Portland, Oregon is a beautiful river city known for its aesthetics and culture. Its a great place to find outdoor adventure, a thriving arts & music scene, and access to all sorts of eco-friendly experiences. There is plenty of family fun to be had in the downtown area and the rest of the Willamette Valley. Trekaroo is proud to be launching Portland this week and looks forward to exploring the rest of the state of Oregon with all of you wonderful members of the Trekaroo community.
So, what have Trekaroo families shared thus far?
- 236 Activities listed in the Portland/Willamette Valley Region alone! Have you been to any of these kid-friendly places? If so, add your insight! Did you see something we missed? Be sure to share your experiences.
- Activities and hotel reviews across the 4 main regions of Oregon: Willamette Valley (Portland), Southern Oregon, Central Oregon, and Mt. Hood / The Gorge
- A list of Kid-friendly hotels in Portland waiting to be rated by parents like you
- Lots of fun lists like:
- Top Kid Activities in Portland as voted by Trekaroo families
- 5 Family Activities for $5 or less in Portland
- Cheap and Fun Eats in Portland!
- Things to see and do around Portland with Children
- Favorite kid-friendly restaurants in the Portland Metro Area
- Favorite Rainy Day Activities in Portland
- Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in Oregon with Kid Programs
- Favorite places to walk or hike in Oregon
Have you experienced Portland or any other part of the beautiful state of Oregon with your kids? Tell us all about your experiences – good and bad. Join now and start writing reviews. New members get to take advantage of Welcome Rewards. A gift card to Amazon, Starbucks, or REI was enough to convince me to join way back when!
What location is next? Georgia! Be part of the founding team to help launch Georgia on Trekaroo by sharing about activities you like and the best places to stay.
Special thanks to the 47 families who have collaborated to build a list of fantastic kid-friendly recommendations with their reviews! In particular, special thanks are due to PDXBloss, pitstopsforkids, bayareababyblog, Beaverton Mama, Living Beaverton, Camillegrimshaw, thriftyportlandmom, Leigh Anne, fani*fam, McPippi, and naturalist who have gone above and beyond to inside scoop and create such helpful lists for Portland and Oregon.
And of course, thanks to team Trekaroo who sacrifice so much to pull it all together.
Put on those rain boots and get out there!
Esther Lee (thelees3) – CEO
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Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
My husband grew up in Toronto and I’ve been amazed by the endless number of activities he comes up with to entertain our 3-year old toddler son and his 3, 5 and 8-year old nephews. Here are our favorites when visiting Toronto with kids under the age of 8.
Canada’s Largest Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum has 4 floors and 70+ galleries where kids can learn about natural history and world cultures. You can easily spend a full day here, but the stuff your kids care about is primarily located on Level 2. There you can find some Jurassic friends in the Age of Dinosaurs gallery, excavate a dino bone in the Interactive Discovery Gallery, and touch a skull in the Hands-On Biodiversity Gallery.
Got a toddler? Head over to Franklin’s World for games and activities that are perfect for busy toddlers.
For the Fearless
Towering 1815 ft in the air, the CN Tower is the first and only landmark my 3-year old son can recognize in Toronto. Although the view from anywhere is fairly impressive, the view from the inside is certainly memorable.
Don’t forget your camera because you’ll want a similar shot of the kids standing, jumping or sleeping on the Glass Floor Observation Deck as they watch the city buzz busily below.
Photo by Flickr user shadowarmy75.
Best Hands-on Fun
The Ontario Science Centre is an enormous institution filled with 9 large exhibition halls for kids to learn about different eco-systems, insects, physics, technology and more.
Kids under 8 will love the specially designed Kidspark zone where little hands and feet make music, build a house and more. Be sure to check their regularly schedules programs where OSC staff help to teach kids can learn about electricity and more.
Best Day Trip
Visiting Toronto Island Park is one of my favorite excursions with the kids. Where else do you get a ferry ride with an amazing view of the Toronto skyline, Centreville Amusement Park (30 rides that are perfect for the 8 and under crowd), beaches, and signs that say “Please walk on the grass.”
Kid-friendly? You bet.
Best Amusement Park
Located right on the shore of Lake Ontario, Ontario Place is guaranteed fun for the family. All the rides and attractions are geared for kids aged 2-10. My 3-year old son had such a blast with the bumper boats, driving his own car and riding the mini Ferris wheel. The flume and water park are great for those torrid summer days. My personal favorite, the Atom Blaster arena where you can shot foam balls at your loved ones.
