-America the Beautiful, Katharine Lee Bates

The majestic beauty of the state of Colorado served as the inspiration to this classic American hymn.  The Centennial State is so rich in natural beauty and diversity that it just begs for you to get outdoors and explore all it has to offer.  No matter what season of the year you visit Colorado, you are sure to find an amazing adventure.

10. Jump off a Cliff

Photo by: Soaring Treetop Adventures

Parents, take a deep breath: thrill seeking families will love all the extreme sports and activities available in Colorado.  Hike or climb your way up one of Colorado’s 54 “fourteeners”, mountains peaking out at over 14,000 feet!  Take to the heights in a hot air balloon, or paraglide out over the landscape below.  Rent a jeep and take on the rugged terrain with all four wheels driving.  Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park’s giant canyon swing launches daring riders 1300 feet out and over the Colorado River trailing below!  The park’s “wild” cavern tour, alpine coaster slide and zip line are a must!  The largest zip line course in the world, Soaring Treetop Adventures in Durango, is accessible to kids and adults from age 5 and up!

Hit the sky with Colorado’s Zip Lines | Hang-gliding | Hot Air Balloons

9.  Follow Ancient Footprints Back in Time

Mesa Verde National Park in southwest Colorado is home to the remains of Colorado’s oldest inhabitants, the Pueblos.  The park offers easy, short hikes to ancient ruins and longer guided tours to some amazing must-see cliff dwellings from 1500 years ago!  Active families can climb ladders, crawl through tunnels and really get into the dwellings. Nearby, visit Hovenweep National Monument to explore six ruins during a 1 ½ hour, peaceful and easy walking tour for all ages and stages.  The Canyons of the Ancients, which boast the largest density of known archeological finds in the nation, is easily accessed from the Anasazi Heritage Center, a federal museum and ruins site (and a good spot to use restrooms and enjoy the picnic grounds!)

Centrally located, Durango is the perfect place to stay & play while enjoying the ancient ruins.

8.  Hit the Water

Photo by: Trekaroo/slofamilylife

In late spring and summer, snow melts away to a white water river-rafting paradise.  The Arkansas River is America’s most rafted on river and offers trips varying from family-friendly class II waters all the way to extreme class V rapids for experienced riders.  Numerous rivers and outfitters across the state offer safe, family expeditions to get you started, and on calmer waters you can enjoy a variety of types of boats for experiences from lazy to crazy.  Fishing picks up when the waters begin to tame, so be sure to take advantage of the plentiful rivers of Colorado.

Find family-friendly rafting trips in Colorado | across the US

7.  Tour Natural Beauty in Old-Fashioned Style

Photo by: Trekaroo/Kimmy

Enjoy Colorado’s scenic beauty without the stress and frustration of driving.  Start your enthusiasm for trains by visiting the Colorado Railroad Museum, designed as an 1880’s train depot with replica trains and an awesome array of hands on activities for the little ones.  When you are ready to journey for yourself, ride one of the state’s numerous railways boasting open air cars, incredible scenery, and impressive bridges.  The Royal Gorge travels first class along the Arkansas River and has numerous dining options available, even fine dining for a special occasion, while the Cog Railway in Colorado Springs travels to the top of Pike’s Peak (14,000 feet).  The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad operates year round through the San Juan National Forest and includes entrance into their freight museum with ticket. Many of Colorado’s trains host special events for year-round holidays, offer exceptional dining options, and even offer your teen the chance to solve murders on board a murder mystery train.

Check out eight Scenic Railways across Colorado to explore.

6. See the Wild Life

Colorado has your animal fix covered!  The Denver Zoo is lauded as the most popular cultural attraction in all of Colorado; despite the 1.6 million annual visitors, Trekaroo users say their visits are relaxed and calm.  Free summer programs are the highlight for many visitors.  More animal encounters can be found at the nearby Butterfly Pavilion and Downtown Aquarium (which also hosts mermaids!!). The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, in scenic Colorado Springs, sits at an altitude of 6,800 feet and boasts over 200 animal species.  For a change of pace, ride the historic carousel or take the Mountaineer Sky Ride to the top of the zoo to play on the kid-friendly playground.  If you’re looking for buffalo, head about 20 miles west of Denver to Genesee Park’s Buffalo Preserve where you can get up close & personal with a herd of about 40 wild buffalo, for free!

Colorado Springs is a beautiful vacation spot.  Start your planning here.

