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.

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Enjoying a perfectly clear 70 degree day from a boat off the coast of Southern California is a pretty great way to spend an afternoon. If that afternoon is a seasonally warm January and the boat is taking you on a whale watching adventure, that day goes from great to spectacular. Gray whale season is just beginning and catching a glimpse of one of these gentle giants on their 10,000 mile migration from Alaska’s Bering Sea to Baja California’s breeding lagoons results in one of those moments where an involuntary gasp escapes as you find yourself in complete awe of nature.

My family has gone whale watching twice this winter with Dana Wharf Whale Watching. The first time was at the beginning of December. The weather was perfect and as we cruised south past Dana Point and along the Laguna Beach coast, I was in my happy place. The scenery was spectacular, the seas were calm, and my kids were having a great time on the boat, giggling away at the pelican (which they named Bruce) that decided to hitch a ride on the stern of the boat. Alas, Bruce and a half dozen sea lions lazing about on a buoy would be the summation of our animal encounters that day. That is not to say that we found our day to be a bust; quite the contrary! We thoroughly enjoyed our time on the water- the kids raved about it to anyone who would listen to them- and everyone on the boat received a voucher to come back again for another attempt at whale spotting.

As soon as the excitement of Christmas passed, my daughter began pestering me every day to see when we might go whale watching again. I checked the forecast and saw that the weather on the second day of the new year was forecasted to be spectacular- another calm 70 degree day was calling our names. This go round was different. The holiday visitors packed the boat and passengers ranged from infants to seniors. The fog was just beginning to burn off and the excitement on board was tangible. The whales must have known we were ready for a show because as soon as we exited the harbor, a gray whale was there to meet us! Success! My kids squealed (and I admit, so did I) as we saw the whale send up a stream of water in exhale and flip its tail as it dove back down below to feed. Unfortunately, the close proximity to the harbor meant that many causal boaters were also in the area and not exhibiting the best etiquette.  Our captain decided to head out into open water in search of another whale. I couldn’t help but question his decision. What if there weren’t any more whales? Boy was I wrong!

We zipped down the coast for several miles with an urgency that a boat which left a perfectly good whale could only exhibit. And then… we found them- a pair of whales, more than happy to put on a show. At first they demonstrated typical whale patterns, surfacing for a few minutes and then heading down for a deep feeding dive. But after a few minutes, they decided to hang out on the surface with us. They seemed just as interested in figuring out what we were about as we were them. Then, as if the day wasn’t going well enough, a pod of bottlenose dolphins headed over to play with the whales! So now we had two whales, dozens of dolphins, and wait… is that a sea lion I spy? Yes, we actually witnessed dolphins and whales playing together while a sea lion watched! “Wild Kingdom” had nothing on this day.

Dolphins and whales enjoying each other's company

Eventually, the captain regretfully informed us that we had to leave the spectacle and get back to dock so the 2 o’clock boat could head out. I could tell from his tone that we had witnessed something special. As we headed back in, we came across a pod of common dolphins that wanted to swim in our wake, leaping up to 20 feet in the air in what was most definitely an act of play. Our perfect day just became a bit more perfect.

Whale Watching for Land Lovers

If you suffer from sea sickness, have an aversion to boats, or just prefer to have two feet on land at all times, you may still get lucky and spot whales from the shore if you happen to know the right places to look.  Dana Point is thought to be a landmark to gray whales heading down to Baja so heading out onto the headlands with a pair of binoculars is a great place to start.  If you are visiting the area and want to search for whales from your hotel, there is no better place than the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel.

The Ritz sits on a bluff above the ocean just north of the Dana Point and has many great vantage points from which to view whales.  Whether you are enjoying appetizers at 180blũ, sitting on a Adirondack chair overlooking the ocean on the resorts lawn, or playing at Salt Creek Beach next door, keep your eyes on the sea.  The winter months are prime for gray whale watching and the summer brings blue whales, the largest animals on earth.  Salt Creek is my family’s local beach and we have seen dolphins from the sand on several occasions.

Read more about the family friendly and ideally located Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel.  

It has been only a couple weeks since my last whale watching experience and I am already pining for more. I am quite certain that my family has developed a brand new past time and I will be watching the reports for the first good blue whale sightings this summer. How can I possibly bear letting another season go by without seeing those massive yet gentle giants?

