One of my new favorite National Parks is Bryce Canyon National Park! I cannot wait to tell you about the hikes we chose and share photos of the stunning hoodoos and landscape. Keep reading to learn how to spend a day in Bryce Canyon with kids!
This was our first trip to the area, so we wanted to pack in as much as we could during our week long trip to Southern Utah. We stayed in Kanab and visited Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, explored slot canyons, hiked the Toadstool Hoodoos, and more! It’s a great place to base from. Even though we only had a day at Bryce Canyon National Park, we feel like it was the perfect amount of time for our family!
One Day Itinerary
Visitor Center / Jr. Ranger Program
Drive to Bryce Canyon from Kanab, UT (1.5 hours)
Sunset Point Overlook
Hike Navajo Loop Trail
Visitor Center / receive Jr. Ranger badge
Hike Mossy Cave Trail
Drive Back to Kanab, UT (1.5 hours)
Visitor Center / Jr. Ranger Program
We always like to stop by the Visitor Center when visiting National or State Parks! Most are similar to a small museum with artifacts and Park information. Plus, my youngest son really likes to participate in the Jr. Ranger Program. We grab the booklet to work on throughout our visit and then stop back by to turn it in when it’s complete so that he can swear in and get his Jr. Ranger badge!
Sunset Point Overlook
Our first glimpse of the magic of Bryce Canyon, was at the Sunset Point Overlook. You can’t miss this one, especially if hiking isn’t your thing! If you do plan to hike, many of the trailheads can be found near Sunset Point, so it’s a great place to park your vehicle!
The Hikes
Now, on to the good stuff…hiking! Based on the trails that were open and hiking with kids ages 13 and 9, we decided to hike the Navajo Loop Trail and Mossy Cave (which is outside of the Park).
The Navajo Loop Trail is the most popular trail in Bryce Canyon National Park! It truly is amazing walking in between huge hoodoos! To find this trail, head to the parking lot area at Sunset Point. You’ll see the trailhead near the overlook area.
This trail can be moderately challenging when hiking back up to Sunset Point. For us, the entire trail was a little tough because of the wet conditions. It was very muddy, which made the hike down a little tricky in spots! The views are amazing, so don’t let a little mud discourage you from making the trek.
Be sure to check the weather before you go. If it has rained or snowed in the days before your trip, I suggest wearing hiking boots and bringing along spikes for mud or ice!!
After finishing the Navajo Loop Trail, we drove about ten minutes to the Mossy Cave Trail. This is a short hike with a small waterfall, rock formations with “windows,” and a cave at the end. The waterfall was more of a trickle when we visited, but we still enjoyed the trail!
Even though this trail is part of Bryce Canyon, it was not as muddy or as crowded as the Navajo Loop Trail within the park. I’ve heard it’s fun to see this waterfall in the winter, because it freezes and you can walk behind it! We really like hiking to caves, but I was a little disappointed that the cave is blocked off by a fence, so you can’t actually explore inside it. But, it was still a fun hike and the views were awesome!
We packed in a lot of time hiking during our one day visit to Bryce Canyon National Park! I know that we didn’t see everything that this amazing Park has to offer, but we really enjoyed our day and the trails that we chose to hike!
Highlights
Bryce Canyon has the largest concentration of hoodoos found anywhere on Earth! What exactly are hoodoos? Well, they are unique, thin spires of rock formed by weathering and erosion that can be caused by wind, ice and rain.
This Park is open and amazing year-round!
The crowds were much smaller than the crowds at Zion National Park!
There are no mandatory reservations, permits, or shuttle rides required.
There are scenic overlooks and viewpoints if you do not enjoy hiking.
It’s a great place for a day trip!
When to Visit
October through May is an ideal time to visit! The crowds are smaller and the temperatures are cooler. Summer is the most popular time to visit, with more crowds and higher temps. Winter is gorgeous with deep blankets of snow! We visited in March and there was still a lot of snow. It was an unexpected surprise, especially since we came from Texas and don’t usually get to see that!
Things to Know
Arrive early to ensure you find a parking spot at the trailhead or overlook area!
Bring plenty of food, snacks, and water if you’re hiking.
Be cautious of the ledges and steep drop offs on some of the trails.
The teacher in me is so excited to share about this amazing opportunity for elementary students in fourth grade! Did you know that with an Every Kid Outdoors Pass, fourth grade students can get into any National Park in the United State for FREE? And really, every person in the whole entire passenger vehicle gets in free, too!
My fourth grader was so eager to get his pass! We completed the information online and printed the confirmation page. Once we visited our first National Park with the printout, my fourth grader was given his very own National Park Pass! These passes are good from September 1st – August 31st! So, be sure to share this information with anyone that has an elementary student! Using my son’s pass we were able to visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park for free during our spring break trip!
If you have kids that enjoy short hikes with unique rock formations and lots to explore, then you should check out the Toadstool Hoodoos located near Kanab, Utah!
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Our first stop on our recent road trip to Utah was to the Toadstool Hoodoos! My boys loved this trail and we all had such a fun time exploring the area. Plus, it was not crowded at all. Several different times during our visit we were the only people there!
What are Hoodoos?
Hoodoos are unique, thin spires of rock formed by weathering and erosion that can be caused by wind, ice and rain. There are several different sized hoodoos on this trail and it truly felt like we were on another planet! The entire landscape was nothing like we’d ever explored before.
The Hike
The Toadstool Hoodoos – Distance: 1.8 miles | Time: 45 min. | Level: Easy
Photo from AllTrails app
The out and back hike to the toadstools is mostly flat and extremely easy. At the beginning of the trail you will find lots of rocks to climb and small caves to explore. My boys loved this part! The trail was easy to follow and the views were great.
To reach the toadstools, you’ll continue north on the trail. I don’t remember seeing any trail signs, but the sandy path was clear.
Once at the toadstools, you’ll find a couple of unique clusters of hoodoos! The area is beautiful with unique rock formations surrounded by white and orange hills.
Highlights
Kid-friendly trail – This is a fun family hike that has cool features to explore and is easy enough that our boys weren’t tired or complaining! If you are just getting into hiking with your kiddos, this is a great trail!
Caves – we really enjoy exploring caves, so when we happen to stumble across a few on our hikes, we’re pumped! This was an unexpected surprise!
Landscape – the toadstools, the desert plants, the sand, and the hills surrounding the trails really made for a gorgeous adventure!
Lack of Crowds – the best part was the lack of crowds we encountered during our hike. It’s always nice to have an entire place mostly to yourself, to spend as much time as you want taking in the sights!
When to Visit
Considering that this is a desert landscape, spring and fall is the ideal time to visit. We went during the middle of the day over our spring break and the temperatures were very pleasant. If you plan to go in the summer, I’d recommend going early in the morning or later in the evening so that you aren’t too hot.
Things to Know
This trail is located off Highway 89, 45 miles east of Kanab, Utah.
There are no fees or permits required for this hike.
This dog-friendly trail is open year round.
The parking lot is small, but we didn’t encounter any crowds.
There are two small portable bathrooms in the parking lot.
We had a fantastic hike and our first taste of Southern Utah at the Toadstool Hoodoos! Utah is such an amazing state and we cannot wait to venture back that way!
We just returned from a fantastic week in Utah! I’m so excited to share our Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park itinerary and photos with y’all! This itinerary is great for families, couples, or solo travelers.
Day 1:Texas to New Mexico
We began our road trip to Utah from North Texas. For us, it’s about a sixteen hour drive, so we had to break the drive up into two days. We decided to stop in Farmington, New Mexico on our first day of driving. It’s twelve hours from us, so we knocked out the majority of the drive on day one and only had four hours to go the following day.
Farmington is in the Four Corners region and has several great options of places to see if you want to explore more of this area. We’ve stopped at the Aztec Ruins National Monument and to see Shiprockon previous road trips!
Day 2:Kanab/Toadstool Hoodoos
On day two, we continued driving and stopped first in Page, AZ. We only stopped here because we happened to drive right by the Big Lake Trading Postand I wanted to do the short hike from the parking lot to see the sand cave! It was really cool, quick stop!
After that stop, we continued on our drive towards Kanab, UT which is where we were basing out of the entire week. We decided to stop by the Toadstool Hoodoos on the drive into Kanab and I am so glad that we did! My boys loved this stop and we had such a fun time exploring this area. Plus, it wasn’t crowded at all. Several different times during this stop, we were the only people there!
Hoodoos are unique, thin spires of rock formed by weathering and erosion. There are several different sized hoodoos on this trail and it truly felt like we were on another planet! The entire landscape was nothing like we’d ever explored before.
The Toadstool Hoodoos Trail – Distance: 1.8 miles | Time: 45 min. | Level: Easy | Cost: FREE
Once we left the Toadstools, we continued driving to Kanab. We stayed at the Comfort Suites and enjoyed this hotel. We had so much space in our room and it was in a great location! We also enjoyed the free breakfast buffet each morning, but the rates were the best part! We paid less than $450 for six nights here!
For dinner, we ate right down the road from our hotel at Vermillion 45 and it was delicious! It was a little fancier than our usual dinners on the road, but so good! I had shrimp risotto, the boys had pizza and rigatoni, and Jereme had chicken fricassee.
Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park
After looking ahead at the predicted weather for the week, we decided to explore Bryce Canyon National Park on day three. The weather forecast was great for this day, but snow was predicted for later on in the week. It is right under 1.5 hours to get from Kanab to Bryce Canyon!