Best Farm for Kids
The Riverdale Farm is smack-dab in the middle of the city with 7.5 acres of paths, gardens and barns for the kids to explore. Highlights are the butterfly-herb-flower-vegetable gardens and all of Old McDonald’s farm animals that your little ones love to sing about.
Best Annual Event for Families
If you’re here in March or early April, bring the kids to the Kortright Centre for Conservation for the Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival. Activities include pony rides, a petting zoo, horse-drawn wagon rides, sap samplings and maple syrup demonstrations. On the weekends and during March break, check the schedule for special performances and events for the kids like animal shows and live music. Of course, there will be plenty of pancakes and maple syrup to sample.
Related articles on traveling to Toronto:
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Esther Lee is co-founder and CEO of Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
My family loves to bowl. My son’s only 3 and he’s already been working on his game. If you love to bowl, you’ll have to check out this great program called KidsBowlFree.com. Just like it sounds, this amazing program means that your kids can bowl up to 2 games a day for FREE all summer long! Nothing. Zippo. Zilch. Zero. Nada. Nothing!
This is our second year in the program and it’s great especially if you get your friends in on the fun too. You can register any child that you’re a parent/guardian of under the age of 18. The bowling centers win because they get traffic in the door during the day when the bowling league members are busy working their day jobs. This year, they even have a family pass that starts at $24.95 and allows 1, 2, 3, or 4 adults to play 2 free games daily this summer. What a steal.
So, go to KidsBowlFree.com and check out the 850+ participating bowling centers (keep in mind this list is constantly growing) and sign up. Let us know what you think too.
For more free fun in your neighborhood, check on Trekaroo for your city/region and set our cost filter on “free.” The Trekaroo system will magically pull out all the activities in your area that are easy on the pocketbook. Here are a few list of FREE activities in some major metro area. But you can do this for any destination or city on Trekaroo.
- Free Activities for Kids Around New York City
- Free Activities for Kids Around Washington DC
- Free Activities for Kids Around Boston, Massachusetts
- Free Activities for Kids Around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Free Activities for Kids Around Orlando, Florida
- Free Activities for Kids Around Charlotte, North Carolina
- Free Activities for Kids Around Chicago, Illinois
- Free Activities for Kids Around Los Angeles, CA
- Free Activities for Kids Around San Francisco Bay Area
What is Monday Madness?
Every Monday, Trekaroo announces on our blog, either a fantastic giveaway or an incredible deal. It could be a green water bottle, a hotel stay on Maui or theme park tickets. Return every Monday to the Talking Trekaroo Blog for the details. Want a reminder? Become a Trekaroo member or follow us on facebook or twitter.
Photo licensed under Creative Commons from Jess2284.
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Esther Lee is co-founder and CEO of Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
Are we there yet?
Are you packing and getting ready for a 4th of July long weekend roadtrip with the family? Whether you’re flying to France, traveling to relatives or heading for the beach, check out our newly assembled Trekaroo’s Activities and Games Guide for Traveling with Kids.
These are all based on recommendations from Trekaroo’s community of travel-savvy parents over the last year. We’ve got games that can be played anytime, anywhere and no gameboards required. Some will make your kids think, some will make them laugh and some will turn them into detectives.
Here’s a sneak peak at Activities #24 through 35.
Guessing Games
24. 20 Questions (Ages 2+)
25. Treasure in a Bottle (Ages 2-4)
26. Name that Tune (Ages 3+)
27. Mother Goose’s Mixed Up Words (Ages 3-6)
28. How Far Away is That? (Ages 4+)
29. True or False (Ages 4-7)
Simple Activities with Just a Piece of Paper
30. Print out coloring or activity pages from websites like Education.com or Crayola.com
31. Print out a map of the US and check off each state that you find a license plate for
32. Free Roadtrip Bingo print-outs from MomsMinivan
33. Write a letter to grandma or a friend. Write a journal entry.
34. Travel Scavenger print-outs from Moms Minivan
35. Take a crayon, stick a coin underneath a sheet of paper and make a coin rubbing
The Trekaroo’s Activities and Games Guide for Traveling with Kids also has our favorite toys for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age kids, tweens and teens that you can purchase ahead of time and throw in your Mary Poppins “entertainment” carpet bag. You’ll find books, puzzles, activity kits and more to choose from to keep the kids entertained and happy for your “family vacation”
Be sure to check-out Activity #68 in Trekaroo’s Activities and Games Guide for Traveling with Kids. It’s a great idea that I’d never heard of from happyonvacation.
