In this economy, money is tight but families still want to travel. If your restless children are climbing the walls you may want to consider a cost effective road trip. It may not be the island vacation you’ve been dreaming of, but road trips are a fun way to enjoy the day with your family, a “quickie” you might say. Or, as Mick Jagger would say: ‘You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find you get what you need.’ Here are Trekaroo’s top picks for places your family can visit on one tank of gas from Sacramento.

 Tour Moaning Cavern & Mercer Cavern in Calaveras County

Under the gently rolling hills of Calaveras County, are hundreds of limestone caverns, an ideal family vacation activity. Visitors of all ages have the opportunity to learn about cavern geology at Moaning Caverns and Mercer Caverns. Moaning Cavern is the largest single chamber public cavern in California. The main room is large enough to fit the Statue of Liberty inside. Moaning Caverns offers a holiday ‘Caroling in the Cave’ concert featuring a rappelling Santa and local high school choirs singing a cappella.

Read Trekaroo user reviews of Mercer Caverns

Auburn is known for its California Gold Rush history

Gold panning is a favorite tourist attraction. Kids in particular will love panning for specks and flakes like the thousands of miners who flocked to California in the mid-19th century. You might even sneak some history in, and there’s a (microscopic) chance you’ll come out of the experience with your very own gold nugget! Direction and free brochures to popular panning spots are available at Auburn California Welcome Center.

What Auburn’s less known for, but is of equal importance to tweens, is the Skateboard Park at Overlook Park. The Skate Park has ample parking and offers a beautiful view of the canyon. The park also connects to walking trails that access the canyon. Bring your lunch, park your car, and enjoy a wonderful relaxing view.

Step into the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield

Smell the aroma of chocolate, peach, cinnamon, pineapple, or whatever is being cooked up that day. Fairfield is located about 45 minutes west of Sacramento. Participate in the free 40-minute walking tour in which Jelly Belly tour guides show you a real working factory where over 150 different sweet treats are cooked up. Swing by the gift shop and buy the BeanBoozled Game.  BeanBoozled jelly beans are a collection of 20 lookalike flavors, some so crazy you can’t believe it, while others are the delicious Jelly Belly beans you love. New this year are Canned Dog Food and Centipede flavors. Take the dare with the spinner wheel, then pick and eat the jelly bean in the color the spinner lands on. Is the black jelly bean Licorice, or is it Skunk Spray?

Read Trekaroo user reviews of the Jelly Belly Factory

 Visit Vallejo Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Nothing provides more lasting memories for children than a great day shared with family at an amusement park. At Six Flags Discovery Kingdom you’ll find thrilling rides, a wide variety of entertainment, and huggable cartoon characters. That’s why I took my 3 yr old son here for his birthday on a Wednesday morning in August. The park was practically empty. No lines for rides, no lines for anything WOOOOO!! Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is an animal theme park and includes a variety of roller coasters and other amusement rides, along with a collection of animal exhibits and shows. Families can even get in the water and swim with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins!  The Dolphin Discovery program is available seven days a week throughout the year. 

Read reviews of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom on Trekaroo.

 The waterfront Children’s Museum of Stockton is amazing

The Children’s Museum of Stockton ‘Where Every Touch is a Know-Know!’ opened in 1994 as a memorial to the elementary students killed in a 1989 massacre at Cleveland Elementary School. The museum was the brainchild of a teacher at the school who was wounded in the attack, Janet Geng, Founding Director of The Children’s Museum of Stockton.  Each year, more than 55,000 children play in its little grocery store, climb inside its ambulance and peer inside the mouth of a larger-than-life Delta bass. KIDSWORLD is a permanent exhibit in the museum. KIDSWORLD which occupies three-fourths of the 22,000 square foot structure is a child’s version of a miniature city. Over 40 exhibits including a bank, hospital, grocery store, recycling, art center, and a post office engage children in a hands-on exploration of a functioning city. The new exhibit, “Healthier Ever After,” is an interactive feature highlighting exercise, nutrition and smart food choices and will be on display through mid-January

Read reviews of the Children’s Museum of Stockton on Trekaroo.