5.  Make your Home on the Range

Photo by: Flicker/woodleywonderworks

Iconic scenery, big sky and beautiful weather make Colorado a rancher’s dream.  If you can splurge for an all-inclusive resort, try your hand as a cowboy at a dude ranch.  Family programs, camp-outs, cattle drives, entertainment and exceptional dining will draw your family together with a lifetime of cherished memories.  If a day trip is more likely to fit the bill, check out one of Colorado’s numerous ranches and farms open for tours, horseback riding, and chuck wagon dinners.

Explore Colorado’s Ranch Vacations | Day-Tripping Ranch Locations

4. Experience Education

Photo by: Trekaroo/Zoe Ocampo

At the Children’s Museum of Denver, hands on education takes place in such clever and creative ways that your kids might not even know they are learning.  Giant dinosaurs, a planetarium and a space odyssey highlight the best of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, which consistently receives rave reviews on Trekaroo.  If you have a free afternoon, venture to The Wildlife Experience just south of Denver.  This museum focuses on learning about wildlife habitats through hands-on-displays and films best geared to school age kids and up.

Check out the top ten children’s museums across the US.

3. Explore the Mile High City

Photo by: Flickr/Larry Johnson

Sitting at an altitude of 5,280 feet, Denver was founded by miners less than 150 years ago, and is still full of youth and excitement.  Downtown, take the free US Mint tour where you can watch the amazing transformation of money and learn about minting history.  Denver Botanic Gardens is set in the beautiful tree-lined Cherry Creek area and has its very own 3-acre children’s garden just perfect for exploring and observation.  The Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater hosts year-round concerts set in front of stunning red rock mountains; come on an off day and tour the facilities and the beautiful red rocks and then stop at the nearby Dinosaur Ridge where you can touch dinosaur bones and walk in their footprints!  If your little ones need to get some energy out, head to Westlands Park in Greenwood Village for more than just the typical play structures, but also water fountains, tree houses, climbing walls, music makers, a skate park and plenty of picnic space.  This park has been voted the “Top Playground” of the Rockies and we are sure you will agree.

Find the best deals on lodging in Denver.  Hungry?  Enjoy  super-cool restaurants in Denver for kids.

2. Glide through Powder

The impressive hills and vast terrain of the Rocky Mountains, coupled with snow fall levels up to  465 inches a year, Colorado is a skiing and snowboarding winter wonderland.  The state has 26 ski resorts, many with kid’s clubs, ski schools, awesome packages for families, and even a resort boasting the world’s highest Starbucks (at 10,850 feet).  The winter season in the mountain towns like Keystone, Aspen and Vail can sometimes extend well into spring offering skiers the chance to enjoy an impressively long season.   If, like me, the idea of your kids (or self) flailing head-over-heals in a cartoonish avalanche of snow scares you away, never fear.  The soft mountains of snow are also just right for good, old-fashioned (and not so terrifying) cross-country skiing, sledding, making snowmen and snow ball fights.

Best Colorado Ski Resorts for Families | Ski Resorts offering schools and daycare | Colorado Sledding & Snow Play Spots

1. Discover diverse National and State Parks

Colorado’s land is incredibly diverse and the park systems reflect a unique display of beauty.  At Great Sand Dunes National Park, the highest sand dunes in North America, your climb is rewarded with a  year-round, non-dependent-on-weather “sand”board or sled down the hills.  Rocky Mountain National Park offers abundant animal life, gorgeous scenery and plenty of family hikes and campgrounds.  Just outside Denver, Roxborough State Park offers a unique juxtaposition of swaying prairies and jutting red rock formations.  In the northwest, experience the closest thing you can get to a jungle at Rifle Falls State Park.  Take the short 5 minute hike in the morning to the falls for a sweet, sunlit view of three majestic waterfalls surrounded by lush foliage.  From prairies, lakes and plains to stunning mountain tops and forests, Colorado’s parks cannot be beat.

Need more info?  Try our handy guide on exploring Colorado’s national parks.

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Want more 50 states fun? See more posts in our series:

Top Ten Things for Families to do in Alaska

Top Ten Things for Families to do in California

Top Ten Things for Families to do in Massachusetts

Top Ten Things for Families to do in Nevada

Top Ten Things for Families to do in New Mexico

Top Ten Things for Families to do in Pennsylvania

Top Ten Things for Families to do in South Dakota

Top Ten Things for Families to do in Utah

Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC| FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR| PA| TN | TX | VA | WA

Welcome signs greet visitors with the slogan, “Utah, life elevated”; a phrase indicative of the state’s altitude and its inspiring sites and history.  Life is elevated in Utah, where diverse geology has shaped the land and rich history has shaped the culture providing visitors with opportunities galore.  Here families can experience world class ski resorts, five national parks, an inland ocean, and historical sites which celebrate cultures that persevered in Utah’s rugged desolation.  This list of top 10 things for families to do in Utah is in no way ranked in order from least to greatest.  Instead, this list is the cliff note travel guide for families visiting Utah; a starting point to experience life elevated.

