If you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway packed with adventure, stunning scenery, and a little bit of luxury, Fall Creek Falls State Park is a must-visit. We recently took a trip with the kids and stayed at theLodge at Fall Creek Falls, and let me tell you—it was an unforgettable experience!
Where We Stayed: The Lodge at Fall Creek Falls
Photo from Trip Advisor website
We booked aking suite at the lodge, and it was absolutely worth it. The spacious room, modern amenities, and beautiful views made it the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring. The kids loved having space to spread out, and I loved the cozy yet upscale feel of the lodge.
Dining at the Lodge
We ate at the restaurant inside the lodge, and the food was great! It’s so convenient to have an on-site dining option, especially after a day of hiking and adventure. The menu had something for everyone, including kid-friendly options, and we left full and happy every time.
Hiking to the Base of Fall Creek Falls
One of the highlights of our trip was hiking down to the base of Fall Creek Falls. It’s a short but steep hike, and when we reached the bottom, the view was breathtaking.
The kids had a blast scrambling over the rocks, and we all got completely soaked from the mist! It was so worth it. If you go, be sure to bring waterproof shoes, a raincoat, and a change of clothes—you’ll thank me later.
Exploring the Other Waterfalls in the Park
While Fall Creek Falls is the star of the show, the park is home to several other waterfalls that are just as stunning and worth visiting.
• Cane Creek Falls – This waterfall is easily accessible and offers a beautiful view from an overlook. There’s also a suspension bridge nearby, which the kids loved crossing!
• Cane Creek Cascades – A short walk from the Nature Center, this cascade is a fun spot where the kids enjoyed splashing in the water. It’s a great place to take a break and let them explore.
• Piney Falls – A bit more off the beaten path, Piney Falls is another scenic waterfall with a dramatic drop. We enjoyed the peacefulness of this spot compared to the more popular areas of the park.
• Rockhouse Falls – Located near Cane Creek Falls, this one is a bit smaller but still beautiful, especially after a good rain.
If you have time, I highly recommend checking out as many waterfalls as possible—each one has its own unique beauty!
Exploring the Overlooks
Fall Creek Falls has some of the best scenic overlooks, and we made it a mission to visit them all. Each one offered a different perspective of the park’s stunning waterfalls, gorges, and forests. The kids loved peering over the railings and taking in the views, and it was a great way to see a lot without too much hiking.
A fun way to view waterfall overlooks is by accessing suspension bridges at Fall Creek Falls. Each one offers an exhilarating way to experience the park’s stunning landscapes. As you cross these swaying bridges, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of lush forests and deep gorges, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The bridges add a sense of thrill to your hike while providing a unique perspective of the cascading falls and the surrounding beauty. It’s a must-do for anyone visiting the area!
Horseback Riding Outside the Park
For a fun and unique experience, we also went horseback riding. The guided trail ride was a relaxing way to explore the area, and the kids were so excited to ride their own horses. It was a great mix of adventure and calm, and we all agreed it was one of the best parts of our trip.
Tips for Visiting Fall Creek Falls with Kids
Stay at the Lodge – The suite was perfect for families, and having a restaurant on-site made meals easy.
Bring extra clothes – If you’re hiking to the base of the falls, expect to get wet!
Plan for a mix of activities – Between hiking, scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and horseback riding, there’s something for everyone.
Check trail difficulty – Some hikes are short and easy, while others can be steep. Know what to expect before heading out with little ones.
Our trip to Fall Creek Falls was an amazing family adventure, and we can’t wait to go back! Have you visited with kids? Let me know your favorite part in the comments!
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’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!
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!
If you enjoy thrilling adventures, then I highly recommend a white water rafting trip! My family went a few summers ago and had an exhilarating experience. Our boys were seven and ten at the time, so this is an activity that is suitable for adventurous families! Keep reading to learn what to expect white water rafting if you’ve never been before.
This post contains affiliate links for products that we use and love. I may earn a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase any items using the links provided.
Choosing the Right Rafting Trip
First, you will need to choose the rafting trip that is right for you! There are typically different options that guided rafting companies provide. These range from scenic float trips to rafting trips in extreme rapids! Be sure to know what you can handle. We chose a Class 3 raft trip with our kids and it was a pretty intense work out! I suggest booking your raft trip as soon as you know the dates you will be traveling. These trips fill up quick!
Class 1: Scenic floats trips
Class 2: Non-thrilling, not many rapids
Class 3: Kid friendly – mild, easy, beginner level, expect to get wet
Class 4: Moderate
Class 5: Extreme, expert level
Class 6: Advanced, the most dangerous
What to Expect on Rafting Day
Upon arriving for our guided trip, we signed waivers and were fitted for life jackets. Then we moved into a room to watch the safety video. I won’t lie, watching this video made me really nervous. I was so worried about one of our boys falling out of our raft. Thankfully, it did not happen! But, we were prepared for what to do in case one of us fell out or if the raft flipped over. We also learned different commands that the guide would be calling out to us during the trip. It is really important to pay attention to the video, but the guides do review all of this information before venturing off for the day!
Once everyone was fitted for their gear and had viewed the safety video, we were then divided into groups and assigned a guide. We shared a raft with a man and his son, so there were six of us, plus our guide in one raft. We were given some time to chat with our groups because many were sharing rafts with new friends. Keep in mind, unless you are with a large party, you will likely be combined with others to fill the raft. Then, we helped the company load up rafts onto a trailer and we all hopped on a bus to head up to the mountains for our trip! During our ride, we reviewed more of the expectations and commands while enjoying the mountainside views along the way.
