neighboring Spokane, Washington, our family would retreat to the Coeur d'Alene Resort for family escapes, summer play, and its annual Holiday Light Show. Now that we live further afield, it's a destination resort worth the … [Read more...]
Falls Park, Sioux Falls South Dakota
November 12, 2012 By
Sioux Falls, South Dakota hosts a wide number of free and budget-friendly family attractions, with Falls Park as the crown jewel. Located adjacent to the downtown area, Falls Park features the city's stunning namesake…the Big Sioux River's Sioux Falls. Visitors to the park can walk the many paths to points of interest around the falls, and enjoy the falls themselves, which cascade over … [Read more...]