10. Visit Mother Nature’s theme parks

Photo via Flickr user ArtBrom

With names like Goblin Valley, Grand Staircase, and Kodachrome Basin; these places counter any adventure that man-made theme parks tout.  Instead of mechanical rides, Mother Nature’s theme parks give you hoodoos and fairy chimneys to climb.  Instead of cartoon characters; Mother Nature gives kids a chance to use their imaginations and visualize a character made of stone.  Utah’s location on the Colorado Plateau provides visitors an abundant supply of these unique rock formations where kids can climb, play, and learn hands-on geology; no ticket required.

9. Relive the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics

Photo via Flickr user Nomadic Lass

The 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics have concluded, but families can still experience the games at several Olympic sites and venues throughout Utah. Watch athletes train, or experience a ride on the bobsled, 80 mph and 5 G’s of force at Utah’s Olympic Park.  The Olympic Park is also home to the Alf Elgen Ski History Museum, bobsled, and Nordic jumping events. If your family loves to ski, check out Snowbasin Ski Resort which hosted many of the game’s alpine skiing events and visit Solider Hollow which hosted Nordic skiing events.  Kids can learn to ice-skate at the Utah Olympic Oval, which was the venue for the Olympic speed skating races.  Whether you’re testing your winter sport skills, or reliving Olympic history, Utah has plenty of sites and world–class venues to enjoy.

Find more fun for families around Park City.

8. Drive to an Island

Photo via Flickr user Bring Back Woods

Many first time visitors to Utah want to see the Great Salt Lake, an inland ocean five times saltier than seawater. However, visitors are sorely disappointed when they arrive to the banks of this famous lake and discover why it is also known as “Stink Lake”.  The Great Salt Lake is so salty that it can’t support most aquatic life.  Instead it teems with brine shrimp and brine flies with a definitive stench.  These little critters are just odor producers, they provide food for millions of migrating birds, making the lake a bird-watching paradise. The place for families to experience the Great Salt Lake, while minimizing odor impact, is Antelope Island.  At 28,022 acres, this island abounds with wildlife; from birds to bison.  Here, families can hike a peak and experience unparalleled views of the Wasatch Mountains, touch a rock that is 2.7 billion years old, or discover that high-salinity water allows you to float unassisted. There is no boat required to reach the island, just drive the causeway for your own family island adventure.

Read reviews of kid friendly activities on Utah’s Wastach Front.

7. Go Rock-hounding

What kid doesn’t like to dig in the dirt in search of treasure? Utah’s varied terrain is home to plenty of gemstones, rare rocks, and fossils.  Families can head out to Utah’s west desert, along the pony express trail, and search for geodes at the Dugway Geode Beds or hunt for topaz at Topaz Mountain.    If your family is searching for fossils, drive along remote highway 6 and pursue trilobites at Antelope Springs and the Ibex-Fossil Mountain Area.  Families can also see some “commercial rock-hounders” in action at Kennecott Copper Mine, one of the largest open pit copper mines in the world.  So do some mining or see some mining in action and you’ll discover the real “treasure” is an awesome family adventure.

6. Discover ancient cultures

Photo via Flickr user Rob Lee

Several ancient Native American tribes flourished in Utah, leaving evidence of their rich cultures throughout the state.  Families can learn more about our state’s original inhabitants at one of many museums that celebrate these cultures, including the Natural History Museum of Utah, Museum of Peoples and Cultures, and Anasazi State Park Museum.  Hands-on history abounds throughout the state where families can witness rock art petroglyphs and pictographs along trails and highways at places such as Dinosaur National Monument, Nine Mile Canyon, Fremont Indian State Park, and Arches National Park Delicate Arch Trail. Explore ancient Native American villages at the Edge of the Cedars State Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Grand Gulch Primitive Area.  So teach your kids about the amazing ancient Native American culture and apply these lessons as you explore historical sites throughout Utah.

5. Take a scenic drive

If you have the time, and you spot a scenic byway sign in Utah, by all means take it and you’ll discover some of the grandest sites that can be found from any piece of blacktop.   Scenic Byway 12, a 124 route between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks is an adventure for any family.  Here you travel along red rock formations at Red Canyon, enjoy viewpoints such as Powell Point, Boynton and Homestead overlooks, and straddle slickrock terrain along The Hogback.  In northern Utah, drive the Alpine Loop with access to sites and trails including Timpanogos National Monument, Sundance Ski Resort and views of the Wasatch Mountain Range.  This drive is especially enjoyable in autumn when the aspens and scrub oak display their colors.  So pack the kids, pack a picnic, and search for those scenic byway signs in Utah.  Just don’t forget to pack the camera!