Disclosure: My family received a complimentary night’s stay at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel and whale watching trip with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching in order complete reviews fro Trekaroo and write this story. Neither business asked that I state anything in particular and all opinions are always my own honest thoughts.

Sharlene Earnshaw is the blog editor for Trekaroo.

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Somewhere in between a nature walk and enjoying my morning coffee on the beautiful south shore of Lake Tahoe, I came to understand why Camp Richardson Historic Resort and Marina has been a favorite all-season destination resort since 1924. Like Disneyland, Camp Rich offers enough activities to keep you on-site your entire trip. I’ll see your Tomorrowland and raise you Lake Tahoe, the second deepest lake in North America! This knotty-pine paradise comes complete with miles of sandy beach, a mountain sports center, ice cream parlor, general store and deli, lakeside restaurant, its own full-service marina with boat rentals, and a HUGE personality!

Camp Richardson is your fun headquarters!

During the warm seasons families can enjoy hiking, biking, beach-going, water play, boat rentals, fishing, and more. Kids can become honorary forest rangers as they explore majestic Lake Tahoe the  other lakes in the Lake Tahoe basin that deserve our attention. Just across the street from the main entrance. Camp Richardson Corral offers guided trail rides, hay wagon rides, steak rides, and winter sleigh rides. For riders 5 and younger, Camp Richardson Corral offers pony rides. Snowy season offerings include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow play and nearby ice-skating and sledding.

Mountain Sports Center is your on-site resource for all your recreation needs from full suspension mountain bikes, tandem bikes, bike accessories & repairs, hiking information and maps, cross-country ski rentals and trails, snowshoe rentals, to moonlight cross-country skiing and sleds.  Recently voted “Best Place to Cross Country Ski” by Tahoe locals, the Sports Center offers groomed and marked trails and is a great place to ski along the shores of Lake Tahoe. In winter, the miles of summer bike trails are magically changed to a beautiful white wonderland for skiing and snowshoeing as Camp Richardson hosts its own 35KM cross-country ski track.

The Camp Richardson Marina offers everything from an on-site water ski school to Seadoo, power boat, paddle boat, and kayak rentals. With the closest marina to Emerald Bay and one of the lake’s longest piers, this marina offers an endless array of ways to explore the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe. A gas dock, as well as launching and mooring facilities are available for those who would like to bring their own boat to the lake. During the summer months, the marina is open seven days a week.  oh, and if you see a purple mitten floating in the lake, grab it for me. My toddler chucked it in the lake from the pier during our visit!

Grab a Rum Runner and enjoy the view!

The Beacon Bar and Grill, located right on water’s edge at Camp Richardson Resort, is the perfect place for families to dine. The Beacon’s kid’s menu is excellent! There’s a nice variety of dishes to choose from with several healthy options. I’m happy to report, the prices are very reasonable (we paid $8 per child for very generous portions). When the weather heats up, patrons flock to the Beacon’s outdoor patio to soak up the sun, enjoy the beautiful view, and drink the Beacon’s famous Rum Runners and thick slices of fried calamari. For off-site dining, try Camp Richardson’s Fresh Ketch Restaurant, located right on the water at the Tahoe Keys Marina (about a 10 minute drive). The Ketch was voted, “Best Seafood” by Tahoe locals! In the summer, patrons can watch a Tahoe sunset from the waterfront lawn. If you need to stock up on supplies or grab a quick bite, The General Store & Cafe with Deli offers groceries, beer & wine, camping supplies, books & maps, gifts & apparel, sundries, ice, ATM, and Wi-Fi. Breakfast and lunch are served daily year-round. During the summer months, be sure to grab an ice cream cone. It just seems to taste better when eaten the fresh Sierra air.

A wide variety of lodging options to fit every budget and need.

Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina offers year-round lodging to fit every need. In the summer, reservations are made by the week only.