 Walk among roaring, stomping, realistic-looking dinosaurs at – Lawrence Hall of Science- UC Berkeley

Explore the prehistoric world like never before in Dinosaurs Unearthed. Scientists, engineers, and artists designed these creatures to be as lifelike as possible. The gigantic animals open their jaws, blink their eyes, and move their limbs. See the Hall’s dinos spring to life — if you dare! Dinosaurs Unearthed features amazingly real animatronic dinosaurs, a hands-on fossil dig site, articulated full-size skeletons, actual dinosaur fossils, and interactive multimedia stations. Younger visitors will have fun in the Young Explorers’ Experience. This special exhibition area features activities designed for visitors aged 2–7 years.

Visitors to Lawrence Hall of Science can also explore the skies in an interactive planetarium, where questions and activities are part of the program! The geodesic dome is installed with a state-of-the-art projection system. The 50-seat planetarium’s Public Planetarium Program is presented every Saturday and Sunday. Daily programs are also offered Monday-Friday during the summer. Saturday Night Stargazing, weather permitting, is held every 3rd Saturday of the month, year-round.

Read Trekaroo user reviews of Lawrence Hall of Science.

 Apple Hill growers such as #1 High Hill Ranch and #14 Denver Dan’s Apple Patch offer many kid-specific activities and fun for the whole family

One of the oldest ranches on Apple Hill, High Hill Ranch, offers daily fishing and you’re almost guaranteed to catch something there. Fishing is priced per pound and you have to keep your catch so unless you want to walk around all day carrying a dead fish I’d save this activity for last! On the weekends the ranch offers pony rides, face painting, and hay rides.

At #14 Denver Dan’s Apple Patch children will have a tour of the orchard, will be shown how to pick an apple (correctly) & will have a container which will hold about 3 apples. They will return to the barn and have a demonstration of an apple peeler (it will make apple slinkies!)  Next they will have a treat of apple cookies and glass of apple cider, and apple stickers to take home with the apples they have picked.  Also at Denver Dan’s is Cookin’ Kids, a pie making class for kids age 3 & up. Kids get to roll their own dough, place in 6” pie pan, and fill the crust with pie makins’. Then they learn to roll the top crust, place it on the pie, and crimp the edges. Any leftover dough goes into cookies that they can top with decorations! Their pies and cookies are baked and placed into individual containers for the kids to take home and share!

Photo by: Trekaroo/MissBirdieMFGS

Read Trekaroo user reviews of #1 High Hill Ranch

Be on the lookout for more “One  Tank Road Trips” heading your way as we launch this fun series across the US. 

Can’t hardly wait??  Tell us, what are your favorite places to go on one tank of gas from your city!

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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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Pensacola, Florida, is located on the Gulf Coast, which probably makes you start dreaming about summer vacations at the beach.  In actuality, Pensacola is a great place to visit at any time of the year!

Winter in Pensacola – Just Cold Enough to Want to Stay Inside

In the past week or two, the temperatures have finally dipped down below the 70s.  This is the time for us to dig out our sweaters and head downtown to take a trolley ride for Winterfest.  There are 12 stops where local performers act out holiday favorites that everyone will recognize like Rudolph and the Polar Express.  There is a free musical performance and you can visit Santa while you are there.

If it is too cold for you outside, you can stay warm in one of the great museums around town.  The National Museum of Naval Aviation at NAS Pensacola is one of the largest Naval Aviation museums in the world.  Everybody loves climbing in and out of the plane and helicopter cockpits where you can pretend to fly.  See an IMAX movie or take a spin on the simulators.  The TT Wentworth Discovery Gallery is a great place to let the kids run around indoors.  The children can learn more about colonial life in Pensacola through interactive play and hands-on activities.  There is a general store, a fort with costumes, a pirate ship and more.