4. Learn about Utah’s Mormon Heritage

Photo via Flickr user amulonphotography

In 1847, Mormon pioneers reached the Salt Lake Valley and prospered in a place once thought to dry and barren to settle.  These Mormon pioneers are the reason why Utah is known as the “beehive state” since a beehive is symbolic of industry and perseverance.  In Salt Lake City, families can visit Temple Square, home of the Salt Lake City Temple, Family History Library and the Salt Lake Tabernacle.  Kids will especially enjoy experiencing Utah’s living history at places like This is the Place Heritage Park, Benson Grist Mill and the American West Heritage Center.  Explore Mormon pioneer sites and learn about Utah’s early Mormon heritage and you’ll understand exactly why Utah is called the “Beehive State”.

3. Discover dinosaurs

Utah’s unique geographical history makes it an ideal place to discover dinosaurs.  Families can tour natural history museums and learn about paleontological history or set out on a family adventure to discover fossils and dinosaur remnants on your own.  Kids will love the hands-on displays at the new Museum of Natural History of Utah and families can step back in time at Thanksgiving Point’s Museum of Ancient Life.  Encounter life-size dinosaur models along the trails of the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Museum or let the kids place a hand in a track at Potash Road Dinosaur Tracks. Additional museums and sites throughout Utah include the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum, Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm, Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, Dinosaur National Monument, and the USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum.  So take those future paleontologists on a dinosaur tour of Utah and discover a prehistoric world like no other.

2. Explore five National Parks

Photo via Flickr user whateva87

Captivating landscapes and geological wonders abound throughout Utah’s national parks.  Each of Utah’s national parks are world renowned, yet each is different.  Zion National Park is known for its stone monoliths and narrow slot canyons.  Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its brilliant hues and hoodoo spires.  Arches National Park of course, is known for its large concentration of arches.  Canyonlands National Park is known for its rugged landscape and high plateaus.  Capitol Reef National Park is known for its sandstone sculptures and the water pocket fold, a 100-mile geographical feature.   Families can visit one or visit them all and find diverse landscapes, history and culture like no other place on Earth.

1. Discover the greatest snow on Earth.

Photo via Flickr user Makelessnoise

There is a reason why “greatest snow on Earth” is printed on many Utah license plates.  Utah’s snow is pretty spectacular as a result of our dry climate which leaves behind fluffy, powdery snow; perfect for any winter outing.  Yes, it’s a subjective determination whether or not Utah snow is the greatest on Earth.  Thankfully Utah has plenty of places for families to make up their own minds about snow quality.   Families can experience the snow at one of the state’s popular ski resorts, such as Park City, Canyons, Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, or Brian Head.  Explore mountain trails in the winter with snow shoes or back-country skis or find a snow-covered hill and zip down it on your sled.   Whether your family is making the perfect snow angel or trekking in the back-country, Utah’s “greatest snow on Earth” will not disappoint.

Want more 50 states fun? See more posts in our series:

Top Ten Things for Families to do in Alaska

Top Ten Things for Families to do in California

Top Ten Things for Families to do in Nevada

Top Ten Things for Families to do in South Dakota

Ann Anderson is Trekaroo’s Utah Destination Guroo.

Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA

About 10 years ago, I spent almost two hours on the phone on a Sunday morning calling the reservations hotline for Yosemite National Park, trying to score two campsites for our summer vacation.  After 2 or 3 rings, I would hear a pre-recorded message stating that all phone lines were busy, and asking would I please call back.  So I called back, hundreds of times, and about 2 hours later, I finally reached a live person.  Amazingly, there were two shaded campsites available next to each other with an amazing view of Half Dome and we enjoyed a great vacation.

Today, the process is not so tedious thanks to the wonders of the internet.  But the disappointments and the thrill of victory can hold the same keen excitement and can create an amazing sense of competition to score a campsite in the popular Yosemite Valley.  It’s not too early to start thinking about summer plans, and it’s important to get the information you need in order to make reservations for the more crowded National Parks.  Many of them have campsites that fill quickly with reservations on the first day they are opened.  Here’s the information you need in order to plan for your summer and get the reservations you desire.

 YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Photo by: flickr/iriskh

Staying in the campgrounds of the Yosemite Valley is absolutely amazing because of the wonderful 360-degree views of waterfalls, cliffs, pine trees, and Half Dome.  The Merced River flows nearby, offering spots for fishing, swimming, and rafting.  Because of its beauty and all the fun recreation to enjoy, millions of visitors come to the valley every year and the campsites fill up quickly.

In order to make summertime reservations for the valley campgrounds of Upper Pines, North Pines, and Lower Pines, please first note that they become available in blocks of one month at a time, 5 months in advance, on the 15^th of each month at 7am Pacific time.  Sound complicated already?  Here’s a chart to help you interpret all those facts:

From www.nps.gov/yose

Tips on scoring campsites in Yosemite Valley:

1. Visit www.recreation.gov and search for the campgrounds of Yosemite.  Research the sites and make a list of your favorites before the 15^th of the month.  For example, if you want to camp from July 24-27, you would start your research before March 15.  You can read reviews of all the best camping spots on Trekaroo to get the insider’s scoop.
2. Set your computer clock to the accurate time by visiting www.time.gov/
3. Load up www.recreation.gov and www.time.gov before 7am on the 15^th of the month, 5 months before the dates you want to reserve and be ready to click on the “reserve now” button at exactly 7am.  For example, if you want to camp from July 24-27, you would be ready on the morning of March 15.
4. Consider only spending 3 or so nights in the valley.  Trying to book 2-3 nights is not as difficult as 1 week.
5. Have “back up” options for campsites to choose if your first choice is not available.
6. Be patient and have a sense of humor.  You will most likely be able to book a campsite, but it may not be your first choice, or for the specific length of time you were hoping.

If your best attempts to garner a campsite in Yosemite Valley fail, there are several “first-come, first-served” campgrounds in the surrounding area that Trekaroo families have enjoyed such as White Wolf, Bridalveil Creek and Tuolumne Meadows.

Curious if Yosemite is worth all this hassle??  Check out what other Trekaroo users have to say about it.

 YELLOWSTONE

The great wilderness, deep canyons, roaring waterfalls, and unique geysers of Yellowstone make this one of the most visited National Parks.  Thanks to the variety of the terrain and twelve campgrounds, there are almost 2,000 spots to pitch a tent, which makes securing a site less competitive than Yosemite Valley.

Reservations can be made for the campsites of Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village, and Madison. Online reservations can be made at www.YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com or by calling 1-866-GEYSERLAND.

There are also several first-come, first-served campsites in Yellowstone, which Trekaroo families have enjoyed and have even been called a “Diamond in the Rough.”  Check out Tower Fall, Mammoth, and Lewis Lake.

Tips for camping in Yellowstone:

1. You can make campground reservations on May 1 of the previous year.  For example, reservations for summer 2012 can be made starting May 1, 2011.
2. Show up to the “first-come, first served” campsites early in the morning before checkout time (11am) to find an open spot.  Watch for campers that are packing up, and request to reserve their spots with the camp hosts.  Guroo akesiel has found that they often end up with the best spots!
3. Carry cash (with $1 bills or a checkbook).  Some of the campgrounds only have self-serve fee stations.
4. Guroo akesiel helpfully warns Trekaroo readers that Fishing Bridge RV Park “is not a campground.  This is definitely only an RV Park where units are lined up, very closely and hooked up to power and water.  There are also no site picnic tables or fire pits.”  It is for hard-side vehicles only and offers water, sewer and electrical hookups-50 amp service.

Geysers, Waterfalls and what??  Learn more about Yellowstone & the fun activities it offers.

 GRAND CANYON

Photo by: Flickr/jshyun

There are two campgrounds in Grand Canyon National Park that are reservable and are located on each rim.  The South Rim campground, Mather Campground, is located next to the Grand Canyon Village and can fill up quickly because of the well-visited South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  North Rim Campground is at a higher elevation and less crowded because it’s harder to get to the North Rim area of the Grand Canyon.  Campsites at North Rim can be reserved that are near the edge of the canyon and reservations for these popular ones go quickly.  However, I would imagine that most families would not want to camp so close to the edge when small children are with them.

 Tips for camping in the Grand Canyon

1. Reservations for Mather and North Rim Campgrounds can be made up to 6 months in advance.  Plan on making reservations online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 in January and February for summer camping because they fill up fast!
2. 26 miles east of Grand Canyon Village is Desert View Campground, which is a first-come, first-served campsite.  Located close to the rim, this campsite provides excellent views and access to trail heads.  Sites are usually full by early afternoon during the summer months so arrive early to find a spot.

Heading to the Grand Canyon?  Check out this list on family-friendly activities.