When we got to the spot where we’d begin the journey, we helped to unload the rafts and paddles, then joined our guide at the riverbank. He placed us where he felt we would be best in the raft. Jereme and I were together up front with Jake between us. Jett was right behind Jereme and the other two members of our group were in the back of the raft. This part of the river was flowing, but there weren’t rapids around us yet.
We were able to float for a bit before the river got wilder! We enjoyed getting to know our guide and the others in the raft. And we all asked our guide tons of questions, mine specifically was about the chances of our kids falling out of the raft. The guide was reassuring and said that he hadn’t had anyone fall out of any of his rafts so far that season and we were there in mid-July.
There were several spots in the river that did get pretty intense. We loved it though! The guide knew when and where those areas were, so he prepared us ahead of time and would tell us what side of the raft should paddle and when. All in all, it was such a fantastic experience and my family’s favorite adventure of our entire week in Colorado!
You should definitely expect to get wet and you should expect a full upper body workout. My arms were so sore the next day! But, it was totally worth it.
Best Time to Go White Water Rafting
Typically, the white water rafting season runs from May through September. The rivers will be flowing when the snow from the mountains melt, so you should plan to wait until at least the spring for this adventure. Our rafting trip was mid-July and we had a fantastic trip with the perfect amount of rapids for our family. Holidays and weekends will usually be more crowded, so if you can, try to book your trip on a week day!
What to Wear
I wasn’t really sure what to wear for the trip, so I packed us all dry fit athletic clothing. The boys wore their swim trunks with a dry fit top. I put my bathing suit on under my clothing. We also wore lightweight, quick drying, water shoes! They were very comfortable and fit securely under the grips we were instructed to put our feet in on the raft. We had the option to rent full body wetsuits, but chose not to. We were given life jackets, paddles, and helmets to use during our trip.
I suggest bringing towels and an extra set of dry clothes and shoes to change into once you’re back from your rafting trip. We also made sure to bring sunscreen. I did not bring my phone or camera, but there was a photographer that followed us to different spots along the river and took photos of each raft. Packages were available to view and purchase after the trip was over for around $50. I also left my sunglasses behind because they didn’t really fit well on my face under the helmet that you will be required to wear.
The Company We Rafted With
We rafted on the Poudre River in Colorado with the company A Wanderlust Adventure. We chose their most popular rafting trip, Taste of Whitewater. This trip is a half day and is recommended for families! Prices for this trip start at $77 per person, but the price can change based on the date you select.
Where Else Can I Go Rafting?
Click here for a list of the best places to go rafting in North America!
If you’re adventurous, or you want to be, then this is definitely an activity that I highly suggest trying out. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions!
I never thought I would be one to say that I spent one summer traveling way too much! But here I am, thinking back to the summer of 2019. I got a little overzealous in planning adventures for that summer and I don’t want you to make the same mistakes that I did! So, keep reading to learn why I feel like I traveled way too much over summer break years ago.
Why I Won’t Ever Spend the Whole Summer Traveling Again
Summer Flew By
I was away so much that it felt like I didn’t even have a summer break. It was like one day school dismissed for three months, and I blinked and was back at work. I mean, it usually already feels that way, but when you’re gone the majority of the summer, it’s even worse!
I Didn’t Spend Time with Family & Friends
Unless family or friends were traveling with me, I didn’t see anyone that summer. At least not in the good quality time kind of way that we all need together. My kids missed out on spending time with their friends, too.
I Got Homesick
Believe it or not, we actually really like being home. Besides being at the ballfields with our boys, you can usually find us at home when we aren’t traveling. So, when I was away the majority of the summer, I really started missing home and our typical routines.
Nothing Got Accomplished
If you’re anything like me, you might have a big to-do list for your weekends or work breaks. I always have a ton of things I want to get accomplished during the summer breaks. None of it is ever fun stuff, that list usually consists of cleaning out closets and doing yardwork. But none of that got done this particular summer and it left me feeling stressed when school started back up again in the fall.
I Got Behind on Housework
It felt like when I was home I was there to unpack, do laundry, and repack us again. Laundry was just about the only housework that was done. So, when it was all said and done and summer was over, I had a lot of catch up work to do!
I Didn’t Eat Well or Exercise
Eating on the road is often something that I really enjoy. I mean, who doesn’t like it trying new foods and not having to cook and do dishes? But, I found myself really missing a good, home cooked meal. We love to spend our time at home grilling outside and trying new recipes. I really missed that. Not to mention, I ended up not making very healthy food choices and didn’t feel very good. And, I didn’t get any exercise in. I gained at least ten extra pounds traveling this summer.
I Was Extremely Tired
I never sleep the best when traveling. I love coming home to my own bed for a good night’s rest. So, being away the majority of summer left me feeling extremely exhausted and fatigued.
I Spent Way too Much Money
I definitely spent way more money than I typically ever spend on traveling. While I am pretty good at finding budget hotels and free activities, a lot of our funds went to feeding us while we were gone. If you’re wanting to save money, then I suggest not spending the whole summer traveling!
What to Do Instead
I still believe that traveling is such a valuable pastime and I have big dreams to see and do it all! But instead of traveling all summer, I recommend taking about half the number of trips or less. What we do now is usually only one big family trip. And if we can swing it, we’ll take a trip with friends or family, and we try to get away every other year on a couple’s trip. This gives us the majority of the summer at home, but we still get our feel of adventures during our break!
