Family Travel Archives - Page 3 of 3

August 30, 2018 by

If you didn’t get the chance to see the great outdoors this summer, you certainly still have time. The incredible fall colors and crisp cool air make any autumn camping trip an incredible weekend outing for the whole family. Outdoor fun doesn’t have to be exclusive to summertime, so whether you want to take a day trip or stay overnight, these beautiful places will make fall your favorite time of the year.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN)

With camping options ranging from backcountry backpacking to developed front country campgrounds, the Great Smoky Mountains offers a wonderful experience for every type of adventure. With five different forests and scenic autumn drives and hikes, camping has never been more beautiful. Offering hikes that are specifically for kids as well as guided hikes, the Smoky Mountains has scenic landscapes that everyone can enjoy and even learn from. For more relaxed vacationers, the 800 square mile park has 384 miles of road to drive down where you can experience all the beauty the park has to offer. Experiencing deep fall colors for hundreds of miles, the awe-inspiring beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park makes it a can’t-miss destination for any autumn camping trip.

Julian (CA)

Julian is a quaint town nestled in the Cuyamaca mountains, just a short drive away from San Diego. Famous for their apples, Julian is the perfect place to go camping during the fall season. With activities from boating and hiking to touring historic gold mines and visiting a fall pumpkin patch, Julian is a great place to experience the great outdoors in the height of the fall season. The town even has a pie baking contest this September, as well as a country fair and scarecrow display.

White Mountain National Forest (NH & ME)

With 2018 being the 100^th anniversary of the forest, you don’t want to miss camping in this incredible location during the fall. White Mountain National Forest offers a ton of camping areas accommodating RVs and tents, and they also have cabins available. You can spend time collecting minerals and rocks, picnicking with your family, or simply taking in the scenic fall views. This forest also has incredible tree canopy colors, and it has miles of roads to drive down and take in the never-ending beauty. With landmarks like historic farm houses and old stone walls, you will never know what lies around the corner in this incredible forest.

Capitol Reef National Park (UT)

With unique landscapes from cliffs and canyons to domes and even something they refer to as a wrinkle on earth, you’ll want to check out Capital Reef National Park. A bonus feature of going in September are the apple and pear fruit orchards that are available to pick through the month. Experience the park both during the day and after dark with the incredible views of an endless starry night stretching for hundreds of miles. With a range of adventurous and laid-back campgrounds, Capitol Reef National Park is a unique and incredible place to visit.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park (MI)

Sleeping Bear Dunes is an incredible place to take your family camping this autumn. You can camp on the rustic mainland with or without modern amenities, or even camp on one of the park’s islands. There are close by towns full of quaint local shops and tons of kid-friendly activities that are engaging and educational. Take your family to one of the museums or lighthouses, or take a rewarding hike on their famous sand Dune Climb. Ranger-led tours, a breathtaking drive, and backcountry serenity are all features of this historically rich National Park perfect for your next family camping trip.

August 3, 2018 by

We all know the best way to cool off during the summer is with a nice dip in the pool. You and your family can splash all day long at these incredible water parks and resorts that are fun for the whole family!

Kalahari Resort (Wisconsin Dells, WI)

Courtesy of Kalahari Resort

With both an indoor and outdoor waterpark, this resort will bring your family adventure, fun, and relaxation. Bond with your family in the resort’s escape room, enjoy time with your kids in the arcade, and even enjoy a virtual reality gaming experience where your body is the controller! The Resort boasts tons of water rides for thrill seekers of all levels as well as a relaxing indoor and outdoor spa. You and your kids can even become a mermaid or learn to surf with one of the water park’s swimming lessons. This summer, experience a daily dance party with a fantastic DJ in the outdoor water park. With so much to do with the entire family, you’ll wish summer would never end at the Kalahari Resort.

For more info: Website Here

Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark (Boyne Falls, MI)

Courtesy of Avalanche Bay

Michigan’s largest indoor water park offers many fun-filled activities for the whole family. With rides and slides both big and small, there is so much fun to be had. Enjoy being splashed by 800 gallons of water that drop every fifteen minutes, or ride their newest thrill ride that you have to see to believe! Stay at the connected Boyne Mountain Resort and dare to go zip lining, eat some delicious food, and wind down with relaxing evenings at the spa after long days of summer fun. This summer and fall, enjoy annual events such as a family-friendly music festival and a Harvest Festival, plus so much more.

For more info: Website Here

Water Country USA (Williamsburg, VA)

Courtesy of Dollywood and Water Country USA

As the Mid-Atlantic’s largest waterpark, Water Country USA packs epic slides, splash areas, a wave pool, and more all in one place. With a 1950s surfing theme present throughout the park, you can soak up relaxing beach vibes while having never-ending adventures. Water Country USA offers raft rides big enough for the whole family, and you can even rent a cabana to take a break from the slides’ twists and turns. The park also offers a waterproof cashless wristband so you don’t have to worry about bringing your wallet to every ride. Being a sister park to Bush Gardens Williamsburg, you can enjoy park hopper passes and take your whole family from relaxing cabanas to thrilling rides.

For more info: Website Here

Enchanted Forest Water Safari (Old Forge, NY)

Courtesy of Enchanted Forest Water Safari

This water park meets a theme park with a land full of incredible water slides and classic carnival rides! There are so many unique sights to see at this park including a petting zoo, the Museum of Enchanted Memories, and even a forest where you will see famous storybook characters and scenes among the towering tree canopy. Ride the park’s newest water slide, Walter’s Wild Slide, with the entire family as you race down a 4-lane track to see who will make the biggest splash at the bottom. You won’t have to stress about hunger with Walter’s All-You-Can-Eat Summer Cookout served every evening until August 26^th! During your trip, experience the beauty of Old Forge, NY while staying in a cabin or hotel, or while camping in a cottage or tent.