 ROCKY MOUNTAIN

Photo by: Flickr/J. Stephen Conn

My family and I have not been able to visit Rocky Mountain National Park.  But looking at pictures of campsites nestled in tall grass with a backdrop of sharp mountain peaks covered in snow elicits quite a pang of longing in my heart!  Reservations for summer camping in Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, and Aspenglen can be made up to six months in advance at www.recreation.gov or at 877-444-6777.  These campsites seem surrounded by rivers, hiking trails, and great views, and look like the perfect place to spend time as a family together.  Please note that Glacier Basin Campground will be closed the entire season of 2012 due to road construction on Bear Lake Road.  Other first-come, first-served campgrounds are Longs Peak and Timber Creek.

Tips for camping in Rocky Mountain National Park

1. Make reservations up to 6 months in advance for Moraine Park and Aspenglen at www.recreation.gov.
2. Arrive early in the day to find available spots at Longs Peak or Timber Creek.
3. Carry cash (with $1 bills or a checkbook).  Some of the campgrounds only have self-serve fee stations.
4. Be prepared for cooler weather in the high elevations of this park.  Bring plenty of warm blankets and clothes and dress in layers.

  ZION

Photo by: Flickr/PhotoInko

Camping at Zion National Park is very popular with summer guests.  The campgrounds are full every night, so if you want to camp here, reservations at Watchman Campground are recommended.  First-come, first-served sites are available at South Campground.  Both campgrounds are located within ½ mile of the entrance gate to Zion.  These campgrounds are located in desert conditions with few trees and lots of summer heat. There are a few riverside campsites next to the Virgin River, but as expected, they are claimed quickly and early.  My friend and her family were able to secure a riverside site by requesting it when making reservations. They do not guarantee them, but they did have one saved for them. She said, “It’s also nice and shady by the river! One note: you are on a bit of hillside near a river with a current, so you may not want to camp here with little ones. I felt like I needed to be on guard all the time.”

 Tips for camping in Zion

1. Make reservations up to 6 months in advance for Watchman Campground at www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777 for dates from March 3, 2012 through November 25, 2012.
2. Arrive early in the day to find available spots at South Campground.
3. Carry cash, including $1, or checks to pay at the self-registration centers at each campground.
4. Prepare for hot summer camping by bringing lots of fluids, “Easy-Up” type shade structures, and cooling activities for your kids such as spray water bottles, sponges and other fun things.
5. Plan on some of these fun things to do with kids in Zion during the hot summers:

• Inner-tube on the Virgin River (you can rent tubes).
• Hike in the park through lots of beautiful locations close to the shuttle stops or longer hikes into the canyon.
• Play in the river in the park where there are shallower spots and it is safer to play.
• Have your kids participate in the Junior Ranger program.
• Get ice cream at the snack shop in the park.
• Enjoy some cool time in the Visitor’s Center and gift shop.

Been to Zion?  Share your review with other Trekaroo users.

 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

Photo by: Flickr/rdwatson78

America’s “Most Visited National Park” is the Great Smoky Mountains.  Families come here to “car camp,” fish, and picnic while viewing wildlife, beauty, and history at every turn.  Campgrounds are scattered throughout the park on both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides.

Campsites at Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Elkmont, and Smokemont may be reserved online at www.recreation.gov or by phone at (877) 444-6777.  There are many other park campgrounds that are first-come, first-served.  There are group sites available at the previously mentioned campgrounds, plus Big Creek Campground and Deep Creek Campground.

 Tips for camping in the Great Smoky Mountains

1. Make reservations up to 6 months in advance for Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Elkmont, and Smokemont at www.recreation.gov.
2. Arrive early in the day to find available spots at other first-come, first-served campsites.
3. Carry cash, including $1, or checks to pay at the self-registration centers at each campground.

Heading to the Smokey Mountains?  Check out what other users have to say.

No matter where you pitch your tent this summer, make sure to gaze at the stars, roast marshmallows on the fire, and enjoy the beauty of nature with your family.  Campgrounds are where some of my family’s best memories have been formed.

Michelle McCoy (aka Mcfam) is Trekaroo’s Southern California Destination Guroo. She and her husband, Matt, have 3 boys and a girl ages 2 to 10.  They love traveling to National Parks and going camping, but when life with young kids keeps them home, they find their fun in traveling to the local beaches in Orange County and hiking in the wilderness areas nearby.