Based on the trails that were open and hiking with kids ages 13 and 9, we decided to hike the Navajo Loop Trail and Mossy Cave (which is outside of the Park). Be sure to check the weather before you go. If it has rained or snowed in the days before your trip, I suggest wearing hiking boots and bringing along spikes for mud or ice!
Navajo Loop Trail – Distance: 1.5 miles | Time: 1.5 hours | Level: Moderate| Cost: $35 per vehicle
We enjoyed this trail so much because of the up-close view of the hoodoos it provides! But, it was a little tough because of the wet conditions. It was very muddy, which made the hike down a little tricky in spots! The views are amazing, so don’t let a little mud discourage you from making the trek.
After finishing the Navajo Loop Trail, we drove about nine minutes to the Mossy Cave Trail. This is a short hike with a small waterfall, rock formations with “windows,” and a cave at the end. The waterfall was more of a trickle when we visited, but we still enjoyed the trail!
Mossy Cave Trail – Distance: 0.9 miles | Time: 45 minutes | Level: Easy |Cost:FREE (trail is outside main area of Park)
When we returned to Kanab, we had an amazing dinner at Escobar’s Mexican Restaurant. Hands down, this was the BEST food we had on our entire trip! If you’re in the area, definitely make sure to eat here.
Day 4: Kanab
On day four we decided to have a little bit of down time. My boys always seem to need a day to recover after a long drive and a lot of activities. It was so nice to sleep in, walk around the quaint downtown area, and check out some of the places right outside of Kanab.
The boys were tired of hiking and wanted a day to relax, watch tv, and play video games. So, Jereme and I had our own adventure date to the Kanab Sand Caves, also known as Moqui Caves. This place is fascinating! I highly recommend checking it out if you’re ever near Kanab. You don’t need a lot of time here and the hike is pretty easy!
This is such a unique place, right off the main highway that leads to Bryce or Zion from Kanab! We parked right off Highway 89 in a large, marked parking lot for the Sand Caves. You can’t miss it!
For dinner, we decided to have steaks at Iron Horse Restaurant. It was great, the boys loved this place! I didn’t take any food pics, but we all had steak, mashed potatoes, and salad.
Day 5 – Zion National Park
We dedicated day five to exploring Zion National Park and man, we were blown away! The views just driving through were like nothing we’d ever seen before. Full disclosure, it was pretty crowded during our visit over spring break. Because of the crowds, it was hard to find parking and the shuttle lines were insane. We opted to hike two trails in East Zion that did not require the shuttle and we highly recommend both!
If you only have a day in the Park, you don’t want to miss this easy hike. The overlook is truly impressive and the entire trail has views for day, just check out the photos below!
Zion Canyon Overlook Trail – Distance: 0.9 miles | Time: 30-45 minutes | Level: Easy|Cost: $35 per vehicle
The second trail we hiked was by happenstance when a spot opened up in the parking lot as we were driving by. I’m so glad we decided to stop here, we ended up having the entire trail to ourselves! And the best part, this hike ended at a gorgeous waterfall!
Lower Pine Creek Waterfall Trail – Distance: 0.7 miles | Time: 1 hour | Level: Moderate| Cost: $35 per vehicle
We really enjoyed the rock scramble to get to the waterfall! If you have kiddos, they will really love the adventure that this trail provides!
Day 6 – Ride and Rappel Slot Canyon Tour
This day was the best day! We booked the 2.5 hour ride, hike, and rappel adventure with Roam Outdoor. This was great for our boys ages 9 and 13. I recommend this option for families with younger kiddos or for anyone that has never rappelled before. We did four rappels that ranged from 10 feet to 45 feet, all while hiking through the stunning Ladder Canyon near Orderville, Utah.
We met up at the Roam Outdoor business at 10:00 am and were fitted with all of our rappelling gear. Then, we were driven on an ATV by our fantastic guide, Bryson, to Ladder Canyon. It was a short climb around to enter the slot canyon, which started with a rappel down into it! We all felt well prepared to make the first rappel and it started off small at only 10 feet. We gradually increased the distance of each rappel as we went, and finished with a 45 foot decent.
I also truly loved and appreciated how amazing Bryson was when it came to taking photos of our family to remember this special occasion! This was a family favorite and an unforgettable experience!
We followed up our time rappelling with a wonderful late lunch at Wild Thyme Café back in Kanab! The corn chowder soup and chicken pasta alfredo was to die for!
Day 7 – Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon
Our final day of the trip was a fun one! We really enjoyed the tour the day before and wanted to find another slot canyon to hike. I had noticed signs for Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon so I began looking up information on that trail. A high clearance four wheel drive vehicle is extremely necessary. I drive a 4WD Expedition and it would not have made the drive to the canyon. Luckily we had borrowed my mom’s Jeep for this trip and had no trouble off-roading the 3+ miles to the slot canyon. The trail is easy and fun, the sand is just very deep!
To find Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon from Kanab, follow Highway 89 North out of Kanab for about nine miles. You will see a sign for Peek-A-Boo and a parking lot area on the right hand side of the road. Turn into the parking lot and then immediately turn left. This will take you onto BLM Route 102. Follow this until you reach the wash (almost like a dry riverbed). Here, turn left and follow the wash, this will be on BLM Route 106H and it will lead you straight to the slot canyon.
If you’re planning a trip to Utah, I hope you find this Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park itinerary helpful! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Be sure to follow all Leave No Trace Principals so we can continue to enjoy this beautiful country of ours!
The Leave No Trace principles are a set of guidelines designed to minimize the environmental impact of outdoor activities. These principles promote responsible outdoor recreation and stewardship of natural areas. Here are the seven Leave No Trace principles:
Plan ahead and prepare: Proper planning helps minimize potential impacts on the environment. This includes researching the area you’ll be visiting, understanding regulations and special concerns, and being adequately prepared with the right gear and skills.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Stick to established trails, campsites, and designated recreation areas to minimize damage to vegetation and soil. Avoid trampling fragile ecosystems by walking on durable surfaces like rocks, gravel, or dry grass.
Dispose of waste properly: Pack out all trash, garbage, and leftover food. Leave natural areas cleaner than you found them by properly disposing of waste and packing out all items, including biodegradable materials like fruit peels and food scraps.
Leave what you find: Minimize your impact on natural landscapes by leaving rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you found them. Avoid disturbing wildlife or removing cultural or historical artifacts.
Minimize campfire impacts: If fires are permitted and necessary for warmth or cooking, use existing fire rings or designated fire pits whenever possible. Keep fires small, use only local firewood, and fully extinguish fires before leaving. In sensitive areas, consider using a portable stove instead of building a fire.
Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid approaching or feeding them. Keep pets under control and prevent them from harassing wildlife or damaging vegetation. Store food securely to prevent wildlife from accessing it.
Be considerate of other visitors: Respect other visitors’ experiences by minimizing noise, yielding to others on the trail, and respecting privacy in campsites. Follow rules and regulations, and be courteous to others to ensure everyone can enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
By following these principles, outdoor enthusiasts can help protect natural environments and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities.
Embarking on a hiking adventure with kids is not just a stroll in the woods – it’s an opportunity for unforgettable experiences and quality family time. Most of our road tripping adventures have led to us to amazing outdoor destinations and hiking has become one of our family favorites! Check out my top 12 kid-friendly hikes for 2024!
This is a preview of all the hikes I’ll be sharing!
Perrine Coulee Falls Trail – Walk behind a waterfall in Twin Falls, Idaho!
This trail is rated as easy/moderate and is only about a half mile, out and back. You can find this 200 foot waterfall as you drive towards Centennial Waterfront Park. There will be several parking spots right along the roadway at the trailhead!
Hidden Falls Trail – Find a hidden waterfall in The Grand Tetons, Wyoming!
You can either take a scenic, 4 mile out and back hike to see this spectacular 100 foot waterfall. Or you can take a boat ride across Jenny Lake and hike only a mile to find this hidden gem! We chose to take the hike, so we started at Jenny Lake and followed the trail signs.
Maquoketa Caves Loop – Explore 13 different caves in Maquoketa, Iowa
This 1.7 mile loop allows you to explore 13 caves completely on your own, without a guided tour! You can find this amazing trail at Maquoketa Caves State Park in Iowa. Be aware, the caves close for bat hibernation October through April.
Delicate Arch Trail – Hike to the infamous Delicate Arch in Moab, Utah
The hike to Delicate Arch is a moderate 3.2 mile out and back trail. It is a lot harder going up than coming back down. But trust me, the challenge is worth it! Be sure to look into the timed-entry reservation system from April through October.
Emerald Lake Trail – Explore the magic of the Rockies near Estes Park, Colorado
Enjoy all that Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer while exploring the 3.5 mile out and back trail to Emerald Lake. Park at the Bear Lake Corridor and you will easily find the trailhead. Hike past two other beautiful lakes before arriving at Emerald Lake. Timed-entry permits are required from May through October.
Pueblo Loop Trail – Climb ladders inside ancient cliff dwellings in Los Alamos, New Mexico
Discover the ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument. The Pueblo Loop Trail is an easy 1.5 mile loop that offers impressive views of kivas and cliff dwellings. But the best part is the ladder access to climb into the dwellings!
Munds Wagon Trail – Hike to Merry Go Round Rock in Sedona, Arizona
This was probably the toughest hike we’ve done with our boys, but they were troopers. The hike is about 7 miles out and back and the spring is a great time to visit. The red rocks in Sedona are stunning!
Stout Memorial Grove Trail – Walk amongst giants in Crescent City, California
This 0.6 mile loop through the giant Redwood trees in Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park is fun for the whole family! If you have kids, get them outdoors and on this trail. They’ll love this easy trail and climbing on fallen trees!
Carlsbad Caverns Big Room – Explore caves in Carlsbad, New Mexico
Take the Natural Entrance down into the Big Room and explore this impressive cave on your own! The hike is about 2.5 miles in total, but be sure to take the elevator back up! This is a really, really cool experience for kids!
Auger Falls Trail – Hike to an impressive waterfall in Twin Falls, Idaho
Another fun waterfall hike can also be found in Centennial Waterfront Park. You can make this hike as short or as long as you like, but if you do the full loop it’s about 4 miles. We decided to head straight up near the falls and the kids loved climbing over rocks and exploring close to the waterfall!
Witches Gulch – Walk through a mossy canyon in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
This entire experience was a blast for our family! Witches Gulch is only accessible by taking an Upper Dells boat tour. The boat ride is very scenic and the walk through the canyon is very short and easy!
Forsyth Canyon Trail – Hike to the top of a waterfall near Boulder, Colorado
A fun, dog-friendly trail can found near Boulder! The Forsyth Canyon Trail was easy and only 1.6 miles out and back. We enjoyed climbing on rocks and seeing a waterfall from above! This trail kept the kids and the dog entertained!
Hiking with kids isn’t just about reaching the destination – it’s about embracing the adventure together. If you’d like to learn more about hiking with kids, read all of my tips for hiking with kids! You can also visit me on Instagram @road_trip_queen to see more of our adventures! Remember to be patient, encourage curiosity, and make the experience enjoyable for everyone. Happy hiking!
The United States, with its vast and diverse landscape, is home to a myriad of experiences from coast to coast. Whether you’re interested in exploring vibrant cities, immersing yourself in rich history, or enjoying outdoor adventures, I’ve got you covered. Check out my list of our top 52 epic road trip adventures across the United States to help you plan the road trip of a lifetime!
It’s hard to even describe the size of these Redwoods, they are truly awe-inspiring! The hikes we took, like the trail through the Stout Memorial Grove, was very easy and had plenty of opportunities for the kids to climb on fallen logs.
3. Go dog sledding at Monarch Mountain in Colorado
Dog sledding in Monarch, Colorado
If you’re in Colorado in the wintertime, I highly suggest looking into a dog sledding adventure! The views are incredible, but we all agree that the most fun was getting to play with the dogs after our guided sledding adventure!
Start with the walk down into the cave behind the Visitor Center and then take the elevator back up! This entire 2.5 mile cave walk is absolutely amazing and a must-see if you are in New Mexico. Be sure to visit the website to purchase timed-entry tickets ahead of time.
Ouray is a stunning mountain town. It was amazing to stumble across this waterfall, just a short walk from downtown on 8th Avenue!
7. Become a Jr. Park Ranger at any National Park or National Monument
Jr. Rangers
This has become one of my youngest boy’s favorite things to do when we visit a National Park! Just head to the Visitor Center wherever you are to learn more and get the necessary booklet to complete and earn your badge.
Winter adventures are the best, especially when you live in Texas and rarely get snow. We love to snowboard together and Crested Butte is our favorite little ski town!
This stop is hilarious! If you’re near St. Roberts, Missouri I highly suggest stopping at this place for some amazing fudge, candy, and lots of laughs!
There’s nothing more that I love than adventuring with my family. It’s even better when we get to explore on our own without a guided tour. This place is fascinating and very informative. We loved climbing ladders to get a closer look at these cliff dwellings.
Seeing the Macy’s Parade has been on my bucket list for years, but I think we enjoyed walking through the parade balloons the day before even better. Here, you get an up close view of the different parade balloons as they are being inflated! Truly a unique experience. You can find this location at Columbus & 72nd St.
13. Visit a living history museum in the Historic Triangle, Virginia
Historic Jamestowne
Being a teacher, I absolutely love learning about the history of our country! The Historic Triangle is a set of three of living history museums. We explored Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestowne, and Yorktown. We enjoyed Jamestown the most!
This drive is not for the faint of heart! But, I have never seen views like this on any of our road trips. The best views can be seen from Ouray to Silverton! Use extreme caution if you’re brave enough to attempt this one!
15. Walk on the MayflowerII in Plymouth, Massachusetts
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Again, I am a huge nerd! So of course, I had to make the drive to Plymouth when we were visiting Boston last summer. Walking on the Mayflower was a dream come true. Yes, I know it’s not the original, but it’s still so cool to learn more about the journey and see a replica in person!
Orange Beach in the spring is delightful. The weather is warm and the crowds are thin! Sometimes it’s just really nice to relax on the beach and have no plans. Big waves are also super cool, especially for the kiddos!
The Preserve is a truly unique experience down in the Hill Country. We had such a fantastic day learning about elephants, giving one a bath, and ultimately helping in their conservation.
Getting to walk inside Abraham Lincoln’s home in Springfield is a must for anyone that loves history and our 16th president. We learned so much during this tour and it sparked our love of seeing other presidential homes across the US!
20. Collect sand dollars at Enderts Beach, California
Enderts Beach
I’ve always wanted to find a sand dollar at the beach and I’ve only been successful here! The views are impressive and we loved counting all the sand dollars on our walk along the beach!
21.Take a photo in the first town in the first state in Historic Lewes, Delaware
Historic Lewes
I didn’t realize that Delaware is so full of early US history! Be sure to stop for a photo if you’re near Lewes, DE. It’s the first town in the first state in the US!
If you like adventure, then I highly suggest taking a white water rafting trip! I will admit, it’s a little scary but oh so fun. My boys loved this activity on our road trip through Colorado.
The Grand Canyon is something everyone needs to see at least once! Move away from the scenic lookout points for less crowds and views like this.
24. Explore Jesse James’s hideout in Robbers Cave, OK
Robbers Cave State Park
If you enjoy camping and hiking, take a trip to Robbers Cave. You’ll find caves, slot canyons, and a super cool hideout that outlaws like Jesse James used to hide from the law.
25.Take a tram to the top of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri
View from inside the arch
St. Louis is a really neat town to explore. If you visit, you have to go inside the Gateway Arch. The tram ride up was a little intimidating, but super cool!
26. See the birthplace of our government in Philadelphia
Inside Independence Hall
We loved our visit to Philadelphia! If you’re there, be sure to get tickets to go inside Independence Hall. It still smells like the 1700s and the relics from that time period really take you back. I might have cried when the Park Rangers showed us some actual artifacts that were George Washington’s!
Jekyll Island is already picturesque with gorgeous beaches and moss covered trees. Driftwood Beach is a unique day trip and fun for the whole family to explore. My boys enjoyed climbing on the trees and swimming here.
28. Do all things Christmas in Santa Claus, Indiana
Santa Claus, Indiana
Did you know that there’s a town called Santa Claus in Indiana? We visited a few years and did all the Christmas activities! We had breakfast with Santa, wrote him letters at the post office, and took all the Christmas photos around town!
Michigan is beautiful any time of the year, but I loved my trip in the fall! We explored quaint, waterfront towns and did a little hiking, too! It’s a great place for a girl’s trip.
Another city full of early American history is Boston. The 2.5 mile long Freedom Trail passes by 17 different locations that are significant in our early history.
31. Hike to Ice Lake in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Ice Lake
This is a tough hike, but the views are totally worth it! Jereme called this lake, “the Gatorade lake.” I have never seen water so blue! It’s about an 8 mile hike, and the elevation gain is comparable to hiking over two Empire State Buildings.
I have always wanted to drive through Monument Valley and finally had the chance on our way to Moab a few years ago. We stopped for a quick photo at Forest Gump Point!
This trail is one of my most favorites to date! I love exploring caves and this place is fantastic. There are around 13 caves along the trail that you are allowed to explore on your own!
34. Learn about the early days of whaling at the Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut
Seaport Museum
We enjoyed our East Coast road trip last summer. I had heard about Mystic, so we decided to stay the night there. The Seaport Museum is similar to a living history museum. We had a blast walking around and going onboard different ships.
I’ve taken the architecture tour once in Chicago and it was the highlight of the trip. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. I learned a lot about the history of Chicago and the views were great!
36. Catch a game at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts
Happy boys at Fenway!
My boys love all things baseball. So, when we visited Boston, we knew that we had to see a game at Fenway. It was a blast and I even caught my little one a ball from a player on his birthday!
37. Stroll along the Cliff Walk trail in Newport, Rhode Island
Cliff Walk
I cannot imagine what it must be like to live in Newport. There are mansions, and breathtaking views, and a boardwalk, and amazing seafood, and shopping! The Cliff Walk was our favorite… besides eating!
The River Walk is a fun place to explore any time of year. There’s a lot of shopping and a lot of amazing restaurants. But, it’s even more amazing at Christmas because they hang millions of lights all along the trees that line the river!
39. Experience the Wild West in Virginia City, Montana
Back in the Wild West
This little town makes for a fun day trip if you’re near Yellowstone. We enjoyed our visit and exploring the area. The town is now designated as a National Historic Landmark District and the buildings along the main street are like individual museums of the time period!
40. Explore the Cliff Palace dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park
View of Cliff Palace
I felt like a little kid again climbing ladders to access the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde! It’s a truly unique experience and I highly recommend seeing this National Park. Be sure to get timed-entry tickets ahead of time if you plan to visit.
If you’re a movie fan or a baseball fan, this is a fun stop if you’re in Iowa! My boys watched the movie for the first time a few summers ago, so it made a great stop on our Midwest road trip. They had a blast playing baseball on the actual field and walking through the rows of corn stalks.