We also take trips throughout the year, during our school breaks and over long weekends. We love traveling over the slow season! Traveling throughout the year prevents us from trying to pack in too much over the summer.
And even though I did have a blast while I was away, I felt like I needed a vacation from all of the vacations! If you’re curious about those six trips I took, you can find them all below! I was not blogging at this time, so I don’t have a post about every one of these trips, but am linking the ones I did write about.
It’s true, road tripping is not for the faint of heart. And then you add in kids and it becomes a whole other level! But, there are so many advantages to taking a road trip over flying, especially with kids. I love that we can see and do more along the route and that I can bring along everything we need with no restrictions or limits! Keep reading to learn all of my tried and true tips for how to survive road tripping with your kids!
Tips for Road Tripping with Kids:
Choose Your Destination – If you’re planning your first road trip with kids, I suggest choosing a closer destination first to see how they do. Then you can add more time and farther distances based on how the first trip goes. We started road tripping with our boys when they were really young. Jett was only four months old when we made the nine hour drive to the mountains! Jake was only two months old when we road tripped down to the beach six hours away. So mine don’t know life any other way. If you are able to, start them out young and longer road trips will be easier.
Have a Plan – I recommend having a plan for your route, especially since your kids will be with you! I would love to be someone that could take a spontaneous road trip with no plan or destination in mind, maybe someday! But, I just feel so much better with a plan in place when the kids are road tripping with us. This means, knowing the route you plan to take and pre-booking your accommodations before you leave.
Check Your Vehicle Before the Road Trip – Make sure your vehicle’s tires are in good condition before you head out on a road trip. Get your oil changed if it’s time. Pack the jumper cables and portable battery charger if you have one! Take it from me, it is not fun to have car trouble on a road trip!
Set a Max Drive Time for Each Day – We are not the best at doing this, often times we like to hurry to our destination so that we have more time to explore there. But, we’ve recently started setting a six hour max drive time for each day. We all seem to feel better when we actually go by this rule! This can be tricky, especially if you’re limited on how much time you have for your entire trip. Ultimately, you know your kids best, so you can judge how far and long they’ll be able to make it. Our longest road trip has been a total of fifteen hours in one day and that was on the way home. We decided to power through and just get back to our house and it actually went better than I thought it would. I only suggest this if your kids are used to longer road trips!
Bring Plenty of Snacks and Drinks – There is nothing worse than hangry kids and no stores or restaurants in sight! Trust me, I learned the hard way. We have a basket that fits nicely in the floorboard of the back seat and I fill it with all of our favorite snacks. I recommend bringing less sugary snacks and instead bringing salty snacks and things like beef jerky, nuts, or peanut butter crackers for some protein. We also bring Gatorade bottles of various flavors with us.
Wear Comfy Clothes – If you plan to be in the car for a long period of time, wear comfortable clothes and shoes. This will make the journey a lot more enjoyable for everyone!
Make it Cozy with Pillows and Blankets – My boys like to bring along their own blankets and pillows for the road trip. They also have cute, little neck pillows that are way less bulky than their bed pillows. Mine like to sleep on part of the drive, so we try to make it as cozy as we can for them!
Allow Technology – Technology rules go out the window when we’re road tripping! We pretty much allow them to play games on their devices as long as they’re staying entertained and until they lose their charge! My advice, make sure all the kids have their own devices because sharing never goes well. And charge all devices the night before your trip so they’re fully charged and ready to go!
Stop for Breaks Often – If you or your kiddos are getting restless, it’s time to stop for a break! We either stop at a gas station or at a scenic overlook. Sometimes just getting out of the car to stretch your legs or get fresh air can make a big difference. Make sure you stop somewhere safe, don’t just get out on the side of the highway!
Find Playgrounds or Other Fun Stops – If you’re traveling with kids, stopping for something fun along the drive is a must! I have recently started using the Roadtrippers app and love how easy it is to find stops along the way!
Read Riddles and Random Facts for Kids – This might seem silly, but my boys love for me to read them riddles or weird facts while we’re on the road! Save this activity for when you notice your kids are getting restless. Click here for some of my go to random facts for kids!
Leave Early – We are a family that likes to sleep! We are not early risers and never have been. But, when we are road tripping, we go to bed early the night before and we try to get up earlier than we usually do to start the journey. This almost always ensures that our boys will sleep at some point along the drive!
Bring Medications – Make sure you bring all necessary medications that you or your family might need. I also bring headache medicine, Dramamine for carsickness, Pepto and gas pills for tummy trouble, and Benadryl. Our pediatrician told me that Benadryl is like a cure-all and recommended that I take it along on our cruise for seasickness for the kids. Obviously you should discuss with your doctor first and make sure you have the correct dosage. Ours gave us a sheet for the correct dosage based on age and weight that came in very handy when they were younger. I actually suffer from vertigo and have a prescription that I take, but often I find that Benadryl works faster for me!
Let the Kids Create a Playlist – We love jamming to our favorite songs while we’re driving. And at some point, there’s always a stretch of highway that gets maybe one or two radio stations. So, the boys have created a playlist on my phone that we save just for this! Am I totally sick of their favorite songs on repeat, absolutely! But we will do almost anything to keep the drive sane!
Friendly Competitions – We all love a little competition in our family! I offer an extra $5 on souvenir spending for various tasks, like which kid will have the cleanest area or for who has the best attitude on the drive. This has worked wonders for our boys now that they are older!
Road Tripping Products that We Use and Love!
I am not one to buy things just to buy things. But I do have some items that I truly love for road tripping, mainly because they have made the journey a lot easier!
The following items are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase any items using the links provided. Thank you!
Most importantly, I hope you have fun along the way! Road trips are some of our favorite adventures and often are a more budget friendly option for us. In this case, the highway is the limit! Just remember to be patient, plan for delays and emergencies, and drive safe. I’d love to hear any of your road tripping tips, so leave a comment. Happy travels, my friends!
Summer is right around the corner! I’m an elementary teacher, so I might be counting down the days until our school break and our first summer trip. While finalizing some of our vacation details today, I thought sharing my list of dos and don’ts could come in handy for some of you!
The Dos for Planning Your Trip:
Do: Start planning your summer trip right now! I just finished reserving our hotels for our summer trip and some options that I had saved to come back to were already completely sold out in just under a week. So, if you have a destination in mind, I suggest you get busy with your travel plans sooner rather than later.
Do: Set a budget and stick to it! Talk with your partner and set a reasonable budget and then begin researching your accommodations and flights. Don’t sway and pay more for airfare or lodging than you planned for. That might mean rethinking your destination, but you’ll be much happier if you stay under budget and have more funds for activities on your vacation!
Do: Choose a destination! This is always the fun part. Decide what activities you want to do and what you’d like to see this summer and go from there.
Do: Set your dates. You should do this fairly quickly so that you can take off work if that’s needed and make arrangements for your pets or plants!
Do: Check travel advisories. Make sure that the destination you plan to visit is safe and if there are serious advisories, then you should plan a new destination. Click here for all current travel advisories.
Do: Book flights and hotels right away. I recommend booking your arrangements as quickly as you can before rates go up or hotels become sold out. I usually start with Google Flights when booking our airfare to compare rates across all airlines. If you have flexible dates, this is also a great website to use because it provides different rates for various dates.
Do: Ensure your passport or identification card is valid. Know passport rules, most destinations will not allow entry to their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months from the last travel day. This means that you will need to get your passport renewed if it will expire within 6 months of your vacation just to be on the safe side!
Do: Research the destination you settle on. I spend tons of time learning more about the places we’ll be traveling to. I typically visit travel blogs, like mine, and google search for ideas and images. Don’t forget to request free travel brochures or magazines about your destination, too. I am happy to help if you have any questions or need some ideas for a destination!
Do: Look for deals. While you’re researching, check to see if there are any deals or special offers for your destination. We love the CityPASS when we’re traveling to a city destination. Often times, museums will have free days or entrance times. If you set aside some time for planning, you will find some good deals!
Do: Start saving up for your trip. This might mean less stops for coffee, or in my case, less Door Dash deliveries for lunch. But, it’s so worth it in the end and makes spending money on special activities and excursions less stressful!
Do: Create an itinerary. We like to have a plan for how we will spend our days on vacation. Plus, it’s always a good idea to book activities and make reservations ahead of time. I do like to be flexible, so that we can have some downtime and change plans based on weather. But, we always have a list of things we want to do and we usually know what days will be best to do each activity!
Do: Create a Pinterest board for your trip. I love to create boards and add pins so I have an easy place to refer back to when we finally arrive at the destination. I pin things to help us plan activities, to know where to park, for various tips and recommendations, and for suggestions on where to eat!
The Don’ts for Planning Your Summer Trip:
Don’t procrastinate. If you wait too late, rates will likely increase and you risk hotels or activities being unavailable or sold out.
Don’t book with a budget airline. In my personal experience, it’s never ended well. The last time we booked with a budget airline we had to cancel and rebook with a major airline. After booking a nonstop, early morning flight with the budget airline, our flight time kept changing until the departure time was 1:oo am and a layover was added. Honestly, the prices were not that different with the major airline because we didn’t have to pay for seats and baggage prices were much lower.
Don’t skip the travel insurance. Airlines and hotels are not as easy to cancel or change plans as they were during the most extreme times of the pandemic. You never can be too prepared for an emergency, whether that be from illness or bad weather.
Don’t over plan too many activities. I know I have a hard time with this because I want to see and do it all. But the truth is, nobody is having fun if the day is too jam-packed and everyone is tired. I have learned in all my travels that well fed and well rested kids make all the difference!
Don’t travel to dangerous locations. It’s always best to err on the side of caution. Be smart and stay safe.
With the right planning, I have no doubt that your summer vacation will be a blast! Don’t forget to pack your patience, summer is the busiest travel months of the year. Stick to your budget, have an itinerary in mind, keep a positive attitude, and have fun making memories with your loved ones!
Have you been thinking about taking your kids to a city destination, but you aren’t sure which one is best? I am here to help! I’ve had the opportunity to take my boys to both Washington, DC and New York City twice now, and I have tons of tips and recommendations. Both cities are truly remarkable in their own way, so keep reading to learn more about which city is best for you to visit with kids!
I have always wanted to take my boys to New York City, but my husband wasn’t really sure it would be a great idea when they were younger. We decided to try Washington, DC with them first, just to see how they’d handle long days of walking and riding public transportation. We had traveled to DC together, just the two of us, so we had a good idea of the city layout and points of interest before venturing there with our boys.
I truly feel that Washington, DC is a great “starter city” to try out with your children, especially if they are younger. My boys were six and nine on our first family trip to DC.
