Most haunted destinations in the US (and why kids should visit)

Curious about touring one of the most haunted destinations in the US? The following family travel destinations have tales to tell. Visit with ghosts in mind, or opt for a spirit-free experience with educational tours, historical sites, and kid-friendly attractions. Gettysburg, PA: It's no wonder Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is haunted, given the significance of this intense three-day Civil War … [Read more...]

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Located in scenic Balboa park San Diego, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center offers hands-on science fun in a open-layout, easy-to-navigate facility. The museum is actually smaller than it looks on the outside, and for our family, that was just fine by us. With four kids in tow from age 4-14, we were thankful for the manageable size and open layout of the space. There are two floors: downstairs … [Read more...]

Luv Surf: Best San Diego vacation home rental

Pay attention, family travelers. I’ve recently discovered a gem of a San Diego vacation home rental option. If you’re not in the San Diego area, you probably haven’t heard of Luv Surf, but this local company should absolutely be on your radar before your next visit to Southern California. Luv Surf is a boutique rental company with half a dozen beach home rentals in the Mission Beach and Mission … [Read more...]

An ideal day itinerary using Old Town Trolley Tours

San Diego’s Old Town Trolley Tour is an excellent way to get an overview of the city for first-time or infrequent visitors. The trolley drivers are entertaining and most stops are well-worth your time. However, admission is not cheap, so to make the cost of an Old Town Trolley Tour worth your while, plan to spend the whole day utilizing it. After a day on the trolley as visitors already … [Read more...]

Wet ’n Wild Palm Springs with kids

In our experience Wet ’n Wild operations are largely the same wherever you go, but certainly, Palm Springs is an ideal location for one. Open in spring and summer, Wet ’n Wild Palm Springs includes all you could ask for in an outdoor water park and a sure-fire activity when in Palm Springs with kids: plenty of slides and tube rides, daredevil slides with sharp drops, small slides for the younger … [Read more...]

Yosemite lodging pick: Yosemite Lodge at the Falls

If your family vacation will center around the valley floor area of Yosemite National Park, you can't beat the location and convenience of Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. Located steps from Yosemite Village in the heart of the park, Yosemite Lodge is directly adjacent to Yosemite Falls (yes, you can see them out your door) and a shuttle stop away from everything else on the valley floor. Read … [Read more...]

Kings Canyon lodging pick: John Muir Lodge review

Kings Canyon National Park's John Muir Lodge is located in the heart of the park's Grant Grove Village. Bustling in summer with campgrounds and tent cabin units, the village is nearly empty in the off-season (any time between September and May). The lodge registration is located at the main complex with convenience store, gift shop, and the Grant Grove Restaurant (more on that soon) but the lodge … [Read more...]

Where to stay in Death Valley: Furnace Creek Ranch California

In stunning and desolate Death Valley, CA, The Furnace Creek Ranch is THE place to stay with kids. This place has everything, from lawn games to a spring-fed outdoor pool and dining options, and is in the best location for exploring this vast park. Read on for a full review of Furnace Creek Ranch. Much more than just your average motel, The Furnace Creek Ranch is a desert oasis centrally located … [Read more...]

Where to backpack with kids in Northern California

Will you be backpacking with kids this coming summer? Most families who love backpacking with kids are familiar with backpacking options in popular regions such as Yosemite National Park, but the following lesser known areas offer backpacking just as scenic and often crowd-free. Tahoe and Northeastern Sierra Nevada: Our favorite section of the Northeastern Sierra Nevada mountain range is … [Read more...]

How to plan your Disney Vacation with FastPass+

We have written extensively about enjoying Disney parks using FastPass. Is all this advice out the window now that Disney has introduced FastPass+ and Disney Magic Bands? The short answer: maybe. The game certainly has changed. How to plan your Disney vacation using FastPass+ and why it will make touring Disney parks easier than ever for those who dislike planning (but harder for those who … [Read more...]