Related articles:
Visit Trekaroo’s Travel Store for more of our favorite travel gear, toys, and books for babies to teens!
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Esther Lee is co-founder and CEO of Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
Museums across America are getting more and more kid-friendly. Many have special exhibits geared to the interests of kids with interactive hands on learning stations. If you’re looking for a special outing or some exceptional educational experiences, you’ve got to put these on your list of activities to hit up before the year ends.
Kid friendly Museum Exhibits in: San Francisco | Los Angeles | Seattle | Chicago | Dallas | New York City | Boston
In particular, these 10 kid-friendly museum exhibits really got us excited. If you can, try to get to some of these with your kids! These exhibits promise big fun, educational experiences, and a plethora of interactive exhibits.
Exploring Trees Inside and Out
This 2,500-square-foot exhibit is designed for kids ages 2 to 7 to better understand the significant role trees play in the environment and how they can be involved in preserving them. This exhibit engages all of your child’s senses. They’ll be happy as an cockatoo crawling, smelling, listening, and pretending. website
Catch this exhibit at:
California Science Center, Los Angeles, California – May 28th to September 6th,2010.
Reviews of California Science Center with Kids | Kid-friendly Activities and Hotel in Los Angeles
Chicago Children’s Museum from October 2nd to January 9th, 2011.
Reviews of the Chicago Children’s Museum with Kids | Kid-friendly Activities and Hotels in Chicago
Photo by: Arbor Day Foundation
Chomp 2! Return of the Carnivorous Plants
What kid can resist the excitement of coming face to face with meat-eating plants like the statuesque white trumpets of the American Southeast, the sinister pitcher plants of Borneo and the glistening sundews of South Africa. This swampy paradise is sure to delight your child. Do not get your fingers too close to these plants, little ones…. they bite! website
Catch this exhibit at:
Conservatory of Flowers, San Francisco, CA – now till October 31, 2010
Reviews of the Conservatory of Flowers with Kids | Kid-friendly Activities and Hotels in San Francisco
Photo by: Conservatory of Flowers
Living in Space, about the International Space Station
This traveling exhibit provides an interactive experience where kids eat, sleep, work, and play in space. If you have a young child who loves anything to do with space, don’t miss this wonderful exhibit. website
Catch this Exhibit at:
Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito, CA – May 29th to August 15th,2010
Reviews of the Bay Area Discovery Museum with Kids | Kid-friendly Activities and Hotels in San Francisco
Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul, MN – Sept 4, 2010 through Jan 2, 2011
Reviews of the Minnesota Children’s Museum with Kids | Kid-friendly Activities and Hotels in the Twin Cities
Photo by: Bay Area Discovery Museum
Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age
This brand new traveling exhibit will allow kids to explore the world of mammoths and mastodons through fossils, artifacts, engaging interactives, immersive media, and the story of the most complete and best-preserved mammoth ever found, the baby Lyuba. website
Catch this exhibit at:
The Field Museum, Chicago, IL – now till September 6th,2010
Reviews of Field Museum with Kids | Kid-friendly Activities and Hotels in Chicago
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ – October 16, 2010 to January 9, 2011
Reviews of Liberty Science Center with Kids
Photo by: Flickr/taygete05
Curious George saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H.A. Rey
Kids and adults all have fond feelings towards Curious George. In this wonderful exhibit, you’ll see original drawings and learn about how George actually saved his ‘parents’ from Nazi occupied Europe. Website
Catch this exhibit at:
Jewish Museum, New York City – now till till August 1st, 2010
Reviews of Jewish Museum with Kids | Kid-friendly Activities and Hotels in New York City
Photo by: The Jewish Museum
Bodies
The ‘Bodies’ exhibit provides a rare look into real human specimens, showing how amazing our human bodies are. For young children, it may be too much, but for your tween and teens, this exhibit is a must see. website
Check their website for where you can catch this exhibit. They are showing in many cities across America including Atlanta, Dallas, Cleveland, Grand Rapids, Las Vegas, Tuscon, New York
Kid-friendly Activities and Hotels in Atlanta | Kid-friendly Activities and Hotels in New York City | Kid-friendly Activities and Hotels in Dallas
Toys: the Inside Story
This fun exhibition literally breaks open the world of toys so that your child can discover the simple mechanisms commonly found in toys. Your budding toy designer can also create their own toy-like combination of gears, pulleys, linkages, cams, and circuits. Enjoy some free-form and open-ended toy design. Caution: get ready for massive toys dissection when you come back home! website
