If your travels have you in the Pacific Northwest for the summer, add Mount St. Helens to your itinerary. Back in 1980, this quiet mountain getaway lost its top and made news around the world. For school-age kids and…
With fewer crowds than the national parks of Southern California, visit a gem of Northern California. Lassen Volcanic National Park features majestic mountain scenery covered in evergreens, just like the more southerly Sequoia or Yosemite. As a part of the…
Nestled between the National Park sites of South Dakota, visitors will find Custer State Park. Protected since 1912, it is known for some of North America’s top wildlife viewing. From hiking to boating to rock climbing, Custer State Park also…
From the national parks to the premier wildlife viewing to the western history, the Black Hills of South Dakota packs in the family fun with family-sized adventure. Often skipped for the beaches and the amusement parks, this area has fewer…
Driving up to this national monument in Wyoming, it is no surprise that Steven Spielberg chose this site for his 1977 movie, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. For those who don’t know, the movie is about aliens. About 110 miles west…
Straddling the border with Canada, Glacier National Park protects one million acres in Northwestern Montana. Covered in snow for a chunk of the year, it is known as the Crown of the Continent and best explored in July and August.…
The kids want to go camping and you don’t know where to start. After camping with kids for over 15 years, I’m here to say, make it easy for Mom. I’ve always kept my comfort level in mind when planning.…
As one of the top national parks in the U.S., Yellowstone National Park attracts visitors from around the world. And good reason, it’s a world class outdoors destination with top wildlife viewings, amazing scenery and lots of geothermal activity. In…
Maybe just as popular as the beaches, the California Redwoods are one of the top destinations in the state. Though at home in several parks across the state, to see the largest trees in the world, you need to visit…
In the Strait of Juan de Fuca, take an island getaway with mild summer temperatures and lots of outdoor activities, With ferry service from several Washington ports, enjoy a trip full of hiking, exploring and eating seafood. San Juan Island…
Located 70 miles from Rapid City, Badlands National Parks is another must for your South Dakota vacation. Boasting buttes, pinnacles and spires, the striated rock formations feature fossils along with wildlife. To make the most of your time in Badlands,…
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…