I’ve always been interested in learning about the Ice Age and other extinct animals. I recently heard about the Waco Mammoth National Monument that’s located in Texas. Here you can see 24 Colombian Mammoth fossils!
We had our very first bear encounter on a trail in the Grand Tetons a few summers ago! It was a little scary at first, but also a very cool experience. Make sure to bring bear spray! We saw several bears and cubs, deer, a fox, and moose on our trip.
Driving through the dramatic landscape of the Badlands should be on your road trip bucket list! There are many scenic overlooks, the chance to see wildlife, and even hiking trails to explore. It does get pretty hot there in the summer.
If you love waterfalls as much as I do, then be sure to find Upper Mesa Falls if you’re near Yellowstone. This waterfall is gorgeous and you can get so close to it.
One of my favorite adventures was walking among the giant sculptures of the Ruins of President’s Park. It was creepy, but we were fascinated. If you’re looking for something different, add this to your list!
Driving around the mountains in a convertible on a beautiful fall day is highly recommended! Snowbird is breathtaking, especially if you’re lucky enough to visit in the fall.
Another fun adventure was walking from Pennsylvania into New Jersey via the Ben Franklin Bridge. The views of Philly are awesome and it’s just fun to say we walked from one state to another. The walk was not long at all!
If you have kids that like dinosaurs, then you should definitely visit Dinosaur Valley State Park. There’s a large collection of dinosaur tracks in the river bed. It’s even better to visit at the end of a dry summer!
In conclusion, embarking on adventures in the USA offers a diverse array of experiences that anyone can enjoy. Whether it’s hiking in national parks or immersing oneself in the historical significance of landmarks, the USA beckons travelers with open arms. Each adventure leaves its mark, creating memories that resonate long after the journey concludes!
If you want to explore more of the United States, check out these six bucket list road trip destinations for 2024! We traveled to each of these destinations over the past year or so, and these are the top places that I would recommend to anyone needing a little road trip inspiration.
Ouray might be my favorite destination in Colorado! My first visit was this past August. I truly fell in love with the landscape and the vibe of this entire mountain town.
Stay in Durango for more dining and nightlife options
Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado. You can access this trail in the Bear Lake Corridor of the Park. This is a moderate to challenging hike because it is uphill for a bit and then there’s a rock scramble to the lake. It was so much fun… and so much easier to hike down!
Be sure to get Bear Lake Corridor permits from May – October
Driftwood Beach is a unique little gem found in Jekyll Island, Georgia. I traveled there last summer and knew I had to explore the driftwood along the beach before returning home. This is not the best beach for swimming, but it’s amazing for exploring, climbing, and photographing!
The entire Oregon coast is a dreamy road trip adventure! We made the trip from the Redwoods in California up to Cannon Beach, Oregon. That is one of my favorite trips to date. We stopped at the Natural Bridges Viewpoint off the Samual H. Boardman Scenic Corridor in Brookings, OR. This was a great place to stop and stretch our legs. You can view the natural bridges from the viewing area near the parking lot. But we went ahead and did the hike down to the bridges and walked over them! It was tough coming back up, but easy enough for my boys to do it with us and they were only 7 and 10 at the time!
Stay on the marked trails if you want to get a closer look
Watch for wildlife – we saw a seal swimming in the water
The Grand Tetons are indeed grand! If you want a fun place to explore, you can make the Grand Tetons a stop on your road trip to Yellowstone or you can make it an entire vacation destination. What I loved about our road trip to the Tetons was that the views on the drive through Wyoming were stunning and we saw so much wildlife!
Ice Lake near Silverton, Colorado is the most outrageous lake I have ever seen. The views up to the lake were amazing. We encountered streams, waterfalls, and wildflowers along the trek. It was extremely tough for us flatlanders, but we made it. The views are one hundred percent worth the effort!
Stay in Durango for more dining and nightlife options
If you’re thinking about traveling to New Mexico, I have just the place you need to see! Keep reading to learn more information and my trusted tips for visiting Bandelier National Monumentin New Mexico, the land of enchantment! I truly cannot believe that more people aren’t talking about this unique place!
What is Bandelier National Monument?
Bandelier National Monument is a designated area in the state of New Mexico that preserves the homes and territory of the Ancestral Puebloans, who lived in the area from the 12th to the 16th centuries. The monument was designated in 1916 and named after Adolph Bandelier, a Swiss anthropologist who researched the cultures of the area and advocated for the preservation of these archaeological sites. The monument spans over 33,000 acres and contains a concentration of archaeological sites, including the remains of dwellings, petroglyphs, and kivas.
Visitors to Bandelier National Monument can learn about the history and culture of the region, enjoy hiking trails, and experience the unique landscape that was once home to a thriving indigenous community. It’s important to be respectful of the archaeological sites and follow park regulations to help preserve these historical treasures.
Favorite Hikes With Kids
We explored this park for the majority of the day. We stopped at different viewpoints and overlooks, hiked along canyon walls, climbed ladders to explore the dwellings, and walked along the most serene trails under a canopy of fall leaves. My boys truly loved this destination because it was so unique and what kid doesn’t love to climb and explore rock formations! The BEST part about this destination is that you are free to explore completely on your own without a guided tour! I would allow one full day here, I don’t really think more time is needed.
Pueblo Loop Trail
We started on the trail right behind the Visitor Center, the Pueblo Loop Trail. Here, you can walk a paved path along the Frijole Canyon walls to the first set of dwellings. There are a few ladders in this area that lead up and inside the dwellings, most were big enough to fit our family of four at one time. I loved that we were able to explore this site without being on a guided tour! This trail is about 1.5 miles, is rated as easy, and takes about 45 minutes to complete. I recommend this trail if you have limited time in the park and want to see the best sites!
Alcove House Trail
If you continue along the Pueblo Loop Trail, you will eventually come to a sign directing you to either go right to the Alcove House or left back to the Visitor Center. The Alcove House was on my list to see, so we continued on to the site. On this 2.5 mile trail, you will walk along a wide, dirt path through a covering of trees and lots of opportunities for photos. We visited in the fall and it was the perfect time with leaves changing colors!
Finally, you will come to a bridge and once you cross it, you begin to see the Alcove House and the four ladders required to climb up to it.
There is a warning here about the climb. So, if you are afraid of heights or have any health issues, it’s not recommended. My family had no problem making the climb up or down, the boys are 13 and 9 now so it was fairly easy for them. We did see much younger children making the climb too, with help from their parents.
My youngest participated in the Jr. Ranger Program. If you are not familiar with this, kids can complete a few pages of an activity book related to the Park or Monument you’re visiting. The activities are based on age/grade level. All you have to do is request one at the Visitor Center from a Park Ranger. Once the activities are complete, you return the book to a Park Ranger, they will review it, and then swear your child in as a Jr. Ranger. A badge representing the Park or Monument is given once you’ve been sworn in as a Jr. Ranger! It’s a really cool opportunity for kids to learn more about the destination you’re visiting and to promise to always protect our lands. The Jr. Ranger Program at Bandelier was really neat and had certain areas marked on the trail for us to learn more about and work on. It was really easy to complete during our visit and Jake was so proud of his badge!
Restaurant
Sirphey at Bandelier is a seasonal restaurant on site at the Monument. It is right next to the Visitor Center by the Pueblo Loop Trailhead parking lot. It was a nice place to grab a late lunch once we finished out hikes. It’s open daily from 10 am until 3:30 pm, but closes for the winter season. The restaurant has green chili burgers, chicken tenders, salads, and even adult beverages! I had a sangria and it was very tasty!
Tips for Visiting Bandelier National Monument
My best tips for visiting Bandelier National Monument are included below:
Arrive early before the parking lot fills up. We arrived around 9:00 am and had no trouble finding a spot. When we finished our day of exploring around 3:00 pm, the lot was completely full and there were cars just waiting for people to leave.
Bring water & snacks, especially if you’re hiking with kids.
Hikes – be sure to hike the Pueblo Loop Trail and if you’re more adventurous go see the Alcove House!
Pack the camera/phone. The landscape is gorgeous and there are many places for photographic opportunities.
Jr. Ranger Program – if you have kids, check it out!
Pack your Patience. Everyone is excited to explore, so remember to be kind while waiting for others to climb ladders or have their time in the cliff dwellings.
Most importantly, do your part to help preserve this amazing area for future generations to continue to enjoy!
Physical Address: 15 Entrance RD, Los Alamos 87544
Phone Number: 505 672-3861 x0
Hours: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm (closed Christmas Day)
Fees: Private Vehicle $25
Where to Stay
For us, we opted to stay in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the Hilton Buffalo Thunder Casino Resort. We enjoyed the various dining options right at the hotel. We visited over Thanksgiving Break, so it was nice when we had one night of cold, rainy weather and didn’t have to leave for dinner. Plus, we were able to explore all that Santa Fe has to offer at the same time!
If you’re just visiting my site, thank you for taking the time to read all of my tips for visiting Bandelier National Monument! I hope you found the information helpful. Be sure to follow the blog for more adventures, tips, recommendations, and itineraries. Happy New Year, everyone! I hope that 2024 brings you peace, happiness, and amazing travels.
A few weeks ago, my husband and I decided to sneak away together for a few days! It was very spur of the moment, I only had about a week to plan our getaway. Since the trip was planned on such short notice and we knew we’d be road tripping, we decided to go to Colorado. It’s one of our favorite destinations anyway, but we wanted to travel to an area we had never visited before. I am so thrilled to report that we found six epic destinations in Southwestern Colorado that you can’t miss!