Washington, DC
We have visited Washington, DC over our fall break in November and also over our spring break in March. We loved the fall colors, but there’s also something magical about the cherry blossoms in the spring! The weather was awesome during both of our visits. We did spend more time in DC over our fall break than we did in the spring. The city is less crowded over the week of Thanksgiving, as businesses usually close for the holiday and people leave to visit their families. The downside is that the White House is closed for tours this week because it’s being decorated for Christmas.
Washington, DC Highlights
Family-friendly
Educational
World class museums
Walkable
Historical monuments and statues
Theatre and shows
Amazing outdoor parks
Nearby day trips
More affordable
What We’ve Done in DC
You’ll never run out of things to do in Washington, DC! My boys were so excited to learn more about the Presidents and early American history since they were also studying these things in school. And I will admit, it is really cool seeing the things that I grew up learning about in person. I mean, I got to see the actual Declaration of Independence, the original US flag, the bed that Lincoln died in, plus so much more!
Visit the National Mall
Monument Tour at Night
White House Tour
Ford’s Theatre & Petersen House Tour
Day at Mount Vernon (George Washington’s House)
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
National Archives Museum
Arlington Cemetery
Went to the Top of the Washington Monument
Capital Building Tour
Cherry Blossoms
Click here for my complete guide to visiting Washington, DC!
Click here for tips on securing a White House tour!
New York City
We also visited New York City over our fall break this past November and in the summer, too. We absolutely loved our fall visit because we got to experience the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and we got to see all of the amazing holiday décor around the city! The only downside to visiting during this week is that it’s crowded! So many people are here to either watch the parade or be in the parade. The Rockefeller tree is also not complete, so that is one of thing that I will have to return to see in person! This city does the holidays BIG and that was our favorite part! We even witnessed Elton John perform outside of Macy’s, right in the middle of the street, for their holiday light display. This was an experience that I will never, ever forget!
New York City Highlights
Family-friendly
Educational
World class museums
Walkable
Excellent nightlife
Fantastic shopping
Amazing playgrounds
Theatre and shows
Holiday décor/events
What We’ve Done in NYC
It is true, you will never be able to do all of the amazing things you have on your New York City bucket list in one visit! My boys thought it was so fun to see those famous landmarks and the NYC skyline that are often featured on television and in the movies! I was so excited to go inside of the Statue of the Liberty for the first time on our past visit. There are still several things on our list that we just didn’t have the time for. I hope we’re able to return soon to knock those things off the list!
Statue of Liberty
Statue of Liberty Museum
Times Square
Empire State Building
9/11 Museum & Memorial
Top of the Rock
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Floats Inflation
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (from hotel)
Central Park
American Museum of Natural History
Christmas Outside Radio City Music Hall
Naked Cowboy
Click here for my complete guide to visiting NYC with kids!
Click here for my complete guide on visiting NYC over Thanksgiving break!
Our Take Away
There are several factors involved when planning your trip besides just all of the touristy things that your family will want to explore. Along with activities and experiences, you need to consider costs for lodging, food, and transportation. Also, the ease of maneuvering around each city is also a factor. Below, I’ve broken down our biggest considerations that we discussed when deciding the best time to visit both Washington, DC and New York City!
Cost
In our experience, visiting DC has been a little more budget friendly than our trips to New York City. This goes for flights, hotels, dining, and activities!
Lodging – We stayed in a great place in Washington Circle in DC that had once been an apartment complex that was converted into hotel rooms. (I’m not linking this property because it’s undergoing renovations right now, but will update soon.) Here, we had a living room, bedroom, two bathrooms, and a kitchen for the same rate as a traditional hotel room. Lodging in NYC is often older, smaller, and pricier depending on what time of year you’re visiting and what area you’re staying in.
Transportation – I will say that both cities are both walkable and you do not need to rent a car to experience either destination. We found that we mostly walked everywhere in DC. Occasionally, we would use an uber, mostly at the end of a long day when our youngest would get tired. In New York, we also mostly walked, but did use the subway several times, too. It was a little quicker to venture around NYC using the subway system and much cheaper than taxis or ubers.
Activities – Both cities are jam packed with amazing activities that anyone can enjoy! We never ran out of ideas on things to do. In fact, we usually found ourselves running out of time to get everything accomplished that we wanted to see and do in both places. I love both DC and NYC, but in my experience, we found that most of the touristy things we decided to do in DC were free!
Free Activities
Speaking of those free activities, DC has tons of free things to do and see! The Smithsonian Museums are free and so are all of the historical memorials and monuments. We enjoyed walking around the National Mall and taking in the historical sites, both during the day and at nighttime. And of course, touring the White House is also free and a must do activity if you’re in the city!
Click here for a list of the best free things to do in DC!
You can also enjoy free activities in NYC. Times Square is one of my boys’ favorite places in the city and it’s free to walk around and take in the lights and different street performers. Central Park is another free location in NYC. And on Monday afternoons, you can visit the 9/11 Museum for free as well, if you request tickets the same day and early in the morning. The Staten Island Ferry is free and you can take in the Statue of Liberty from the boat ride. And there are also other free museum days here, too!
Click here for a list of the best free things to do in NYC!
Getting Around
Again, you can visit both cities without needing to rent a car. In fact, I have actually driven in both cities and I don’t recommend it! We did a lot of walking in both destinations, I am talking about eight to ten miles each day. So, I highly recommend making sure that your kids can handle that. We did find that walking around DC was less crowded and easier for us to maneuver. There just didn’t seem to be the same amount of people or vehicles to watch out for in DC as there is in New York.