• Year round cabins – Sleep 2 to 8 people, studio, 1 and 2 bedroom units offer a gas fireplace, full kitchen (including microwave, coffeemaker and toaster), with utensils, linens and towels provided.
• Summer-only cabins – Studio and 1 bedroom units offer a basic kitchen (including coffeemaker and toaster), with linens and towels provided.
• Camp Richardson Hotel – 26 rooms sleeping from 1 to 4 people. Within the Hotel, the grand hall great room offers a social area with Wi-Fi, cozy seating, and the largest (and most gorgeous) fireplace I’ve ever seen.
• The Richardson House – A completely remodeled 7 bedroom, 5 bath house that sleeps 20. The home is furnished with modern amenities, hardwood floors, multiple TVs, a huge stone fireplace, a game area, and a formal dining area that sits 10 guests, making it perfect for family reunions.
• Beachside Inn – This 7-unit motel offers king and two double bed units. Perfect for those who want immediate access to the lake and the beach.
• Marina Duplex – Two adjacent two story units, each with sleeping for six, with basic kitchens, TV’s and phones. The Marina Duplex is in the center of activities during the summer.
• RV Village – Three campground areas are available.  New this year, a fully furnished, turn-key RV ready for your arrival. The “Hide Out” trailer is 27 feet and sleeps 6 people with a queen bed, a twin bunk, and a fold out double sofa sleeper. Also includes a bathroom with tub & shower, flat screen TV/DVD player, surround sound stereo, heat and air.
• Camping – 210 tent sites in two locations nestled in towering pine trees. Badger’s Den Campground and Eagle’s Nest. Campsites go early in the summer so it is recommended families book a couple months in advance.

 Good to know before you go:

• Camp Richardson Resort has a strict no pet policy.
• While you are visiting Camp Richardson, don’t feed any animals. Never leave food out on a picnic table or in a tent. All food, coolers, and food containers should be put away inside your car. Garbage should be disposed of in animal-proof dumpsters.
• Mai Dalton is the poised and passionate Lodging Operations Manager. If you run into her don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation. She has lots of fun Camp Richardson stories to share.

Want more Lake Tahoe fun? Check out reviews of  family friendly activities in the Lake Tahoe area.

Tina Buell (aka: imsnow) is one of NorCal’s Destination Gurus and a single mom to a 3 year old boy. She loves to travel with her mom and son to as many places as her schedule and budget allow.

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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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My name is Sharlene Earnshaw and I am a compulsive over-scheduler. Between school, dance, tae kwon do, speech, choir, and youth group, I am constantly trying to pencil in time for my kids to go to a park and enjoy some unstructured play for a few hours. Scary thing is, most people tell me it will only get harder as my children get older. Suddenly kids are at sports practice 3 nights a week and games all weekend- and that is on top of the ridiculous amount of homework teachers send home! When are kids supposed to be kids? When do they learn to climb trees, perfect their monkey bars skills, and take time to discover all the tiny life forms in their own neighborhood?

This week Superoo Michele Whiteaker wrote a very poignant post on her blog, Fun Orange County Parks, which I think we would all benefit from reading.  If it has been a while  since your family spent a Saturday on a hike or climbing trees, maybe it is time to find a nearby trail or park and have some unstructured fun.  If your family has travel planned this fall, make sure to include some time to let your kids relax and just be kids. No video games. No cell phones. No structured activities. Just kids being kids.

When most of us moms and dads grew up, the world was a very different place. We spent our summers engaging in countless hours of imaginative play (house, bank, Little House on the Prairie, super heroes, scientist,nature explorer, etc) instead of spending all of our time in structured camps or in front of a tv, video game, or computer. Heck, my family didn’t even own a computer until I was 17!

That imaginary play is not just important because it is fun. According to a January 2009 article in Scientific American  “‘Free play’, as scientists call it, is critical for becoming socially adept, coping with stress and building cognitive skills such as problem solving.” The world we live in is stressful enough.  Imagine living in that same world without being given the opportunity to develop the skills to deal with all that life throws at us. We owe our children the opportunity to reach their full social and cognitive potential.

Trekaroo wants to help families find new places to play, hike, and explore. We already have hundreds of parks and hikes on our site which were added and reviewed by people just like you, but we are always looking for more!  You can help people in your community by adding your family’s favorite places to play to our ever growing destination database. We want Trekaroo to not only help families travel with kids but also serve as a local resource for all the fun outings in between. If everybody adds 5 activities, can you imagine what an incredible resource we could create?

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Sharlene Earnshaw is the Blog Editor for Trekaroo.

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