Our home base for the week was in Durango, Colorado. I cannot believe that this was our first visit here! Durango is such a neat, quaint town. Jereme and I loved strolling the downtown area and shopping and dining along the main street.
Favorite Restaurants in Durango:
Derailed Pour House – This place has great food, excellent drinks, beautiful décor, and a super fun 80s music video vibe! We had dinner here our first night in Durango and found ourselves coming back at night for dessert, martini espressos, and great music! I am still dreaming of the pot stickers I had for dinner!
Los Amigos Del Sur – We were craving Mexican food and kept seeing this place online as ‘best Mexican food in Durango’, so we decided to give it a try. Y’all, it was so good! The staff was great, the watermelon margaritas were even better! We both had street tacos and loved them.
Chimayo Stone Fired Kitchen – We ate here on our last night in Durango. Jereme had pizza and I had fettucine. Both dishes were excellent, they were just really small portions!
If you follow along on our adventures, then you know that exploring the outdoors and visiting National Parks is a huge passion of ours. We couldn’t stay in Durango without exploring Mesa Verde National Park!
We really got lucky planning our visit here. You must make reservations to explore the cliff dwellings and tours go live on the National Park website two weeks in advance. We were able to get tickets for the Balcony House and the Cliff Palace on the same day. We encountered many visitors here that did not purchase reservations and were unable to explore the cliff dwellings. Tours are $8.00 per person and entrance into the Park is $30 per vehicle.
Be sure to allow enough time to drive from Durango to the Park entrance (roughly 45 minutes), and then another hour to drive from the Park entrance to the parking lots for the different dwellings!
This cliff dwelling is the hardest to explore as it requires you to climb ladders and crawl through a small tunnel. It wasn’t too strenuous to maneuver. I highly recommend this tour if you are able to get tickets. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and respectful to the natives that one time inhabited these dwellings.
This is the most popular and largest dwelling on site! You can view it from the lookout above, but it’s really spectacular to hike down to the entrance and get an up-close view of these dwellings. It is truly amazing to think about what life would have been like here hundreds of years ago!
There are many hiking trails around the Park, a hotel, and even a café which we enjoyed eating lunch at! I would definitely recommend allowing a full day to explore this Park. If you are unable to reserve a tour, you can still see some of the dwellings from a distance at different look out points from the road and on different trails.
Ouray, Colorado is probably the most beautiful mountain town we’ve ever visited! It took us about two hours to drive from Durango to Ouray. We really enjoyed burgers and beers at Ouray Brewery! We ate and had a drink on the rooftop while taking in the sights and the cool temperatures! We decided to try two different entrees and split them, so I got the Cluck Norris chicken sandwich and Jereme had the Green Chili Burger. Both were wonderful, but I loved the green chili burger!
Just around the corner from the restaurant is a very impressive waterfall! It’s a stunning sight, but what’s even better is that you can hike to the falls. Waterfall hikes are my favorite and this one did not disappoint. And the best part is that you can even hike behind the falls!
Ice Lake
Near Silverton, in the San Juan Mountains, we hiked the most challenging and epic trail to date! I clocked a total of 8.9 miles and the elevation gain was equivalent to climbing two Empire State Buildings. It was just as tough hiking back down to the trailhead as it was hiking up to the lake. But the views were beyond worth it!
We trekked around waterfalls, crossed through streams, scrambled over rocks, and ended at the craziest blue lake we’ve ever seen! It is definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you enjoy hiking and challenging yourself, then this is the trail to take!
Click on the following link from AllTrails for more detailed information about this trail: Ice Lake Trail Information.
After finally driving on the Million Dollar Highway, I can truthfully say that it is as scary as I’ve heard! But it’ also one of the absolute most beautiful drives we’ve ever taken!
We drove the Million Dollar Highway from Durango to Ourey, which is about 70 miles and takes almost 2 hours each way. The most stunning part of the drive is between Silverton and Ourey, although the entire drive is actually very impressive. There are many spots to pull over and check out the views! You can’t miss stops at Bear Creek Falls, Molas Pass, and the Switzerland of America Look Out Point!
Overall, Southwestern Colorado is a destination that appeals to nature lovers, history buffs, adventure seekers, and those looking to experience the rugged beauty of the mountains!
If you are looking to plan a more unique travel experience with several different adventures, then I highly suggest checking out these epic destinations in Southwestern Colorado!
If you’re looking to enjoy beautiful landscapes without engaging in strenuous hiking, there are plenty of options available! Below, I am sharing some stunning landscapes that you can easily appreciate without the need for extensive hiking!
The Grand Canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder known for its vastness and vibrant colors. You can enjoy stunning views from various overlooks and viewpoints that are easily accessible by car or shuttle bus.
One of our favorites was the view just past Mather’s Point. This viewpoint is the closest to the Visitor Center and can be quiet crowded. But if you keep walking along the sidewalk, on the rim walk towards the South Kaibab trail, the crowds thin out. This is where we got some of our best photos of the canyon!
Garden of the Gods is a popular landmark in Colorado Springs, CO. It’s known for its stunning red rock formations and picturesque landscapes. The walkway inside the park is also on a paved trail and can be quiet easy to maneuver. I suggest the Perkins Central Garden loop that takes about twenty-five minutes to complete.
If you prefer a more leisurely experience, you can take a scenic drive through the park on paved roads. The main road, known as Garden Drive, offers several viewpoints where you can stop and admire the stunning rock formations.
Bear Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is one of the most popular destinations in the park due to its accessibility and amazing scenery. The lake is surrounded by towering peaks and the waters are emerald-green.
The loop around the lake is wheelchair accessible and is approximately a 0.5 mile loop. The parking lot is also close to the lake, but since it is one of the most popular areas in the park, it does fill up quick. Shuttle service is also available in the Bear Lake Corridor!
Sprague Lake is another picturesque lake located within Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a popular destination for visitors due to its serene beauty, wildlife, and accessibility. The lake is surrounded by a peaceful landscape of forests and meadows with stunning views of the mountains, including the Continental Divide.
The trail features a short, 0.8 mile loop that encircles the lake. On our summer visit, we began the walk around the lake at 4:30 pm, and encountered a moose and her baby by around 4:45 pm. It was the highlight of our day! This is a great spot for wildlife viewing and taking in a sunset or sunrise!
Dead Horse Point State Park is a gorgeous natural park located in southeastern Utah. It is known for its breathtaking views of the Colorado River and its deep canyons. Because it’s located on a high plateau, it offers panoramic views and dramatic overlooks.
The Dead Horse Visitors Center Loop trail is considered an easy route and takes under ten minutes to complete. We were in complete awe walking around this area. The views are breathtaking, and I honestly enjoyed this destination more than the Grand Canyon!
Upper Mesa Falls is a massive waterfall that you can find in Ashton, Idaho. This waterfall is 114 feet tall and 200 feet wide. It is most known for its impressive cascades and powerful rush of water!
I recommend exploring the Upper Mesa Falls Boardwalk & Lookout trail. This trail is less than half a mile, it’s considered very easy, and takes about fifteen minutes to complete. Here you will find a paved trail that leads to a boardwalk with many different viewpoints of the waterfall!
The Stout Memorial Grove Trail is located in Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park near Crescent City, California. This easy, 0.7 mile loop winds through ancient coastal redwood trees and takes under thirty minutes to complete. This loop is suitable for people of all skill levels and we found it very easy to traverse!
This was our favorite trail in the Redwoods. It was so peaceful walking among these giant trees that date back seven hundred years. Our boys loved climbing on the downed trees and it’s a memory that we will never forget!
As you can see, these destinations offer stunning landscapes and each location has plenty of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy without the need of hiking. So, don’t be afraid to get out there and explore more of this amazing country. Be sure to follow my blog for more updates and family-friendly travel recommendations, destinations, and guides!
It’s no secret that we are regular travelers. We have ventured to many states across the country. In fact, I only have nine states remaining to get to all fifty! As you can imagine, we’ve had both good and bad hotel and lodging experiences. Thankfully, we’ve had far more amazing experiences and I am so happy to share some of the BEST hotels and lodging across the US that we’ve stumbled upon!
The Sea Sprite Inn in Cannon Beach, Oregon is probably my favorite lodging of all time! We adored this little beach cottage so much. It’s nestled right on the beach with amazing views of Haystack Rock! The sunsets were like nothing I have ever seen before, all from the comfort of the living room.
The unit we booked had one bedroom, one bathroom, a full kitchen, and a living room with a sleeper sofa. It was perfect for our family of four! The back door led out to a grassy picnic area with tables and lawn chairs. It was also right on the beach, so we were able to explore Haystack Rock and the tide pools surrounding it! At night, we’d have bonfires right on the beach. For the price, the views here cannot be beat!
We recently stayed at the Holiday Inn in Orange Beach and we were impressed with many things, but the free breakfast really stood out! It was so nice to actually have a good quality breakfast each morning before we ventured out to the beach for the day.
It was so nice to not cook and clean!
A big hotel selling point for our family is free breakfast! It’s so nice having one less thing to worry about in the mornings. Let me tell you, this free breakfast is the best one we’ve ever had! They provided such a large assortment for everyone. Each morning there were biscuits and gravy, either sausage or bacon, and eggs. The egg choices were either cheesy omelets, egg white omelets with peppers, cheesy scrambled eggs, or boiled eggs. There were also cereals, pancakes, yogurts, fruits, and cinnamon rolls! We left completely stuffed and ready for a day at the beach!