For more info: Website Here

Great Wolf Lodge (Anaheim, CA)

Courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge Southern California

Splash, swim, and play at one of the best water parks in the country. The best part is that your family can enjoy this water resort all year round as The Great Wolf Lodge in Anaheim is completely indoors and has activities sure to satisfy every member of your family. With standard and cabin-themed hotel rooms, critter character appearances, and even a toddler-friendly bowling alley, the Great Wolf Lodge offers unique and inclusive experiences for everyone. Fun truly is around every corner with the immersive MagiQuest game where your child can choose a magic wand, play for as long as they want, and become the star of their own game. Take some time to relax with your kids at the Scooops Kid Spa and indulge with one of many dessert-themed spa treatments. With fun in every corner of the resort from a character breakfast buffet to thrilling water rides and even a forest friends show, you will not be disappointed with your stay at the Great Wolf Lodge.

For more info: Website Here

July 16, 2018 by Liorah Goldsmith

Natural landmarks bring beauty, fun and wonder to any family vacation. Go out there and enjoy these awe-inspiring national parks and create unforgettable memories for your whole family.

Yellowstone National Park (WY)

Grand Prismatic Spring and thermophiles, by Curtis Akin (August 2013)

Yellowstone National Park became the world’s first National Park for a reason. At over two million acres, the park houses more than four hundred species of animals, one thousand species of plants, and ten thousand thermal features. With awe-inspiring waterfalls and over three hundred geysers, you and your family will be amazed at this incredible wonder in America. Stay for as long as you want in one of the twelve campgrounds scattered throughout the park, each in close proximity to many of Yellowstone’s greatest marvels. Take your family on a tour with one of many ranger-led programs only available during winter and summer, and give your children the learning experience of a lifetime. They can even participate in the junior ranger wildlife Olympics, a program where they can test their abilities and compare them to many of the animals found in the park. Your entire family will be amazed from the second you arrive at Yellowstone National Park to the time you leave.

Websites: https://www.yellowstonepark.com

https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm

Yosemite National Park (Yosemite, CA)

Courtesy of NPS

If breathtaking sequoias and massive waterfalls sound like your ideal vacation, then Yosemite National Park is the perfect getaway for your family. Whether you’re a group of experienced hikers or a group of sightseers, Yosemite offers a magical experience for everyone. Your family can enjoy water rafting, guided walking and tram tours, scenic hikes, horseback riding, and so much more. You can lodge in the famous Majestic Yosemite Hotel or rough it out at one of the many campsites spread throughout the park. Adventure awaits at every corner of Yosemite National Park, so get ready to have an exceptional experience like no other.

Websites: https://www.travelyosemite.com

https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm

Haleakalā National Park (HI)

Courtesy NPS

Your family will never be more motivated to wake up before the sunrise than they will when heading out to Haleakalā National Park. At 10,023 feet above sea level, the breathtaking views your family will experience will create memories they’ll never forget. If you’re having a relaxing vacation on Hawaii’s island Maui, Haleakalā is only a drive away. You will see some of the most unique ecosystems in the world, as the grounds are filled with rare biotic species and scenic pools. If visiting during the summer, the unpredictable and chilly weather will surely come as a bit of a shock, but it will definitely be a nice way to cool down from the Maui heat. As long as you come prepared with layered clothing, you and your family will have an amazing experience at Haleakalā National park.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm

Grand Canyon National Park (AZ)

Grand Canyon National Park: Cedar Ridge Ranger-led Hike 9986

Whether you want to be in the Grand Canyon for one day or seven, this National Park will truly take your breath away. Your family can enjoy a variety of tours — ranging from a bus and a jeep to a helicopter and airplane. For older kids, incredible hikes all around Grand Canyon National Park are perfect ways for them to find adventure. Also, there are plenty of things to do at the top and bottom of the Grand Canyon. The Canyon offers river rafting, camping, mule rides, and so much more. With sights that will blow your mind and activities for any adventure seeker, the Grand Canyon is one of the world’s wonders you don’t want to miss out on.

Websites: https://grandcanyon.com

https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

Acadia National Park (ME)

Courtesy of NPS

For both thrill seekers and leisure lovers, Acadia National Park is a true American treasure that your family will love. Just driving along the famous 27-mile long Park Loop Road is a scenic view sure to astonish people from ages 1 to 100. Your family can also enjoy a daring hike along Precipice Trail or a picturesque bike ride along the carriage roads. Stop for lunch at Jordan Pond House and experience a heavenly taste of their famous popovers. With the sheer amount of activities to do, you’ll want to stay in one of the numerous resorts, lodges, campgrounds, or hotels in the area. Spending your trip relaxing on Sand Beach or taking in the mountainous views will create an unforgettable trip for the entire family.

Websites: https://acadiamagic.com

https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm

Rocky Mountain National Park (CO)

Courtesy of NPS

A family trip to the Rocky Mountains is so much more than a vacation. With incredible mountain views, interactive museum exhibits, lake activities, abundant wildlife, cowboy sing-alongs, horseback riding, and more, the entire family will be immersed in all the landmark has to offer. Festivals such as the Elk Fest, Autumn Gold Fest, and the Longs Peak Scottish and Irish Festival all occur in September, so early autumn is a terrific time to explore the Rocky Mountains and its town. You will always be surrounded by the park’s natural beauty while relaxing at hotels or going on wild adventures. Any family trip to the Rocky Mountains brings numerous opportunities to learn about nature and to simply appreciate all the wonders the park has to offer.

Websites: https://rockymountainnationalpark.com

https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm