National Parks Archives - My Family Travels
Practicing Tai Chi on the shores of Breakneck Lake in Harriman State Park.
Article
10 Reasons To Love Appalachian Mountain Club Outdoors Adventures

We know the Appalachian Mountain Club, one of the country’s original conservation groups, changes lives. It happened to me, just days after an email landed in my inbox like a...

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Hikers approach the blue ice Matanuska Glacier to explore its crevasses and caverns.
Article
10 Best Winter Activities in Alaska

From November to April, unique winter activities in Alaska make America’s 49th state one of its most desirable adventure destinations. Dying to see the Northern Lights? You may....

Read More    7 min read

New, posh glamping tents are weatherproof and well furnished for outdoor living.
Article
How Luxury Glamping Tents Redefine Outdoor Experiences

Camping has long been associated with simplicity, rugged living, and a direct connection to nature. However, the evolution of outdoor travel has brought a new level of comfort...

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Florida is ideal for budget summer getaways because there is water everywhere. Photo c. Denys Kostyuchenko for unsplash.
Article
Weekend Wanderlust: Florida Mini Adventures That Don’t Require A Passport

Many Florida residents are choosing to explore their own backyard. It makes sense. Planning a vacation that involves long flights and complicated bookings is not always possible....

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Dusk falls over beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Article
Explore Cheapest National Parks – Save Big on Adventures!

Save money by exploring America outdoors on a cheap national parks vacation with our eight budget-saving trip planning tips.

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Boy and girl spalsh in the water off of the Nantucket beach. Photo by Garrett Patz for unsplash.
Article
51 Summer Trip Ideas – Plan Your Perfect Family Vacation

It’s time for our annual roundup of the 51 best family summer trip ideas! Wave goodbye to work and school stress, and forget about travel hiccups or economic woes. Right now,...

Read More    44 min read

Lightner Museum occupies the former Hotel Alcazar in St. Augustine.
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From Fort Mose To The Civil Rights Movement: Tracing Black History In St. Augustine

Look past the Spanish fort, ornate Moorish buildings and main plaza to discover Black history in St. Augustine, Florida. More than 450 years ago, the first Africans in North America...

Read More    13 min read

RVs in campground with kids on bikes.
Article
Resources For Family Camping Vacations

An enthusiastic camper, let me share some resources for family camping vacations to help in planning your next big U.S. camping trip. My tips should help whether you prefer a tent,...

Read More    6 min read

Boy wearing a surfer's rasher to guard against the sun at the beach.
Article
Fashionable Sun Protection Clothing

Protect yourself and your kids with sun protection clothes, hats, sunglasses, and other products that are effectively UV resistant and stylish. Increased awareness of the power...

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Girl sitting on float on the sand squirts sunblock from a bottle. Photo c. campus for pixels.
Article
Best Spring Break Vacation Ideas

There's still snow and plenty of sun, so get out and choose your best spring break idea from one of our many affordable family vacation deals for 2025.

Read More    18 min read

Tombstone at Harriet Tubman gravesite in Auburn, New York.
Article
Keep Going: Harriet Tubman In The Finger Lakes of Central New York

Celebrate the legendary freedom seeker, suffragist and abolitionist, Harriet Tubman, in the Finger Lakes region. Ms. Tubman called Auburn, on Owasco Lake, her...

Read More    9 min read

Mother and son at water's edge in Capetown, wearing sun protection clothes and hats.
Article
Exploring Nature’s Impact on Children’s Mental Health

Exploring nature often sparks joy and wonder. For children's mental health, however, its effects go much deeper. It fosters emotional balance and mental well-being in ways research...

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Bus brings skiers and snowboarders to the slopes in Park City, Utah. Photo c. Visit Park City.
Article
12 Favorite Family Winter Getaways And Travel Deals

Sun or snow or stay close for your family winter getaways? Maybe your winter escape is that long-delayed trip to Orlando. Perhaps it's a cruise with extended family or experiencing...

Read More    14 min read

A slideout RV expands on the sides to provide plenty of family sleeping room on a bucket list to Las Vegas. Photo c. RVIA
Article
2025 Travel Trends Shape Better Family Vacations

Plan for better family vacations in the year ahead as 2025 travel trends influence mainstream family holidays. The 2025 travel...

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You may spost black bear cubs in winter at Shenandoah National Park. Photo c. NPS
Article
Explore Shenandoah National Park – Hiking, Views, & Family Fun

If you're looking for oustanding hiking and biking, we recommend Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, a lesser-visited...

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Looking North and East from the West Rim of Grand Canyon West.
Article
Winter at the Grand Canyon and Grand Canyon West

Lean into winter at the Grand Canyon, both the spectacular National Park and the fascinating Grand Canyon West. Winter is our family’s favorite season but winter travel is often...

Read More    9 min read

Journey to the center of the earth at Luray Caverns Photo: luraycaverns.com
Article
The Throwback Charms Of A Big Shenandoah Valley Roadtrip

A Shenandoah Valley road trip combines small town Americana charm, natural wonders and a multitude of attractions that are tailor-made for kids -- even those with disabilities....

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Charlie Brown and Snoopie ride the historic East Broad Top Railway to find a Halloween pumpkin. Photo c. Matthew Malkiewicz for East Broad Railroad Foundation
Article
24 Fabulous Fall Getaways For 2024

Fall is a fabulous time to get away without busting the budget, whether you want to take the kids apple picking and leaf peeping, head to a festival, or revel in your first trip...

Read More    34 min read

Hikers walking the Badwater Trail in Death Valley National Park.
Article
5 Great Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Las Vegas

Traveling with young children? I want to share five great, kid-friendly hikes in the unspoiled wilderness of nearby Nevada, Utah, California and Arizona. We live in Nevada so we...

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Striped beach umbrellas flap in the breeze at dusk outside a family hotel on the famous Cape Cod beach.
Article
Cape Cod Family Resorts: Perfect for Your Family Vacation

The Massachusetts shoreline beckons families to charming Cape Cod family resorts in all price ranges. Plenty of old-fashioned fun comes with every room.

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Grand Canyon Railway
Article
Hear The Whistle Blow On The Grand Canyon Railway

Come aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway for a comfortable train trip that will wow grandchildren. The journey travels through time between the Old West town of Williams,...

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Reenactors march in Colonial Williamsburg to highlight Virginia's history.
Article
Meet Patriots And Pocahontas In Historic Virginia

Families who enjoy combining time travel with living history will meet the real American patriots and Pocahontas in historic Virginia. Discover the Colonial Williamsburg - Jamestown...

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Aerial view of Big Sur along California's Pacific Coast Highway.
Article
Top 10 Family Road Trips USA

Our Top 10 Family Road Trips USA awards go to the original family vacation: the road trip by car. Nearly 80% of Americans have said they consider road trips...

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Kdis taking selfies on rim of Grand Canyon
Article
Make Your Summer Grand Canyon Hiking Plans

It takes work and a thoughtful Grand Canyon hiking plan to make a truly grand summer trip with kids. The spectacular Grand...

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Cranberry colored Gerups felt slippers with rubber soles are caught out on a walk through a Greek village. Photo c. Amazon.com
Article
Celebrate Givers Of Life: Top Gifts For Moms And Dads

Other than planning breakfast in bed or a fancy brunch, what do you usually come up with as gifts for Moms and Dads? We try to imagine which experiences or useful items might make...

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Idlewild athletic field at the Black resort of Idlewild in Michigan. Photo c.Idlewild Historic and Cultural Center.
Article
Motown In The Woods, The Black Resort Of Idlewild

When you consider civil rights, what do you think of? Many may think of activism, protest, art, community, and music. What...

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Visitors to La Playita at Todos Santos carefully release sea turtle hatchlings to the sea at dusk.
Article
Todos Santos, The Quieter Side Of Baja And Los Cabos

Few travelers ever visit Todos Santos, the quieter side of Baja. While known for being rustic, like “San Jose del Cabo the way it was 30 years ago,” it has a special charm....

Read More    4 min read

Factory on fire with firefighter spraying water and billowing smoke.
Article
How To Protect Your Family Against Travel Disasters – 10 Tips To Travel Prepared

Our 10 travel disaster tips help you prepare for natural or manmade disasters, plus other unexpected problems that may arise on vacation.

Read More    6 min read

Sailboat off the coast of Martinique at Le Carbet beach in the Saint-Pierre region.
Article
Looking For Sun : Top Kid-Friendly Winter Sun Destinations

For families looking to avoid the coldest and darkest months, there are a range of top winter sun destinations worldwide offering a winning combination of culture, physical activity,...

Read More    4 min read

thumbnail of Girl buried in the sand at the beach
Article
The Art Of Meteors, Fairy Rings, Fatherhood And RVing

I have been looking at my phone all week checking weather and atmospheric cloud conditions. In a summer full of bright nights in the Canadian Rockies, the sun is finally setting...

Read More    8 min read

Whale breaching the water of Glacier Bay National Park as witnessed by a tourist skiff. Photo. c. Uncruise Adventures.
Article
Getting Off The Grid With Kids, The Best Gift Ever

You may dream of getting off the grid with kids, but how? Learning how to collect rainwater and live off solar power is daunting for families. Instead, consider an escape to remote...

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Tarp set up over dining area outside two tents at campsite.
Article
Camping 101: How To Look Like An Experienced Camper To Your Kids

Camping is not easy, but these eight Camping 101 tips will help you look like an experienced camper to the kids -- especially useful for weekend warriors who haven't polished their...