Spring in Pensacola – My Favorite Time of Year 

Spring is my favorite time of year in Pensacola.  It is the perfect time to spend the weekends hiking the many different trails around town.  When I let them choose, my children always pick the Edward Ball Nature Trail on the University of West Florida campus.  There is a short boardwalk where your kids will spy turtles, fish, and maybe even a snake or alligator.  The Arcadia Mill Archeological Site is another great boardwalk to explore.  As you wander along the boardwalk, read the signs describing the different areas of this former industrial complex.  There is also a small swinging bridge to walk across.

We take full advantage of the spring weather and check out some of our favorite parks in the area.  Parents will enjoy the peaceful view at the Sanders Beach-Corrine Johnson Park.  The park overlooks the water, much of the playground equipment is covered, and there are benches and picnic areas to enjoy a snack.  Though there isn’t much by way of playground equipment, Aviation Park sits right on the Pensacola International Airport flight line.  There is a pretend air traffic control tower that you can sit in and listen to the real air traffic controllers.  The speakers are linked to the Pensacola International Airport tower.

Summer in Pensacola – Build castles in powdery white sand

Our summers are humid and hot so we spend a lot of time at the beach.  After a long day of splashing in the waves and playing in the sand, we always have to make a trip to Ft. Pickens on the Gulf Islands National Seashore.  This pre-Civil War fort has lots of walkways and nooks to check out.  Bring your flashlights because some of the halls are dark.  We leave a pair of headlamps in our car for the kids just in case we make an impromptu stop at the fort.  Our family beach trip wouldn’t be complete without an early dinner at Peg Leg Pete’s.  The kid’s meal comes with a pirate eye patch in a bright blue sand bucket.Plaza de Luna Park

If the beach isn’t your thing, visit Plaza de Luna in Downtown Pensacola.  There is a small splash pad, a great concession stand, and a pretty view.  This is a favorite spot for fishermen so you just might see them pulling up their catch.  Wander in and out of the shops along Palafox when you are finished.

The summertime is when the farms open for U-pick and the blueberries are perfectly plump and sweet.  Pick pounds of blueberries as a family.  Of course, if your children are anything like mine you will probably find them hiding in a bush eating all their freshly picked blueberries.  A& N Blueberries is a family friendly farm that offers inexpensive U-pick berries and is a great family outing.

Fall in Pensacola –Festivals Every Week

For me, fall has officially arrived when we attend the annual Pensacola Seafood Festival.  There are hundreds of arts and crafts vendors and lots of new seafood to try.  There is a children’s area with arts and crafts.  Santa Rosa County’s Beaches to Rivers offers all sorts of great fall events, too.  There are corn mazes to get lost in and pumpkin patches to visit.

Whenever we want to get out of the house but can’t seem to come up with a plan, we head to one of Florida’s state parks.  There are a five state parks within a 45 minute radius of Pensacola.  See the endangered pitcher plants at Tarkiln Bayou or Yellow Marsh River Preserve State Park.  Big Lagoon State Park has lots of walking trails by the beach.  There is an observation tower that you can climb up to get a great view of the water or you can canoe or tube down the river at Blackwater River State Park.

You will be sure to find plenty of family friendly activities no matter when you visit Pensacola, Florida!

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Trekaroo is excited to begin a new series where we highlight our picks of the top ten things for families to do in each of the 50 states. We decided to kick off the series with our home state of California. Limiting the list to just ten activities was incredibly difficult, but we think families seeking the ultimate California experience will find it!

I love California. I have been lucky enough to travel all over the country and experience some truly incredible parks, museums, and vistas, but my heart always leads me back to my home state and its incredible beauty, diversity and culture. Creating a top ten list for families to experience in California was both a joy and heart wrenching experience- I could have easily made it a top 100! After many hours of deliberation, I feel that this list will give families seeking the ultimate California experience just that.  Without further ado, here are Trekaroo’s top ten things for families to do in California.

