Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer State Park feels like a national park with its top wildlife viewing, recreation opportunities and facilities. On my first visit, I completely underestimated the appeal of Custer. Then drove away wanting…
Best Places to Stay in National Parks with Kids Let the kids roam free. See wild animals in their native habitat. Find fields of wildflowers. Roast a marshmallow. Take a hike. And forget about the phone. That’s what a National…
Yellowstone National Park was the first national park in the world. Created in 1872, it’s an American icon worthy of a park pilgrimage. So irreplaceable, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors from around the world. Since it’s in…
Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park offers a week of wow for families. And it’s one of top destinations in the U.S. and worthy of a park pilgrimage. Start at Old Faithful to see the Geyser and the Inn then hike to…
I’ve been camping for years with three kids and I’m here to say. Make it easy for Mom. Here’s my top seven tips for how to plan a camping trip. I’ve see too many Moms trying to make scones at…
Redwoods, the kings of the forest, reign in the Kings Canyon National Park. With several big parks running up and down California’s Sierra Mountain range, Kings Canyon is a hidden treasure. With neighboring Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks both at…
Ask me my favorite place to stay and I will beam, Old Faithful Inn. Beating out ultra-luxury nights at the world’s best resorts. In a venerable, nearly indestructible building, the spirit of the West can be found breathing within the…
Visiting Mount St. Helens with kids is a must for your Washington road trip. It was once a recreational playground for Washington. Then one quiet Sunday morning in 1980 the snowcapped mountain vaporized. Followed by a mudslide that decimated…
Kids love records and it doesn’t matter if it’s tallest or shortest most days. On a recent road trip up the California coast from San Francisco, my kids discovered the tallest trees. Then we learned the ancient, or old growth…
Along the Canadian border and in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, discover San Juan Island. With a temperate summer climate, shoreline whale watching and family-friendly activities, like hiking and glamping, San Juan Island offers an ideal destination for a…
I love camping with my three kids, I just hate pitching a tent. My kids scurry like woodland mice when the tent comes out. I wanted to share the best place to camp with kids in Washington. At Lakedale Resort…
After exploring the marble halls of Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, we checked in to the Oregon Caves Chateau with kids, a National Historic Landmark and part of the PBS series, Great Lodges of the National Parks. Another charming…