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...]
Best of 2014: Best destinations for families you can book now!
December 22, 2014 By
Every December, we take time to reflect upon the past year of travel, and select five experiences---yes, just five!---that we crown the best of the year. Last year, our top travel experiences of 2013 took us from Alaska to the Caribbean. This year, we're focusing on the American West and MidAtlantic, showcasing everything from five-star city hotels to cabins. We stand behind these picks as … [Read more...]
Shenandoah National Park: Nicholson Hollow hike
September 8, 2014 By
Shenandoah National Park is massive, and popular Skyline Drive necessities many hours in and out of the car. Everyone knows Old Rag Mountain offers one of the best day hikes on the East Coast, but it takes most of a day and is very strenuous...not the right fit for every itinerary or every family. However, few people know about the much shorter, much more kid-friendly hike of Nicholson Hollow, … [Read more...]
Yosemite lodging pick: Yosemite Lodge at the Falls
April 28, 2014 By
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...]
Lake Louise Alberta hiking: Lake Agnes Tea House
October 30, 2013 By
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...]
Top 10 family hiking trails in Utah
August 2, 2012 By
It's difficult to select only ten great family hiking trails in Utah, but the trails in Utah's national parks are especially good places for families to explore the natural wonders of the world together. These are my family's favorite trails from each of Utah's national parks. I use two criteria for determining whether a hike is family-friendly. First, the hike must be easy enough for a … [Read more...]
How to plan a multi-day backpacking trip with kids
July 28, 2012 By
Yes, kids can backpack! And yes, it's a bit more work than traditional tent or RV camping with kids, but twice as rewarding. We've backpacked annually with our kids since Nate (now age 13) was 13 months old, and while older kids make for the best backpackers, even backpacking with babies and toddlers is possible. To ensure a successful backpacking trip with kids, most of the work will take place … [Read more...]
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
August 10, 2011 By
The following pit stop is submitted by reader Erica Smith. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is located along the shores of Lake Michigan and is easily accessed from I-94. With 15 miles of beach, outdoor activities, and park programs, there's plenty for families to do. Stop for a few hours en route on I-94, or make it an overnight! Things to do: Hike the sand dune of Mt. Baldy, then … [Read more...]
Family travels in my own backyard: Crater Lake to the Rogue River
June 21, 2011 By
If gas or airline prices are keeping you closer to home this summer, you're not alone. Soaring prices and family commitments necessitate staying in our home region of Southern Oregon this July, too, but we're not letting it stop us from getting away from it all...sort of. We picked a weekend, circled it on the calendar, and created an outdoor family adventure itinerary that won't take us more than … [Read more...]
Lake Quinault Lodge, Olympic National Park
April 3, 2011 By
Built in 1926 on the south shore of Lake Quinault on the lush and beautiful Olympic Peninsula, Lake Quinault Lodge is one of the national park system's most beautiful and timeless historic lodges. Charming when approached from the street (South Shore Road), Lake Quinault's best side is to the north, where the back of the lodge opens upon a cheery deck and lush, sloping lawn to the lake … [Read more...]