10. Roam the desert

Over 15% of California’s total area is desert, so a trip to the Golden State wouldn’t be complete without some time discovering it’s often overlooked beauty. Families will have a blast climbing on the massive boulders surrounded by grotesque and Dr. Seuss-like Joshua trees in Joshua Tree National Park, watching the desert bloom during an early and short-lived spring in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, and standing at the lowest point in North America inside of Death Valley National Park before climbing up the massive Eureka Sand Dunes.

Read family reviews of things to do in California’s desert.

9. Experience San Francisco

I have yet to see a city more beautiful then San Francisco with it’s row-house-lined rolling hills, expansive Golden Gate Park, and iconic bridges. Families could spend weeks exploring “The City” (locals would never call it San Fran) and still not see everything worth seeing. Touring Alcatraz, buying fresh produce at the Farmers Market on the Embarcadero, visiting the sea lions at Pier 39, having clam chowder inside a bread bowl from Boudin’s near Fisherman’s Wharf, flying a kite at Crissy Field, and taking in the Golden Gate Bridge views from Baker Beach are just a few of the water front experiences families will love. Of course dining in the city’s many ethnic neighborhoods, exploring all the incredible museums (including the California Academy of Sciences, MoMA, and the Exploratorium), watching free concerts in Golden Gate Park, shopping in Union Square, and catching a ballgame at AT&T Park are all essential as well.  Bottom line: go see the City by the Bay!

Find family-friendly activities in San Francisco.

8. See San Diego’s wild side

San Diego is an animal lover’s vacation destination. It is home to the world famous San Diego Zoo and its 4,000 animals representing 800 species from around the world on 100 acres of immaculately landscaped grounds.  SeaWorld, an aquatic theme park home to Shamu and all his marine life friends, is located on the calm waters of San Diego’s Mission Bay.  Sea stars, limpets, and anemones living inside the tide pools of Cabrillo National Monument’s are always fun to discover as well as migrating grey whales offshore. For a safari experience without the hassle of leaving the continent, head to the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park which houses 3,000 African and Asian species over 1800 acres, many of which are comingling on a recreated savannah that guests can tour from the comfort of a narrated safari tram.

Read reviews of family friendly hotels in San Diego.

7. Stand at the base of the tallest living things on earth

Tucked up in the northwestern corner of the state is a fog shrouded coastline thick with a forest filled with Redwoods. The tallest Redwood stands at a dizzying 379.1 feet, but looking up at any of the old growth giants is sure to make your head spin. A walk through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park’s Jurassic feeling Fern Canyon followed by some time on the beach with the resident heard of Roosevelt elk is an experience that every member of the family won’t soon forget.

Find reviews of kids friendly activities along the Redwood Coast.

6. Spots stars in Hollywood

It seems like whenever I talk to people who are dreaming about their first vacation in California, a trip to Hollywood is normally towards the top of their list. Celebrity dominates our culture and Hollywood is the center of the celebrity universe. Head to Universal Studios or the Warner Brothers lot and take the fascinating studio tours, get free tickets to watch one of your favorite television shows tape, rub elbows with wax representations of your favorite stars at Madame Tussauds, put your hands in the celebrity prints in front of Mann’s Chinese Theater, stroll the Walk of Fame, and get your picture taken in front of the Hollywood sign. You know you want to!

Find more family friendly fun near Hollywood.

5. Experience the deep blue beauty of Lake Tahoe

California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range is filled with azure alpine lakes, evergreen forests, and granite mountainsides but Lake Tahoe is truly the crown jewel. The largest alpine lake in North America and amazingly clear with a 1,645 foot depth, the Lake Tahoe and its surrounding wilderness are a wonderful all-season destination. During the winter months, alpine sports such as skiing and snowboarding are family favorites, while during the summer, boating, hiking, and swimming in the frigid waters are amongst the most popular activities.

Read reviews of family friendly lodging at Lake Tahoe.

4. See Central California’s jaw-dropping Big Sur Coast

Imagine walking through a forest and suddenly reaching an opening in the trees which leads you to cliff’s edge and the crashing Pacific below. