Bouldering with kids: Mill Creek and Avenue of the Boulders OR

When I say 'bouldering' I don't exactly mean the sport catching on among the outdoorsy type from Colorado to New Mexico. I mean 'clambering' or maybe 'scrambling', as we really weren't climbing high enough to need mats or helmets. However, I have learned that if you tell kids they're going bouldering, they hike much faster! Any way I can add some excitement to a nature walk or hike, I do so! Tip: … [Read more...]

Lake Louise Alberta hiking: Lake Agnes Tea House

The wilderness surrounding Lake Louise, Alberta may be the most stunningly beautiful in the greater Banff-Lake Louise area. And if you've been to Banff, you know that's saying something. Plenty of backcountry treks depart from Lake Louise and its next-door neighbor, Lake Moraine, making Lake Louise Alberta hiking some of the best in the Canadian Rockies. Our favorite--to the Lake Agnes Tea … [Read more...]

Educational Travel: Is Temple Square Salt Lake City for everyone?

On a recent drive through Salt Lake City, we decided to stop (for the first time) at the city's famed Temple Square, and it made me wonder: is Temple Square Salt Lake City for everyone? I'll start with a disclaimer: we're not of the LDS faith. Because of this, the site does not hold any symbolic or sentimental meaning to us, other than as a significant player in Utah's rich history. We visited for … [Read more...]

Berkeley CA’s Adventure Playground

Remember playgrounds without padded mats below every surface and safety bars at every turn? Remember building forts in backyards with scraps of plywood and old nails? So does Adventure Playground Berkeley, located at the marina in Berkeley California. This play space has been in operation for 35 years, and is refreshingly unafraid of a lawsuit. We loved every minute. Adventure Playground is a … [Read more...]

Things to do in Sitka Alaska with kids: three not-to-miss attractions

Whether you're embarking upon an Alaska cruise from Sitka or charting a fishing excursion, there are multiple things to do in Sitka Alaska with kids. The town is rich in Russian and Tlingit (Alaska Native) history, and is a bustling fishing port to this day. Be sure to schedule at least one extra day in town to explore the natural, historical, and cultural sights. Sitka boasts 8,500 residents, but … [Read more...]

Visiting Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis Wyoming

Approximately two hours outside of Cody, Wyoming and 2.5 from Yellowstone National Park, the town of Thermopolis Wyoming plays host to Hot Springs State Park, the oldest state park in Wyoming. Families may find themselves passing through en route to either aforementioned destination, and Thermopolis' unique attractions make it an excellent pit stop. Upon entering Hot Springs State Park, you'll … [Read more...]

Cave spelunking at Craters of the Moon National Monument

For families driving through Southern Idaho en route on I-84 or toward Yellowstone National Park, a stop at Craters of the Moon National Monument is well worth the time. This park of lava tubes and geological displays is visually stunning with its rocky volcanic landscape and cinder cone, but the true wonders are below ground. The highlight for our family was certainly the cave exploration within … [Read more...]

Top 10 Toronto kid-friendly activities for families

We love Toronto kid-friendly activities! Don't let this bustling center for business and commerce intimidate you! Families visiting Toronto will find much to do with kids, and much to love amid the busy streets and lively waterfront. Plus, Toronto public transit is very intuitive and affordable: with only two major subway lines, you won't get lost! Leave your car at the hotel, and ride, boat, or … [Read more...]

Toronto Islands: Centre Island activities kids love

Visible from Toronto's Waterfront and harbor, the Toronto Islands are easily accessible, easy to navigate, and easy to see in one day. Pick a sunny day of your Toronto family vacation to check them out! While a few islands are largely residential (or home to sailboat slips) or wildlife refuges, Centre Island is all about family fun. Here's where to start for Centre Island activities kids … [Read more...]

Summer at Park City Mountain Resort: Mountain Biking trails

The Canyons Resort in Park City has the only gravity-based mountain biking in Utah. Expert riders will be well challenged on the miles of black diamond-level single track trails and terrain features in the Canyons Bike Park. But that doesn't mean there isn't something for everybody. Whether visitors crave the adrenaline rush of lift-served bike park fun or the cardio boost of hilly mountain biking … [Read more...]