Even though we were on our Yellowstone trip during the historic flooding of 2022 and never were able to go into the Park, we couldn’t have been staying at a better location! Not only was the staff at the Kelly Inn pretty remarkable under these stressful times, the location helped make our stay a little better.
And it’s only a short walk to the Main Street!
It is so close to the West entrance of Yellowstone National Park, we could’ve walked right in had it been open. We were able to walk from the hotel to the Wolf Discovery Center and even to all of the shops and restaurants on the main street! So, if you’re planning a trip to visit Yellowstone, I highly recommend the Kelly Inn as your home base during the visit!
We recently traveled down to San Antonio and the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa hands down wins the best pool vote! We spent most of our time at the resort’s five acre water park! This resort has a Texas shaped adults only pool, a large family pool, a lazy river, a lagoon area, and even a water slide! And, the views are pretty breathtaking, too. The pools and lazy river are nestled under so many trees, so even though we were in Texas, the heat wasn’t unbearable at all! If you or your kids enjoy pool time, then I highly suggest checking this resort out.
As an added bonus, there are two different poolside bars and grills, with staff that comes around to take your food and drink orders. You do not have to worry about bringing your wallet with you, as you’re able to charge everything back to your room!
We stayed at the Chestnut Mountain Resort last summer on part of our Midwest road trip! This place has so much to offer, but the delicious on-site dining is what stands out to me the most. I find myself craving the breakfasts in the morning and the shrimp salad was to die for!
This is another one of those places that had so many activities and my boys often wanted to just spend the entire day at the resort! It’s so nice when there’s also great dining available for those days that you just want to relax and explore the property you’re visiting!
It’s been years since we stayed at the Still Water Resort, but it’s one of those places that we talk about often! My kids were never bored during our stay here. There are so many water activities available, we weren’t even able to do them all! From a really cool water slide to several different pools, then a lake with paddle boards, kayaks, water trikes, and more, there is something here for everyone!
We spent the days at the lake!
We also loved the quiet atmosphere around the different units and the food trucks on-site were definitely an added bonus! This is one place that we are eager to return to!
If you follow along on our adventures, then you might already know that I love a good ghost tour! So, it’s been a dream of mine to stay here at the Stanley Hotel! On our first night at the hotel, we booked the latest Shining Tour and embarked on an adventure to spot some of the ghosts that are reported to roam the property.
We know we’re ridiculous!
We didn’t have luck finding any, but we thoroughly enjoyed our guide and hearing stories of the hotel’s past. We were even entertained with ghost stories and photos of ghost sightings along the way. The hotel is already remarkable, so seeing some of the recreated scenes from The Shining movie on the tour was also really fun!
Picture this, you start your morning off doing yoga in a room with floor to ceiling windows set in the mountains. It’s October, so the trees are full of fall colors. But you’re lucky, because you’re also witnessing the first snowfall of the season! This was my experience on my girls’ spa weekend trip in Utah! Following our morning yoga session, we then had full body massages, enjoyed the steam room, had a pedicure, and spent some time out in the rooftop hot tub!
Photo from the Cliff Lodge Spa website
The Cliff Lodge is one of those places that I long to return back to. We had the best time relaxing in the mountains and being completely pampered for the entire weekend! If you’re looking for a getaway like the one I described above, then I highly recommend checking this place out!
We adored the hospitality that the staff at The Manhattan Times Square showed us during our visit over Thanksgiving break! Checking in went so smoothly, even though we arrived much earlier than the actual check-in time. And the staff really liked our boys and asked them if they wanted to stay on a high or low floor. Of course, the boys said, “The highest floor!” So, they actually put us right on the top!
Can you believe this view from our room?!
The coolest part was that we were also put in a corner room and we had a perfect view of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade right from our room. That was totally unexpected and I know that the staff had everything to do with what room we got! This hotel is a little older and not the roomiest, as most in NYC are, but we will gladly go back! We had such a special visit and being able to watch the parade from our hotel window made it that much better!
We were very pleasantly surprised with how much fun we had in Vegas with our boys. And, after three previous visits, I finally got to stay at the Bellagio! It was everything I had hoped it would be. We really loved watching the fountains, even from the room.
They do the holidays big here!!
We also really enjoyed the nightlife! My kids liked watching all of the people and busyness going on around the casino. And it’s huge, there’s something to explore in just about every corner. We did some shopping, ate great food, watched Jereme play some slot machines, and roamed the strip. Plus, the holiday décor was amazing and I am so happy we got to experience it!
If you’re ready to visit the mountains during the wintertime, I highly recommend staying at Fraser Crossing Founders Pointe. Winter Park is already a dreamy winter destination, and this condo complex is so close to the ski slopes and more budget friendly than others we’ve stayed at.
It was like being in a snow globe!
Here, you can relax in your room and watch the snow fall or simply walk right to the base for shopping, dining, and skiing or snowboarding. It’s so convenient, especially if you’re hitting the slopes with kiddos. We’ve never been disappointed with a stay here!
I hope these recommendations help you plan a fantastic adventure! Be sure to continue to follow our travels for more tips on destinations, lodging, hiking, and other family-friendly vacation ideas!
My youngest son and I just returned home from a fantastic weekend getaway to the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa! We snuck away for a few days, just the two of us. This place is perfect for families, but would also be fun for a couples or friends! Below, I’m including everything you need to know to plan your visit to this amazing resort!
The Property
This pet-friendly resort sits on 300 acres in San Antonio, Texas. It’s close to SeaWorld and only twenty minutes from the historic San Antonio River Walk. But, it felt like we were worlds away from the bustling city! Once we arrived and parked our car, we never left! The resort has so much to offer, from nature trails, on-site restaurants, bicycle rentals, a water park, and more! It felt a little overwhelming, but the hotel staff is incredible and we left the check-in area with a list of daily events and a detailed resort map.
Our Room
We booked a king room with a balcony and were placed in a newly renovated section of the resort! The room was spacious and the bed was comfy! We enjoyed the room so much, we ordered room service for dinner one night and just hung out and watched movies on the huge tv!
5-Acre Waterpark
Most of our time was spent at this impressive water park! And it’s so big, we often felt like we had the entire place to ourselves. Here, you will find a lazy river and tubes, a beach area with sand, a very large pool, a hot tub, a water slide, the Flow Rider, and two different outdoor bar and grills!
Dining
There is no shortage of amazing dining options at this resort! We enjoyed eating lunch and snacks at the pool grill, we ordered room service for dinner and breakfast one day, and treated ourselves to a fancy dinner on our last night. Seriously, there really is no reason to leave once you arrive!
This upscale steakhouse was to die for. We both enjoyed our four course meal. To start, you’ll have bread and butter delivered first. The tomato-basil butter was delicious! The kids will then get a small grill cheese sandwich and a fruit kabob. Entrees then arrive, Jake and I both had fillets. I also ordered a side of mashed potatoes and these sides are family style. So Jake and I both had plenty to go around. Then, the kids will get a dessert. Jake had the cookie dough with apple slices, pretzels, and graham crackers. Plus, the bartender sent over a fun drink for him to try! The service and the food was impeccable!
We ordered room service for dinner and then again for breakfast the next morning from Springhouse Café. Both options were great, but we enjoyed the breakfast the best!
The pool bar and grill made snacking and lunchtime so easy! You can walk up to the bar and place an order, or you can order with a waiter/waitress right from the pool or lounge chairs and they will bring your order right out to you.
Here is a complete list of dining and bar options at the resort. There were a few other places that we didn’t try! There is also a small store inside that has a Starbucks and sells sandwiches, pasta salads, and café style foods.
Activities
The resort offers many on-site activities besides the waterpark! You can find bike and walking trails, campfire chats, wildlife feedings, volleyball, ping-pong, corn hole, s’mores and outdoor movie nights, golfing, and spa treatments. There really is something here for everyone!
We spent most of our days at the water park, but in the evenings we made s’mores and played so many games of ping-pong and corn hole. We also enjoyed watching deer in the evenings by the campfire. Jake begged me to add more nights to our reservation, he loved this resort!
Things to Pack
Bathing suits – for the family
Pool bag – include sunscreen & waterproof phone case
Cover up
Casual Clothes – for all restaurants & activities
Tennis shoes – for hiking or bike riding
Blanket – for outdoor movie
You don’t need to bring along too much, the resort has it all! Just be sure to bring along the basics for visiting a pool and waterpark. You do not need pool towels, they have plenty around the pool. Just be sure to return them or you will be charged for them. I wish we had brought a blanket for movie nights!
While we didn’t leave once we arrived, this resort is located in San Antonio. Click here for more ideas on things to do in San Antonio if you or your family want to venture out to the city! We love San Antonio, there’s so much to do here.
All in all, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort is one of the best resorts that we’ve ever visited! The layout and activities made it a great getaway and everything was easy. Which was great since I was there without my husband! We felt safe the entire time and we both truly had a blast! If you’re looking for a fun, relaxing, stress-free vacation, then this is the place to go!
Last year we took an epic road trip from Texas to Montana, and then back home! Below, I’m including 14 must see spots on your road trip to Yellowstone! This road trip adventure will take you through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.
We are notorious for driving through Texas as quick as we can and not making too many stops in our home state. But, if you’re looking for a quick, fun, colorful stop, then check our Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX. Don’t forget to bring along a can of spray paint!