Read More    6 min read

Twilight movei poster resized for featured image format.
Article
The Ultimate Twilight Hotel Experience in Forks, Washington

Are you ready for a "Twilight" hotel in Forks, where you can experience the series and follow Bella Swan throughout her journey in western Washington? Forks remains a popular...

Read More    4 min read

Sunset along Highway I-25 heading north from Albuquerque to Santa Fe.
Article
Road Trip USA: Exploring The Diverse Cultures of New Mexico

Explore the byways and historic Camino Real on a New Mexico road trip and add unexpected pleasures to your Southwestern overland adventure.

Read More    11 min read

Halemaumau? Crater in Volcanoes National Park is currently erupting. Photo c. U.S. Geological Survey.
Article
3 Hawaii Adventures to Check Off Your Bucket List

Hawaii adventures worthy of any Bucket List abound on these Pacific islands known for their spectacular scenery and culture. And with the Kilauea Volcano in full eruption, now's...

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Wide angle view of Carnival Miracle cruise ship in Glacier Bay, Alaska.
Article
Planning Your Alaska Adventure

Does your bucket list include an Alaska adventure? Let’s talk about a place that’s exotic, features spectacular wildlife and outdoor adventure yet is accessible for all ages.

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Mt. Rushmore
Article
Road Trip USA: Great Sights of the West – Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone And The Grand Tetons

Plan a Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone road trip to experience the West's top national parks and monuments. Share other interesting Western sights in South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming...

Read More    11 min read

Children's yoga class at Adler Spa Thermae in Italy.
Article
Family Spa Holidays Are A European Tradition

Did you know that family spa holidays are an annual tradition in many of Europe’s top destinations? Enjoy one in three easy steps. First, choose a wellness oriented hotel for...

Read More    4 min read

cross country skiers on ridge of snow.
Article
Free Winter Fun At Yosemite National Park

Enjoy low cost eco-activities and lots of free winter fun outdoors at Yosemite National Park. This northern California preserve is truly one of America's favorite and most easily...

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Logging truck in upstate California with Mount Shasta in the background.
Article
Next Stop: The Mountain Town of Redding

Redding, California, the center of outdoor recreation in the Northlands, is becoming the next stop for active families. Head upstate about 220 miles north of the Bay Area. This...

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Two standup paddleboarders on a scenic river.
Article
Protect Yourself in the Great Outdoors

Vacations in nature top the escape list for many families, so it’s more important than ever to know how to protect yourself in the great outdoors. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted...

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Vernal Falls at Yosemite National Park.
Article
Yosemite National Park For A Summer Vacation

Which Scottish-born writer credited Yosemite National Park as the finest creation of nature incomparable to any other on the face of the earth? It was John Muir who wrote, “All...

Read More    7 min read

La Fortuna Waterfall in Costa Rica.
Article
The Best Places To Visit In Costa Rica With Kids

Visit Costa Rica with kids to explore the best natural attractions in a country known for its majestic and unspoiled terrain. Costa Rica is an affordable and attractive destination,...

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Calving glacier in Alaska tumbles into the bay below.
Article
Put An Alaska Cruise Back On The Bucket List

Welcome aboard your bucket list Alaska cruise, where calving glaciers, bears and just-caught salmon await.

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Natural vista of mountain views seen from Lake Apgar in Glacier National Park.
Article
Explore Wilderness In Glacier National Park

Pristine lakes, mountain goats, snow-capped mountains, stunning views: Glacier National Park has it all, but may lose its namesake glaciers before long. Take an amazing Northwest...

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Article
Road Trip USA: The Blue Ridge Parkway From Virginia To Tennessee

The beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway will inspire your backseat passengers to sing "Country Roads, Take Me Home" as you cruise between the Shenandoah and the Smoky Mountain National...

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Motorcycle driving past Courthouse formation at Arches National Park, Utah
Article
Scenic Road Trips From Moab Utah

Avoid the desert heat and enjoy beautiful Moab, Utah from the comfort and safety of your own car. These easy to follow scenic road trips include visits to Arches National Park...

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Ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park in the snow. Photo c. NPS
Article
Ancient Cultures Meet Scenic Vistas In Mesa Verde National Park

Colorado's Mesa Verde National Park attracts outdoorsy families with its scenic hiking trails, Pueblo cliff dwellings, easy railroad tours and thrilling whitewater...

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View of the Beartooth Range of mountains outside Red Lodge Montana.
Article
The Pollard Hotel, Red Lodge, Montana

Red Lodge, Montana is a real Western mountain town with a landmark hotel and wide-open skies for an authentic winter family adventure.

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The Stone Bridge at the Bull Run battlefield site in Manassas, Virginia.
Article
Touring Bull Run – The Manassas Battlefield

History comes to life at the Manassas battlefield in northern Virginia where National Park Rangers and an excellent interpretive center illuminate the origins of the American Civil...

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