Food
Both DC and New York have so many amazing restaurants to choose from! We had no problem finding places to eat at either destination. We didn’t particularly enjoy everywhere we ate, you know kids can be kind of picky. I do think we saw more fast food places in New York than I remember seeing in DC, which came in handy for us with the boys. We also found ourselves grabbing donuts and random snacks in NYC, even pretty late at night!
More Tips
Travel during the slow season.
Find hotels that offer free breakfast.
Hotel rates are more expensive on Friday and Saturday nights.
Have a plan for both destinations – some places will need reservations ahead of time.
You can visit both cities over a weekend or for a whole entire week.
Make sure to plan for the right weather, check the forecasts ahead of time & pack accordingly.
Allow some down time during a visit to the city. Kids (and adults) can experience some sensory overload in all the hustle and bustle.
Expect some crowds and wait times.
Keep a positive attitude & have fun!
I truly feel that you cannot go wrong with either destination. Both cities are extremely family-friendly and you’re guaranteed to make memories that will last a lifetime! I asked my boys which city that liked the best, and they both said New York City! I am not sure if this because we visited just a few months ago and it has been a few years since we’ve traveled to DC. They both agreed that they love both cities, they just really had a great time in NYC!
If I were traveling with my kids to a new city, I would probably choose Washington, DC first and wait until my kids were a little older for New York City. If this is a once in a lifetime trip for your family, then I would probably choose to visit New York City, there’s just no other place like it!
I hope you find these tips and personal experiences helpful. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
Galveston, TX is one our closest beaches and one of our favorite family road trip destinations! We like to venture down to the coast at least once a year, but we’ve been known to make the drive several times in under a year, too. Traveling to Galveston brings so much joy to my family and this destination holds such a special place in my heart. Growing up, I looked forward to our annual summer vacation to Galveston and I’ve kept the tradition going with my boys! Keep reading to learn more about these 30 awesome things to do in Galveston.
30 Awesome Things to do in Galveston
Be sure to click on each link for more information!
You can’t make the trip to Galveston without visiting the beach! We love spending the days splashing in the ocean and lounging under an umbrella while our boys play. There are several different beach areas in Galveston, the most popular seems to be along the Seawall Blvd.
If you’re looking for a change of scenery, head to the Historic Pleasure right on the Seawall. There are restaurants, rollercoasters, rocking bands, and more! We love to go at nighttime when the sun goes down and the rollercoasters are all lit up with bright lights!
If you feel like a bike ride along the Seawall with views of the ocean next to you, then check out the four to six seater bike rentals right on the Seawall!
The Strand is the downtown area of Galveston and known as the heart of the island. Here, you can find even more restaurants, bars, shopping and entertainment. I love walking along the streets, admiring the ornate buildings dating back to the 1800s.
For some reason, Galveston is the one place that I can build really good sandcastles! If you’re headed to the beach, bring some sand buckets and shovels for the kiddos! Be sure to check out the sandcastle competition if you’re visiting in August!
Murdoch’s is my favorite souvenir shop in the whole world! And I am being completely honest about this. This was one of my favorite shops to visit as a child and I love taking my boys here, too. They sell everything from beach gear to t-shirts, shoes to toys, and even alcoholic beverages! You may even come home with a hermit crab or two!
We have never found crabs at night like the ones we’ve caught here in Galveston! Grab a flashlight and head to the sand, you’ll be sure to find a few. If you wade in the waters, you might even stumble across some really big ones, so keep your eyes open!
I don’t think I’ve ever been to Galveston and not seen at least one dolphin! We’ve watched them from our condo balcony, from the beach, and at dinner! Last weekend we watched them play in the bay right outside of the restaurant we were at (Fisherman’s Wharf).
There are also several different dolphin watching boat tours in the area, as well. Research shows the best time to spot dolphins in Galveston is June-September, but again we saw several in April!
If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, then look no further than LaKing’s Confectionery! From old fashioned sodas, to candy, to ice cream, they have it all. You can even watch salt water taffy being made here or try a new flavor if you’re feeling adventurous!
My boys have loved each time we’ve taken them fishing on the Pier! We haven’t been lucky enough to catch anything too big, but it’s always fun to watch the regulars around the pier reel in something!
I haven’t gone on a mansion tour since I was a kid, but I still remember the time we did this! These mansions are very impressive and well kept. I highly recommend a tour if you’re looking for something historical away from the hustle and bustle of the beach!
For just a dollar (kids free), take a ride around Galveston on a trolley! There are two loops, one around downtown, the other travels from Stewart Beach to Moody Gardens!
There are so many fun photo ops around Galveston! We love the Galveston postcard down near the Strand! The link above has several photo op recommendations for the best instagramable spots around the island!
This is a quick and fun activity for anyone that likes pirates! Here, you’ll learn all about the myths and legends of some of the pirates that were once in Galveston!
This is the perfect place to visit if there’s a rainy day at the beach or you’re recovering from a sunburn! Here you’ll find an aquarium, a rainforest, dining options, and more! We especially enjoyed the sharks, stingrays, and the jellyfish!
My favorite activity anywhere on the coast is eating fresh seafood! There are so many dining options in Galveston! Our favorite is Fisherman’s Wharf! We love to come here for dinner and take in the sunset and watch dolphins play in the bay!