Address: 13651 I-40 Frontage Road, Amarillo, TX
New Mexico
Amarillo, TX to Farmington, NM
If you’re coming in from Texas, New Mexico is a great place to stop for the night! We stayed in Farmington, NM and that was about a twelve hour drive for us from home. We typically don’t like to drive that far in one day, but we wanted to knock out a big chunk early on to have more days for exploring. And Texas is a huge state to drive through!
The Aztec Ruins are a fun and educational stop in Farmington, NM. We spent about an hour here, exploring the different areas of the ruins. The boys loved all of the prairie dogs!
Shiprock is an iconic sight, rising 1,583 feet tall, about 30 minutes from Farmington! Be aware, it’s considered a sacred place to the Navajo tribe and is not open to the public. We just made a quick stop for a photo on the side of the road!
Directions from Farmington: Take US 64 west to Shiprock and make a left at the intersection with US 491. Continue 7.1 miles on US 64 and 491, and turn right (west) onto the paved Indian Service Route 13. Continue 7.6 miles on IR 13 and turn right (north) onto IR 5010, which is a dirt road. Follow IR 5010 north to Shiprock, which is about 3.5 miles away.
I have always wanted to see Monument Valley, so we made sure to add this route to our road trip itinerary! I am hoping to explore more of this area on a future trip out west. We just drove through, and stopped for a quick photo at Forest Gump Point. I typed that in on my GPS and it led us there! The landscape here was impressive and I am so happy we added this quick detour to our route!
Monument Valley is located on US Highway 163.
Utah
Monument Valley to Moab, UT
Utah is one of the coolest states we’ve ever visited! On this trip, we drove through Moab on our journey to Yellowstone. Of course, we had to stop for some hiking! There are so many amazing spots in Moab to explore. If you’re short on time, I recommend hiking up to Wilson Arch. If you have more time on your road trip, you can stay in Moab for a few days to explore the two National Parks here!
Wilson Arch is a quick, five minute hike from the side of highway 191, about 20 minutes south of Moab. It’s mostly uphill, but we were able to hike up and back down without any issues. You can find the pull out to park right alongside the highway, and even though it’s not very crowded, you’ll see other cars along the road. We like this hike because you don’t have to pay to explore here!
Arches National Park is the site of over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. It’s one of those places that you just have to see to believe! My boys loved exploring this park and keep asking to go back. There are so many areas to explore, if you’re short on time you can even just drive through and stop at different overlooks to take in the different arches. If you have time for a hike, I recommend the three mile hike to the iconic Delicate Arch! Keep in mind, you do need a timed-entry permit to enter Arches National Park from April 1st-October 31st.
Directions to Arches: From Moab, drive north on US 191 for five miles. You will see the sign for the entrance!
I think I prefer Dead Horse Point State Park over the Grand Canyon, it’s that scenic! You don’t need a ton of time here, we just parked and walked along the overlook trail. The views are absolutely breathtaking!
Directions to Dead Horse Point: Drive nine miles northwest of Moab on US 191 and then 23 miles southwest on Utah 313 to the end of the highway. You will see signs for Dead Horse Point along the drive!
Another amazing National Park in Moab is Canyonlands! The area called Island in the Sky is right next to Dead Horse Point State Park, so you can knock these two places out at one time! The overlooks are truly amazing. If you don’t have much time, I recommend checking out Mesa Arch!
Directions to Canyonlands: From US 191 north of Moab, UT 313 leads to Island in the Sky district. You will keep driving past Arches NP and will see signs for Canyonlands National Park.
Idaho
Moab, UT to Twin Falls, ID
Idaho has to be the most underrated state we’ve ever visited! We were blown away with the views, the waterfalls, the hiking trails, the mountains, and more! On our road trip, we decided to stay in Twin Falls for a few nights to explore the area and spend some time outside of the car. This ended up being a great choice and one of my favorite destinations of the entire trip!
Can you see the people on the trail behind the waterfall?
Did you know that you can hike behind one of the tallest waterfalls in Twin Falls? I had no clue until I began researching stops along our route. The 200 foot waterfall is quite impressive by itself, but having the opportunity to walk behind it was really special!
Directions to Perrine Coulee Falls: This waterfall is just outside of Centennial Waterfront Park. You’ll see cars parked along the street next to the falls. You won’t miss this one, it’s close to the road that leads through the park!
Shoshone Falls is also known as The Niagara of the West! If you’re in Twin Falls, you have to visit this park! There are several different paved trails with different views of the falls. And, you don’t need a lot of time here to experience the magic!
Shoshone Falls Park Address: 4155 Shoshone Falls Grade, Twin Falls, ID 83301. There is a $5 entrance fee per vehicle.
If you’re driving from Twin Falls, you should make the stop to hike around Upper Mesa Falls near the Idaho, Montana border! I really had no clue that Idaho was full of so many amazing waterfalls. This is a very short hike to a 114 feet high, 200 feet wide roaring curtain of water!
Directions to Mesa Falls: You’ll find Upper Mesa Falls in Ashton, Idaho off of Hwy 20 via Scenic Byway 47. I used the Alltrails app for directions and we had no issues finding it. There were also signs along the drive.
Montana
Twin Falls, ID to West Yellowstone, MT
Up to this point, our trip was fantastic, but then we arrived in West Yellowstone, MT and found out that Yellowstone National Park was closed. Yes, we are some of the unfortunate people that made the trip only to learn that other areas of the park had encountered historic flooding. So, we never actually got to enter Yellowstone. We were so sad, but found other things to do in the area.
We had been so excited to see wild animals in Yellowstone, so it made sense to visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Plus, it was directly across the street from our lodging. It is a fantastic facility! We loved seeing the bears and were so excited when the wolves woke up and began moving around. We spent several hours here viewing the animals, hearing their stories, and exploring the museum inside.
Address: 201 S Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758. It costs $16.50 for adults, $11.50 for kids.
Wyoming
West Yellowstone, MT to Jackson, WY
Our trip was completely redeemed once we made it to Jackson, WY! The Grand Tetons are absolutely gorgeous. And, the best part is that we got to encounter a real bear in the wild!
One can easily spend weeks here and not see everything that this National Park has to offer. We had the chance to spend a couple of nights here, and we were able to spend two full days hiking in the park. If I had one place to recommend, I’d suggest the Jenny Lake area! If you want to see wildlife, hike on the Phelps Lake Overlook trail, that’s where we saw the bear!
Visitor Center Address: 100 Discovery Way, Moose, WY 83012
Colorado
Jackson, WY to Colorado Springs, CO
By the time we made it to Colorado Springs for the night, before journeying back home, we were exhausted! This is such a neat destination, you can easily spend a week vacationing here alone. So, even though there are tons of activities and attractions to explore here, we opted for a quick visit to Garden of the Gods.
Garden of the Gods has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid! I knew I wanted to bring my boys here. They’ve actually visited this place on several different occasions, it makes for a great stop! My boys love the easy walk around the different rock formations. And the climbing is their favorite part! Plus, it’s always a good idea to get the kids tired before beginning a long trip back home! Don’t miss out on the museum inside the Visitor Center.
Address: 1805 N. 30th Street Colorado Springs, CO 80904
We spent two weeks adventuring through the desert and over mountains on this road trip! Even though we didn’t get to see the main attraction on this trip, we still had a wonderful time and made tons of memories! This road trip did involve a lot of planning, especially for the weather! It was warm in some places, but snowed in others, all within just a few days.
Road Trip Tips
Have a plan! Make sure to know your route and where you plan to stop and stay each night!
Get your vehicle checked before your road trip!
Make sure you have a first aid kit in your vehicle.
Bring plenty of snacks and drinks for the drive!
Create a playlist. If you have kids, have them help you!
Stop often for breaks.
Don’t try to drive too long each day unless you know you and your kiddos can handle it.
Prepare for the weather at each destination on your adventure!
Be patient, expect traffic and weather delays from time to time.
Don’t try to pack in too much each day!
Have fun!
I’m sure we missed a ton of awesome places on this road trip! We do have plans to one day return to Yellowstone, taking a different route. Be sure to check out more of my blog posts for complete travel guides and itineraries! Good luck on your next road trip, I know it’s going to be amazing!
Who knew that St. Louis would turn out to be a really fun adventure and a great place to visit with kids? To be honest, I didn’t know much about St. Louis, but I really wanted to see Gateway Arch National Park. On our trip, we ended up discovering so many kid-friendly activities and attractions! Keep reading to learn where to stay, where to eat, and what to do with kids!
We’ve visited St. Louis twice now after having so much fun on our first trip. Our visits have been in May and in October. I really enjoyed both visits, but our October visit is my favorite. The weather was very pleasant and we spent most of our time outside, which is always our favorite way to spend the day.
Fall in St. Louis
Where to Stay
Both times we’ve traveled to St. Louis, we’ve stayed at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch. This hotel is only steps away from Gateway Arch National Park! The location makes all of the difference. Once here, you really don’t even need your vehicle! Most places are within walking distance, which makes it so easy to explore and not worry about parking. Plus, you can’t beat the views from your room!
The view from our hotel room!
What to Do
St. Louis is packed full of kid-friendly activities and attractions to explore! I’m sure we didn’t even scratch surface on all that this city has to offer. Below are some of our favorite kid-friendly activities!
The Gateway Arch is an impressive sight and makes a great family photo op! But, there’s a lot more to this place. The museum in the visitor center is very educational and we enjoyed learning more about it’s construction. Plus, you can take a ride to the top and the views are awesome! Full disclosure, the ride up is not for the faint of heart. And I don’t recommend going on a windy day, the arch actually moves a little with the wind. But it is sure fun to say we’ve been inside!