Children’s Museum of Manhattan, New York City – from May 29th till September 18th, 2010
Reviews of the Children’s Museum of Manhattan | Kid-friendly Activities and Hotels in New York City
Photo by: John Douglas
Peter Rabbits Flower Village
Enjoy the flower houses at the Dallas Arboretum that bring alive the world of Beatrix Potter. This is the cutest little exhibition. Fans of Beatrix Potter should not miss this. website
Catch this exhibit at:
Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Dallas, TX – now till July 31st, 2010
Reviews of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens with Kids | Kid-friendly Activities and Hotels in Dallas
Photo by: Dallas Arboretum
Lizards and Snakes: Alive
Hate them or love thme, your kids will fascinated by the 60+ live lizards and snakes in re-created habitats. This exhibit introduces visitors to a diversity of legged and legless creatures and their remarkable adaptations. website
Catch this Exhibit at:
American Museum of Natural, New York City – now till September 2nd,2010
Reviews of the American Museum of Natural History | Kid-friendly Activities and Hotels in New York City
Photo by: Michael & Patricia Fogden
Headgear: the Natural History of Horn and Antlers
This multimedia exhibition provides an unusual in-depth look at horn and antler headgear dawned by some animals, providing a look at the evolutionary process of such animals. 3-D diorama and video presentations illustrate the use of horns and antlers in combat. website
Catch this exhibit at:
Harvard Museum of Natural History, Cambridge, MA – May 22nd, 2010 till January 2nd, 2011
Reviews of the Harvard Museum of Natural History with Kids | Kid-friendly activities and hotels in Boston
Full List of Kid-friendly Museum Exhibits:
- Kid-friendly Museum Exhibits in San Francisco, California
- Kid-friendly Museum Exhibits in Los Angeles, California
- Kid-friendly Museum Exhibits in Seattle, Washington
- Kid-friendly Museum Exhibits in Chicago, Illinois
- Kid-friendly Museum Exhibits in Dallas, Texas
- Kid-friendly Museum Exhibits in New York City
- Kid-friendly Museum Exhibits in Boston, Massachusetts
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LiLing Pang is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
It takes my breath away every time! That first glimpse of majestic Yosemite granite always hits me like a rock.
It’s experiences like this that make me grateful to the National Park Service (NPS) for making these wonders of nature accessible not just to the hardiest of explorers. I am grateful that our 4 and 7 year old boys can feel, touch, smell and see in person some of the most beautiful and fascinating places in this great land. Over the last almost 100 years, more than 400 entities have come under the protection and management of the National Park Service.
Families all over America and the world love exploring America’s National Parks. In Part 1 of our endeavor to unlock America’s National Parks for families, we bring you 6 of our favorite National Parks and some of the most popular National Monuments. You’ll find a unique list of kid-friendly activities for toddlers through teens and family-friendly lodging.
Now it is up to National Park loving families to fill in the gaps with their personal recommendations.
Acadia National Park with kids – Home to Cadillac Mountain in the East Coast. Families love the granite peaks and exploring tide pools along Maine’s coastline. Elementary aged kids enjoy the ranger narrated boat rides
Photo by Flickr/woodleywonderworks
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Grand Canyon National Park with kids - a 277 miles of water carved canyons make for a majestic landscape that families can enjoy via scenic drives, white water rafting and by mule-pack. Best to be enjoyed by children elementary school age and up.
Photo by: J Elchmann
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Olympic National Park with kids - At Olympic National Park, you’ll find lush rain forests, mountains and green meadows as well as rocky beaches that families really enjoy.
Photo by: Flickr/stevevoght
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Rocky Mountain National Park with kids – this high altitude National Park is filled with stunning scenic vistas, fishing, hiking and home to lots of wildlife.
Photo by: flickr/jakesmome
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park with kids - renowned for it’s diversity of plant and animal life as well as remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture.
Photo by: flickr/alex_ford
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Yosemite National Park with kids- this vast National Park is distinctive for it’s magnificent granite monoliths, some of the highest waterfalls in the continent, and stately redwood groves.
Photo by: Flickr/the_tahoe_guy
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Yellowstone National Park - psychedelic thermal hot spring pools, geysers, boiling rivers, majestic waterfalls, and stately elk. Yellowstone National Park is one of the most unique places on earth.