My boys really enjoyed this a few years ago! I sat it out because I get super motion sick, but they had a blast. It also makes a fun photo op at the beach! This is located across the street from the Pleasure Pier and this is also where we purchased the tickets!
Several cruise ships depart from the port in Galveston. Sunday is a popular day to watch the cruise ships depart. Head to the port area or grab an outdoor dinner and watch one set sail!
We haven’t surfed in Galveston ourselves, but we’ve watched several try it out! We prefer to boogie board. Whether you surf or prefer to chill on a boogie board, the waves here in Galveston are excellent to ride!
Mini golf at the beach is one of our absolute favorites! This course is so much fun and we love all of the fun beach themes. Plus, the views of the ocean while you’re playing can’t be beat!
Waterparks are some of the best summertime entertainment options, especially in the Texas heat. Rent a cabana and have a blast on the many waterpark rides while beating the heat!
Take a walk around the historic seaport and tour the 1877 Elissa. My boys loved exploring the tall ship! If you like history, you’ll love this stop. The Texas Seaport Museum is very educational, too!
You can find Seawolf Park on Pelican Island. This park has a fishing pier, picnic areas, and a playground. You can also see a WWII submarine, the USS Cavalla!
The ferry to Bolivar Peninsula takes about 18 minutes and is completely free! It’s a very peaceful ride and you might even spot dolphins on the journey! You can hit the beach in Bolivar, hunt for shark teeth, and even shop or enjoy the local restaurants!
Tour a submarine and destroyer from WWII right at the Galveston Naval Museum! Tickets are $13.00 for adults, $8.00 for kids.
Where to Stay
We love to stay at Seascape Condos when we visit! We’ve been staying here for over ten years and I can’t imagine visiting Galveston and staying anywhere else. These condos sit right on the beach side and are so spacious and well kept.
Address: 10811 Termini-San Luis Pass Rd, Galveston, TX 77554
Phone Number: (409) 740-1245
What to Expect
It’s very true that Galveston Island is not known for white sand beaches and clear blue waters. It’s often pretty hot and humid here in the summers, it is Texas after all. But, it is still a fun family destination! We’ve taken our boys to beaches all across the US and even in the Caribbean. They will tell anyone that asks that Galveston is their number one favorite beach destination! It can get really crowded in the summertime, especially around the holidays (Memorial Weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day Weekend). I prefer visiting in April, when the humidity is lower and the crowds are smaller. My boys like the summer better because the water is warmer! This is a place that is fairly close to us, so we keep going back year after year. I have forty years of cherished memories here and hope to make many more! If you haven’t been, you should give it a chance. Just lower those expectations, Texas doesn’t have beaches like Florida does.
Galveston Island is the closest beach to us in north Texas. We like to travel down to the coast a couple of times a year. And we only stay at one place, Seascape Condominiums! It’s the best place to stay in Galveston!
The view from the balcony!
We’ve been staying at Seascape for over ten years now. Our first visit was when my oldest was almost two. Now he’s twelve! My boys LOVE this place. It holds so many special memories for us.
Galveston is our happy place!
What Makes Seascape So Great?
Beach Access – The location to the beach is the absolute best! If you’re familiar with Galveston, then you know that most of the hotels are located across the street from the beach. So on beach day, if you’re staying anywhere else, you have to lug all of your stuff across the busy Seawall to get access to the beach. Seascape Condominiums is actually one of the few places that sits right on the beach side! That means, you simply walk outside and over the boardwalk, and you’re on the beach!
The boardwalk from the grounds to the beach!
I love the convenience of being just a short walk back to our room or the restrooms by the pool. I cannot imagine having to go back and forth across the four lane road. There’s many reasons that we love Seascape Condos, but the location right on the beach is number one for me!
Seascape Condos sits right on the beach!
Space – Staying in a condo is always much more spacious than a hotel room! The units have several different floor options, but the one we return to year after year has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and full kitchen, plus two balconies! It’s very spacious for our family of four and we’ve even stayed there with friends and have easily slept up to eight with the bunk beds in the hallway and the sleeper sofa!
One of the two balconies in this unit!
Living room
Kitchen
Bunks in the hallway
Master bedroom
Master bathroom
Bathroom
Second bedroom
Bathroom
An added bonus is having a washer and dryer! I don’t particularly like doing laundry on vacation, but having a dryer is a game changer! We use the dryer for our beach towels, so each day they are nice and dry for us. We sometimes even throw our swimsuits in the dryer to remove sand and dry them for the day. There is nothing worse than putting on wet swimsuits in the morning!
Washer and dryer in the master closet
Pools – Our favorite place at Seascape Condos is the pool area! There is a large swimming pool and it’s even heated in the winter! There’s a kids pool and two hot tubs. One hot tub is open to anyone above the age of six. The other hot tub is more secluded and is only for adults age twenty-one and older. The landscape around the pool is beautifully maintained and there are plenty of lounge chairs and picnic tables! You’ll also find restrooms and vending machines near the pool area.
We love the pools!
I’ve taught both of my boys how to swim in this pool!
Safety – Finally, we always feel really safe when staying here! There is a guard that is stationed at the entrance of Seascape. These guards are on sight twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They monitor the vehicles coming in and out and only registered guests or condo owners are permitted. They also walk the grounds several times per day to ensure that everyone is safe and behaving appropriately.
You cannot get onto the grounds without a special gate code!