The City Museum is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced! I mean, knee pads are recommended. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was so excited to take my boys here. We all had a blast! There are so many spaces to explore, ranging from caves to treehouses, and even a rooftop area. It truly is a unique experience and fun for all ages! This is truly one of those places that you just have to see to believe!
My boys both play baseball and they love all things related to the sport! So, it was a no brainer that we would check out Ballpark Village! We spent the afternoon walking around the area, shopping for baseball gear, eating outside, and listening to live music. If you’re a baseball fan, I highly recommend making a stop at this place! There’s a lot to see and do, including shops, the Cardinal’s baseball museum, catching a game, and there are a lot of dining options!
I had no idea that there would be so many outdoor adventures in St. Louis! Right behind our hotel, we walked along the St. Louis Riverfront Trail. The weather was gorgeous and we enjoyed the history of the river, especially the information about the Lewis & Clark expedition! This was a great area to run around with our kids and our pup. This trail is about twelve miles, but we didn’t go that far!
We always enjoy visiting past president’s homes. So, when I learned that Ulysses S. Grant had a home in St. Louis, we dedicated some time for a visit. The grounds are stunning and we learned a lot about this family’s time here. There is a lot to explore, including the museum, the house, and the wooded land surrounding the home.
Since we were visiting St. Louis in October, I thought that a haunted history walk would be a lot of fun! We love creepy, scary things and it was definitely creepy! We enjoyed our guide and learned a lot about St. Louis’s past history. I am not sure if this is a seasonal tour, but I highly recommend this activity if you’re there in October!
A fun outdoor park is Kiener Plaza! We ventured this way and let the boys run around and burn off some steam. My boys don’t leave the house without bringing a football along, so they played catch and just ran around for an hour or so. There are fountains and a splash pad, outdoor tables for picnicking, a playground, and a lot of open space!
Fun game of football
Where to Eat
Below are the places that we really enjoyed dining at on our visit! These places were great for us, but most imporantly, our kids liked them and found great things to eat. And if you’ve traveled with kids, you know that to enjoy the day, the kids must be well fed!
Breakfast – We typically grabbed breakfast at the Starbuck’s located inside our hotel. Jereme and I need our daily cup of coffee to start the day. We grabbed muffins and croissants and then took our breakfast outside and ate on the lawn near the Gateway Arch.
Lunch – We found ourselves eating lunch at the Ballpark Village since there were several options there! Our favorite was Sports & Social. We enjoyed the drinks and the outdoor dining option!
Dinner – Our favorite dinner place was the Old Spaghetti Factory! We all love good pasta and the kids enjoyed the three course kids menu!
All in all, St. Louis was a pleasant surprise! If you’re looking for a fun city to explore with your kids, that won’t break the bank, then I recommend giving St. Louis a chance. You won’t run out of kid-friendly activities and there is so much to see and do. It’s also a very dog friendly city, so if you have a dog, bring it along!
If you’re driving in from the south, be sure to stop by Uranus Fudge Factory for lots of great sweets and lots of laughs!
If you follow along on our adventures, then you already know that we love to explore the outdoors and hike around National Parks. But, we also enjoy changing it up sometimes and venturing to the city with our boys. Below are 5 fun cities to explore with kids!
5 Fun Cities to Explore with Kids: DC, New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Dallas!
Washington, DC
Touring the White House was on my bucket list for years!
Washington, DC was the first big city we traveled to with our kids. It was such a great “starter city” for our family. Not only is it extremely walkable, there’s so much to do. And the best part is, there are several free activities around the city to enjoy!
The boys’ first request was a visit to the Lincoln Memorial!
We’ve traveled to DC in September, November, and March. We got lucky on all of our trips and had gorgeous weather each time. DC is stunning in the fall, but just as beautiful in the spring with the cherry blossoms in bloom!
My littlest boy, cherry blossoms, and the Capital!
My favorite visit was our trip over our Thanksgiving break in November. The city was not crowded at all, which made it easy to explore the museums and we didn’t have to wait long for dining at restaurants. The only downside is that we were not able to tour the White House because it is closed this week for Christmas decorating.
We can say we’ve been inside George Washington’s house! It was beyond amazing!
Be prepared for a lot of walking. We clocked an average of ten miles per day when we were there! Our boys were only five and nine on our first visit and were tired, but made it just fine! We did use a taxi to get from the airport to our hotel. There are also several taxis that stay around the National Mall area, mostly near the Lincoln Memorial. We jumped in a few of those when the boys were too tired to make the walk back to the hotel for the night.
Posing with the White House
Our most memorable moments of our trips to DC were going inside the White House, watching President Trump leave the White House on Marine One, seeing George Washington’s actual teeth on display at Mount Vernon, and seeing the original United States’ flag & the Declaration of Independence!
George Washington’s actual teeth on display at Mount Vernon!
New York City is an amazing destination for just about anyone! I’ve traveled to the Big Apple with my boys twice now and honestly, we can’t wait to go back!
Our first visit to the Statue of Liberty!
We’ve visited NYC in June and in November. Summertime can get pretty hot, but we’re from Texas, so we’re used to it. Our first day in the city on our November visit was extremely cold, but the rest of the days felt really nice.
My favorite, Christmastime in NYC!
I loved both visits, but there’s something really special about traveling to this city before Christmas! We enjoyed the Christmas décor so much. So, I have to say that our trip over Thanksgiving break in November was my favorite. I highly recommend visiting this week if you can! We got to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and experience all of the Christmas spirit at the same time!
You should also prepare to walk a lot in this city, too! Besides walking, we also used the subway system to navigate around the city. It’s definitely true, you’ll never be able to do everything on your list in one visit, so don’t over plan activities and pack in too much each day. We picked one major activity per day that was a must do/must see and it worked out well for us!
The boys’ first subway ride!
Of course, there are different activities based on the season you’re traveling. Some of our favorite New York City memories are riding the subway for the first time, going inside the Statue of Liberty, watching the Macy’s parade balloons being inflated, watching Elton John perform in the street in front of Saks, and finally seeing Naked Cowboy in Times Square!
Awesome experience getting to watch the Macy’s parade balloons being inflated the day before the parade!
We were so pleasantly surprised with our first ever visit to Philly! This city is fun, historical, and full of many different activities to explore. And it’s so easy to maneuver, which made it even better for me since I was there with my boys, without Jereme.
The Liberty Bell!
We visited Philadelphia in late June and were only there for three days. The weather was fantastic! It was in the low 80s while back home in Texas it was already pushing 100 degrees.
Independence Hall
I loved that we were comfortable to walk around the city from morning until evening! I feel like we left the city with more early American knowledge than ever before. The old buildings and historical sites, basically everywhere in Philadelphia, have me yearning for another visit!
We happened to visit the Betsy Ross House on Flag Day!
Be prepared to walk a lot in this city, too. Again, it’s very easy to maneuver, but we clocked in eight to ten miles each day exploring. The boys were a little older, one was almost seven and the other was ten during our visit.
We walked to New Jersey on the Ben Franklin Bridge!
My favorite moments in Philadelphia were seeing the room that our Founding Fathers developed the ideas for our country in person, watching early American time period re-enactments, seeing an actual ghost on our Philly ghost tour, and watching my boys get excited to learn so much about Benjamin Franklin! We had an absolute blast and I hope we are able to return again soon with Jereme!
We road tripped to Chicago a few years ago on a total whim when we realized it wouldn’t take us that much longer to drive to than our yearly trips to Colorado. Since that first trip, I’ve traveled back another four times!
The Bean
Most of my trips to the Windy City have been in the summertime, only once did I visit in the fall. We love being outside, so walking around Chicago was something that my family enjoyed. In the spring and early summer, the weather is gorgeous, and I still can’t get over the flowers that are blooming virtually everywhere!
I loved the flowers!
My favorite trip was our first summer visit. We packed in so much and had a wonderful time together. Plus, I had previous students that had recently moved to the city from Texas, so they showed us all around!
Even though we had our car with us since we road tripped, we walked just about everywhere. We left our car at the hotel the whole entire time. We clocked an average of ten miles each day that we were here. We did brave the bus one time, but otherwise we enjoyed walking.
Walk back from the Planetarium
My favorite memories in Chicago are seeing Payton Manning filming on the Chicago River, eating delicious food the entire time, exploring the aquarium with my boys, and of course, seeing the house that Home Alone was filmed at!
If you live near the Dallas area, or you want to visit Texas, this recommendation is for you! I’ve lived near Dallas my whole entire life, but never really visited as a tourist until last summer. My best friend and I took our boys for a few nights, and we truly had a blast!
A rooftop pool is a must!
We visited in July, and true to Texas, it was HOT. But, that’s not anything we’re not used to. We planned mostly indoor activities and booked a nice hotel with a rooftop pool.
We spent a lot of time swimming!
I wouldn’t really call Dallas a walkable city, we needed our car for most of the places we decided to visit. But, it’s not nearly as crowded as the other cities mentioned above and we never had any issues finding places to park. If you’re visiting from out of town, I do suggest renting a car!
Even though Dallas is close to home, we still had such a great time on our “staycation!” We didn’t even get to do everything on our list, but fun was had by all. My favorite Dallas memories are visiting the George W. Bush Presidential Library, going inside the Reunion Tower and up to the GeO-Deck, lounging by the rooftop pool, and not having to drive too far on our road trip here from home!
No matter which city you plan to visit, a fun time is guaranteed! My boys both agreed that New York City is their favorite city of the five. Mine is Philadelphia! Be sure to check back soon to see what we’re up to next. And don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
Road Trip Queen 