Travel with kids to: CA|CO| DC| FL| HI| IL|MA| NC| NY| OR | PA| TN | TX |VA| WA

“Will we get to see the Florida Panther?” my 10-year-old daughter immediately asked as we planned our New Year’s Trip to Marco Island, Florida.  By now I am used to such queries from my animal science lover.  Although this guy is pretty elusive, we figured we would give it our best shot by traveling to the Northwestern entrance to Everglades National Park in the Southern Florida Gulf Coast.  As soon as we got off the highway to head into Marco Island she saw the signs. “Panther crossing next 5 miles.” She was sure she would spot one that night.

Search by bicycle

Biking in the Everglades is a an essential experience at this National Park.  Menacing alligators were everywhere on the Tamiani trail heading to the Everglades. A quick stop at the Oasis Visitor center at the Big Cyprus National Preserve allowed us to learn more about the Panther and its struggles to survive in the area.  We also learned about the other wildlife in the area with hands -on exhibits.  A ranger provided us with  Junior Ranger quest materials that we used on our adventure in Shark Alley in the Everglades National Park. After we gathered our Junior Ranger materials and all of our newfound knowledge, we rented some bikes from the park service and got ready for a 15 mile loop bike ride to seek out wildlife. I never dreamed I would let me kids get so close to the monstrous Everglades gators, but there we were cruising by them on our bikes. The last few miles were quite an effort for the kids (and the adults too!) Luckily  you can choose to opt for the park service tram for a more relaxing ranger led tour if you don’t think your family is up for the challenge. Although we espied our fair share of gators and gator babies…no panthers.

Search by airboat

Captain Doug’s airboat tours just outside of the park in Everglades City allowed us to continue our quest and fulfilled the need for speed. These boats are smaller airboats so they are able to zip down the mangrove arches and really got our hearts racing. We spotted a Raccoon family and Pelicans that got so close one actually side-swiped my son with his wing…… but the panther continued to evade us.

Search by hiking and wild life drives

The Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve provided the opportunity to hike in the mangroves and drive along the Janes Scenic Wildlife Drive. Sightings outside the park entry indicated that the feline in question had been spotted earlier in the day near a specific fig strangled tree. We were hoping for some luck as we completed the Janes scenic wildlife drive at dusk.  Although we never saw the panther, we  did spot deer, gators, squirrels, a woodpecker, beautiful flora and birds on the small one way 11 mile road full of adventure!

The J ‘Ding” Darling drive located on Sanibel extended our search. My children were thrilled to find the Roseate Spoonbill and some Wood Storks on this drive.  All of our wildlife treks had made us very hungry so we stopped at the Bubble Room, a Captiva landmark since 1974. This spot is kitsch to the max and of course the kids loved it. All the wait staff are decked out as ‘Bubble Scouts’ with crazy patches and hats of their choosing. The restaurant is decorated for Christmas all year and there are several sections just begging to be checked out by the wee-ones, including an outside jail cell.

Search on the Beach

Tigertail Beach is located right on Marco Island and although Captiva and Sanibel garner much of the attention regarding their seashell finds, Tigertail can compete quite hardily. The fine, white sandy beach is very wide, and although we saw no panthers we saw our fair share of other wild creatures including a dolphin pod swimming very close to the shore. No need for a dolphin sighting cruise!!!  The kids snorkeled and swam while we adults got in some good reading time. The beach is complete with a snack bar and a playground, perfect for young children. It is a walk from the parking lot to the beach unless of course you are up for another adventure: crossing the salt pond in waist deep water. (The kids liked this option….maybe not the adults…but it was a quicker way to access the beach.)

Search…at the zoo!

The Lowry Park Zoo has been voted the number one zoo by Parent’s Magazine and once we set foot on its grounds we immediately knew why. All of the exhibits were kid friendly and there were many activities for the kids to participate in including walking amongst the Wallabies, feeding Giraffes, Rhinos and Stingrays. A kiddie roller coaster and a carousel were included with admission and provided a great way to break up the monotony of the ‘zoo experience’. We ran out of time before we could see the entire park, but we did finally see Lucy the Florida Pantherand my daughter finally had her up close and personal encounter.

Region overview | Hotels |  Activities | Exploring the Everglades with Kids | Budget Friendly SW Florida

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Ahhh, beautifully preserved National Parks; the trees, the animals, the geology, the lakes and rivers ……and the traffic- jam up ahead because someone spotted a horned-lizard and parked in the middle of the road to take a picture!

We visit National Parks to get away from civilization, yet often find ourselves trapped in a crowd of tourist bus patrons fighting for a view of Old Faithful.  I contend that wearing flip-flops isn’t a requirement to enjoy these awesome spaces and actually prefer to visit off-season with my family.