The pool area and beach area are only accessed with a special gate code that you receive upon check in. So, the beach in front of the hotel is essentially only used by guests from Seascape Condos. And guests are required to wear a bracelet while staying at Seascape to ensure that only registered guests/owners are on site and using the facilities and pools.
Address: 10811 Termini-San Luis Pass Rd, Galveston, TX 77554
Phone Number: (409) – 740 – 1245
If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Galveston, be sure to check out Seascape Condominiums! This is one of the few destinations that we keep returning to. The units are the perfect size for families of all sizes. The grounds are stunning and the location on the beach is ideal!
Nothing is better than a gorgeous Texas sunset at the beach!
Week long school breaks are my absolute favorite! I love the time we have off together and the memories we are able to make. For us, we have a fall break, winter break, and spring break. These have been fantastic times to travel for our family! Even though we don’t have as many week long breaks during the school year as we do long weekend breaks, I still try to plan some kind of getaway for each of them. Some things to keep in mind for week long travel is the weather, especially if you’re traveling in the winter (snow/ice) or spring (rain/thunderstorms). Week long breaks can also draw more crowds, so keep that in mind when choosing your destination!
More Things to Consider for Travel Over School Breaks:
Fall break tends to be a more budget friendly time to travel
Winter/Spring break travel tend to be more expensive
Pay attention to the weather during all seasons of travel & pack accordingly
Expect airports, roads, destinations to be more crowded during holiday travel
Week long travel equals more time exploring your destination
You can visit farther away destinations over week long breaks
Week long travel allows a day or two of down time before returning to school/work
Fall Break Destination Recommendations:
The week during Thanksgiving break is an excellent time to take a quick trip with the family! We like to head out over the weekend and return on Thanksgiving Day so that we don’t miss any time, or delicious food, with our families. Traveling during this week seems to be very budget friendly and the locations are not as crowded, either!
For us, returning home on Thanksgiving Day has worked out very well! We try to avoid those busy airports and road conditions the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. We like to book morning flights on Thanksgiving Day. We make it home in the early afternoon, just in time for dinner! Below are some of our favorite fall break travel destinations.
Our first family trip to DC!
Washington DC – Visiting DC over Thanksgiving break was a dream come true for my family! The weather was amazing and the crowds were small. I hear that a lot of people that work in DC leave the city for the holiday, so it’s an ideal time to visit. This is one of my most favorite family trips to date! We packed in so much during the week and saw so many historical sites. The only downside to traveling to DC during this week is that the White House is closed to tours because they are decorating for Christmas.
We couldn’t wait to show the boys all the monuments!
Grand Canyon, AZ – Another fantastic destination for fall break is Grand Canyon National Park! It’s a lot less crowded this time of year since it’s considered the off season. We didn’t have to fight many crowds at the viewpoints and the lodging was a lot less costly in November. We really enjoyed the weather and cooler temps while hiking, too!
We were all so excited to finally see the Grand Canyon in person!
New York, NY – Visiting the Big Apple over fall break is the most ideal time to go! Not only did we get to explore the entire city and all the famous landmarks, we also got to check out the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons being inflated, we got to watch the parade from our hotel room, and the entire city was also decorated for Christmas! I feel like we got the best of both worlds in regards to Thanksgiving and Christmas. This trip was truly magical and we made some memories that we will never forget!
I can’t believe we got to see the parade floats this close!
Traveling over the two week winter break can be a fun change of scenery and sometimes our trips are even a part of our Christmas gifts to our family! We love to hit the slopes and snowboard, but we’ve also traveled to other parts of the US over the holiday break and had tons of fun! Below is one of our favorite winter break destinations.
It never looks like this at Christmastime in Texas!
Winter Park, CO – Since we live in Texas, I love to hit the road and head north to the mountains to get that feel of having a white Christmas! We also love to snowboard together and my boys are having a blast learning each year we visit! Winter Park has some excellent ski and snowboarding conditions, plus there’s plenty of activities like tubing, snowshoeing, snow mobile rentals, and even dogsledding! If you’re looking for a fun winter getaway, this is the place to go!
Spring break is one of our favorite times of the year to travel! Usually for us, spring fever has set in and it’s so fun to get away with the family to regroup and recharge! We’ve traveled to several destinations over this school break, but below are my three favorites!
Utah rocks!
Moab, UT – Moab has been on my bucket list forever and I am so, so happy that we decided to visit over our spring break a few years ago. The weather was a little chilly, but it was perfect since we did a lot of hiking! We didn’t have to worry about timed-entry permits for Arches National Park and there weren’t too many crowds at all. This was our first trip Utah and it definitely won’t be our last!
California to Oregon – We spent an unforgettable week traveling from San Francisco to Cannon Beach over spring break last year. It was everything we hoped it would be and more. On our road trip, we explored San Francisco, Redwoods National Park, and Cannon Beach, Oregon. We got really lucky and had gorgeous weather the entire week. I highly recommend road tripping along the Pacific Coast Highway and I think spring break is an excellent time to go! Nothing was crowded at all and I cannot even describe the landscapes in each of these places!
Orange Beach, AL – Our most recent family trip was to Orange Beach, just last month! Again, we got extremely lucky with unseasonably warm weather so early in the season. This trip was so relaxing, we didn’t do much besides play at the beach and eat delicious food at night! If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, check this beach destination out!
These boys had the best time!
Plan Like a Pro!
Whether you’re traveling over a weekend or for an entire week, you should plan your trip like a pro! Here are some ways to do that!
Road Trip Queen 