Photo by: Flickr/AlaskanDude
- A List of National Monuments to Visit with Kids
Tips on Exploring National Parks and Monuments:
- Best Hikes for Tykes in Yosemite National Park
- Trekaroo Families’ Favorite Things to Do with Kids in Yosemite National Park
- 15 Family Friendly National Park Adventures
- National Park Junior Ranger Program
- 5 National Monuments Your Family Should Visit
- 5 family-friendly hikes in Yellowstone National Park
- Bryce National Park with Kids
If you’ve got the inside scoop on any of these National Parks, don’t hold back! Share reviews, tips, photos and memories. Tell us all what are your favorite hikes for kids, what ranger programs and privately run tours shouldn’t be missed, and which campsites and lodging are the most kid-friendly.
Don’t forget all your reviews can be entered into our $1000 Summer of Travel Contest. It’s your chance to win free cash for your 2010 summer family vacation.
Giveaway: National Parks Pass
To celebrate the launch of these 6 national parks, we’re giving away an America Is Beautiful National Parks Pass. Entry requirements are very simple!
The Pioneers:
Along with the Trekaroo team, I would especially like to acknowledge these Trekaroo families who have been key in getting the ball rolling: DGL19652003, Womanofsalt, arial, Familiarycerz, Dan, fani*fam, mamateresa2007, Mom Most Traveled, Travelersbarista, pitstopsforkids, zerbut, JulieCC, Nene, Christinebyrd and Grandma Adele.
Coming soon: and Zion National Park – be the pioneer and help us launch it with your reviews.
- “This land is your land, this land is my land
- From California to the New York Island
- From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters
- This land was made for you and me.”
Esther Lee
CEO of Trekaroo
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Esther Lee is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
The original inhabitants of the Yosemite Valley called the place Ahwahnee, which translates to something like “large mouth”. The area was said to resemble a gaping bear’s mouth, but it is also an apt description of the effect this rugged and vast landscape has on visitors of all ages. It’s a stunning view that makes the soul feel big and the every body seem small and allows a child’s imagination to fly wild in the high sky of the Sierras. Trekaroo parents attest to the majestic qualities of this national park and through their contributions they have given us a list of the top spots to visit while in Yosemite with the youngsters:
The Pinnacle of Wonder for Kids in Yosemite: Glacier Point
There’s something about perspective that changes things and at Glacier Point it’s all about perspective. The spectacular view from the top may have your child forgetting all about their Nintendo Wii bowling score for at least a few minutes while they contemplate the grandeur of the world around. Half Dome looms in the distance, allowing parents to briefly appreciate not having to trek 14 miles up that rock with the youngins. As trekaroo parent Lydie says “[Glacier Point is a] beautiful view without having to hike for hours.” However, if hiking is part of your plan, Trekaroo mom Sarah assures us “there are hikes that start and end here.” Whether hiking or driving to the top of this Yosemite landmark, Trekaroo parents rank this as one of the best places to visit with their kids. Shinyhappypeople has this advice: “If it’s your first trip to Yosemite and you don’t have much time, put Glacier Point at the top of your “must see” list. You won’t regret it.”
Best Place for a Kid-Friendly Yosemite Education: Yosemite Valley Visitor’s Center
The Yosemite Valley Visitor’s Center is frequented by many a mom and dad at the start of their pursuit of the great outdoors. It’s a great place to begin with plenty of maps and advice to go around. “If you aren’t an experienced camping/hiking/walking the trails family, you should stop in at the visitor’s center. You’ll find maps and hopefully a park employee to answer any questions,” says familiarycerz. Besides gaining your bearings, the Visitor’s Center offers other educational activities for kids. Trekaroo mom arial confirms that this is a great way to start your child’s Yosemite adventure: “Not only can you learn about the surroundings and environment, but you can also watch a great free video that is full of history.” With so much to see and do, first time visitors will especially benefit from the resources at the Visitor’s Center and find the most enjoyable way to explore.
Photo Credit: uSchmarol
The Most Classic Yosemite Journey for Kids: Yosemite Falls
It’s on the postcards and in the films, but there’s nothing quite like watching massive amounts of water fall a few thousand feet. It’s quite a step up from the bathtub faucet. Trekaroo parent doubleadventure reminds us that this aquatic wonder truly is for everyone, “Even the tiniest munchkins and those who are disabled can get up close and personal with the Lower Falls”. Many a youngster (including this author at the ripe age of 7) has made the trek up this towering fall. Trekaroo user Arial also waxes nostalgic about her childhood journeys up the Falls and gives the recommendation of packing a good hearty lunch for the trek. Whatever level of physical exertion you choose, the kids will no doubt be awed by the sight and sound of the three falls the make up this beautiful trademark of Yosemite.
Photo Credit: bunny_mama
The Best Place for Kids to see their Parents Looking Up: Mariposa Grove
In Mariposa Grove the trees are nearly as tall as your child’s imagination. “There are amazing trees here, really big ones, that you can walk through,” says morrobaykim about this precious forest. HDinSoCal enjoyed the walk to “Grizzly Tree” with the family, “This tree was the best tree worth seeing.” Amongst these cousins of the Redwoods, there are many ways to meander through the towering, millenniums-old trees by foot or by guided tour, whichever suits your motion fancy. Trekaroo parents warn, however, that the parking lot is frequently full, especially in the summer.
Photo Credit: flickr/Jared Hawkins
The Best Place for Kids to Reflect on Life’s Big Questions: Mirror Lake
Even mountains can have a bit of vanity, which is why Mirror Lake rests below the towering façade of Half Dome. There are adventures to be found along the trail, such as TravelPang’s see-saw discovery. And the destination itself is a spectacular way to relax the afternoon away with a packed lunch and swimming trunks. The hike is accommodating as maimai19 puts it, it’s a “nice hike for anyone, young and old.” The trail is stroller accessible for those who can’t quite carry all their own weight yet. Trekaroo mom, Arial, recommends this place for all-comers: “Whether you get here by biking, hiking, bus, car, or horse this is a great place for all to visit.”
Photo Credit: Giles Douglas
Trekaroo is seeking families who love National Parks! Sign in and share your reviews on Trekaroo. Every review you write over the next 3 weeks can be can be entered in the $1000 Summer of Travel Contest!.
Enter to win a National Park Pass
Related Articles:
- For more activities in Yosemite for Kids
- Kid-friendly lodging in Yosemite National Park
- Best Hikes for Tykes in Yosemite National Park
- 15 Family Friendly National Park Adventures
- National Park Junior Ranger Program
- 5 National Monuments Your Family Should Visit
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Stephen Wanta is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
Image Courtesy NPS
Today’s spotlight is on the National Parks Junior Ranger Program. Children ages 5-12 can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at each participating National Park installation (there are over 200 participants), complete the assigned activities, share their answers with a park ranger, and earn a Junior Ranger badge. Most programs require Junior Rangers to attend a ranger led program and pick up litter in addition to completing the activity booklet. Booklets can be picked up at park visitor centers. The Junior Ranger Program is a great way to educate kids about each park in a fun but educational way and the badge they receive upon completion of the program is the perfect souvenir to represent all their hard work. I can’t wait until my kids are old enough to participate!
If a National Park vacation is not on your immediate horizon, your kids can learn about parks all over the country through the WebRangers Program. There are more than 50 games on the WebRangers website that are designed to educate children about our National Parks. The games range from “Name that Yellowstone animal” to reading a map to playing park superintendent. I spent a few minutes playing the games and had a very time pulling myself away from the site! Kids who complete the WedRangers Program earn the coveted WebRangers badge.
Do you have an outing that you would like to spotlight this week? Perhaps its a post about a vacation you just took or a day trip that you think our readers should know about. Or maybe its a post about the vacation you are currently planning and going to book through Trekaroo! Spotlight your posts here by following the instructions here and filling out the Mr. Linky Form below. Also- don’t forget to enter Trekaroo’s Summer of Travel Blogathon! Who knows, maybe a Spotlight Thursday participant will win!
Let’s see where the spotlight shines this week!
Next week don’t miss our Spotlight Thursday on National Parks next week on May 27, 2010. If you’ve got a post on visiting ANY National Park with kids, don’t forget to link up your post so all of us get to know what you’ve written. If you don’t have a National Parks post, don’t fret. You can still be a part of the fun and link up with any new travel or activity post as always.
Trekaroo is seeking families who love National Parks! Sign in and share your reviews on Trekaroo. Every review you write over the next 4 weeks can be can be entered in the $1000 Summer of Travel Contest!
Related articles:
- Best Hikes for Tykes in Yosemite National Park
- 15 Family Friendly National Park Adventures
- National Park Junior Ranger Program
- 5 National Monuments Your Family Should Visit
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