Off-season national park visits provide two huge benefits:  (1) crowd avoidance, and (2) discounted lodging prices.   But of course, there are many cons to the off-season.  These cons include unpredictable weather, transportation issues, closed trails, limited camping and dining options, kids’ school schedules and missing out on high-season sites or activities.

If crowd avoidance and discounted lodging isn’t enough to convince your family to visit in the off-season, here is a list of ways to overcome all of those cons:

• Unpredictable Weather:  Pack winter clothes and wear layers even if it’s still sunny at your house.  My family usually begins our day looking like we’re on an arctic expedition but return looking like we’re ready for the beach.  Pack board games.   My kids still rave about our family chess tournament while sitting through a springtime Yellowstone snow storm as buffalo tromped past our RV (I won!).  Finally, enjoy that snow.  Rent some snow-shoes and explore the Tetons where you can hear the snow fall or admire the contrast of clean white snow on Bryce Canyon’s red rock.
• Transportation:  Road closures may be an issue.  Glacier’s Going to the Sun Road and Yellowstone’s Dunraven Pass come to mind; two amazing drives that off-season travelers will probably miss.  The good news is that off-season travelers to Zion National Park can drive their own cars in the park without lugging baby paraphernalia on the park’s requisite high-season shuttle buses.  (You can see Trekaroo reviews of the Zion’s shuttle buses, which are actually quite positive; yet still not enough to convince me – I like my freedom behind the wheel.)
• Hiking Trails: Yes, some will be closed.  However, you may be able to find yourself alone, standing under Delicate Arch or on top of Cassidy Arch with one cool family photo opportunity.

• Camping:  Camping off-season does require some fortitude, or a cozy RV (see my review of Cruise America RV) and plenty of blankets.  Several campgrounds are closed in the off-season.  But the good news is you will most likely be able to find a camping spot without a 6-month advance reservation.

Read my list of early season camping opportunities in Yellowstone

• Limited Dining Options:  Word of warning – do not leave the house without a loaf of bread, peanut butter and jelly.  Those towns next to national parks that exist only because of tourism have restaurants that cannot exist when the high season crowd subsides.   Ideally, seek lodging with kitchen facilities and hit the grocery store.  I know, who wants to cook while on vacation?  I don’t even want to cook when not on vacation.  But the truth is, you’ll save money, eat healthier and in some circumstances, you won’t starve – Capitol Reef National Park comes to mind.
• School Days:  Don’t tell my school district, but I honestly believe that a missed day from school to visit a national park provides good hands-on education.  I consider this a field-trip which so many of our cash-strapped schools have eliminated.  My kiddos have learned about geology, biology, and history from their national park visits and their grades have yet to suffer.
• Hungry Bears:  We usually travel to the Tetons and Yellowstone in spring; the same time all of those hungry scavenging bears are coming out of hibernation.  The benefit to this: we always see mama bears and they usually have 2 cute little babies tagging along.  In the spring, the animal population is ripe with babies, allowing us to admire newborns such as ornery baby buffalos, knobby-kneed elk, and mischievous wolf pups.  Likewise, fall travel allows visitors to experience “the rut” (a good introduction to the birds and bees, and one amazing vocal performance).  FYI – we’ve taught our kids that the rut is just how animals’ find their spouses: a song, a display of manliness, some head butting, a coy play of “hard-to-get”;  you know, it’s exactly how we find our spouses.
• Junior Ranger Program:  Stop at any national park visitor’s center and ask about the Junior Ranger Program, a good educational program to engage kiddos in your park visit.  Off-season travel doesn’t end their ability to earn that highly prized badge.  Rangers make accommodations for kids that can’t attend ranger-led programs due to off-season travel.

Now that I have convinced you that an off-season visit to a National Park is both doable and enjoyable, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite parks to visit in the off-season:

• Zion National Park – Go in winter to forgo the shuttle buses, but beware of the icy switchbacks along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.
• Arches National Park –Go in the winter and you’ll snap an awesome family photo on the arches with the snow covered La Sal mountains as your backdrop.
• Yellowstone National Park – Old Faithful still erupts in the off-seasons and you might be able to find a seat to savor a cup a coffee next to that awesome fireplace at the inn.
• Grand Teton National Park – Check out some of the amazing luxury lodging discounts at Teton Village during the ski shoulder seasons.

The bottom line is my family loves off-season national park travel; crowd avoidance and discounted lodging are huge benefits and we’ve learned to overcome, and actually enjoy the cons.   However,  I hope your family will consider otherwise.  I really want to be the only family under Delicate Arch this off-season!

Ann Anderson is the Utah Destination Guroo for Trekaroo

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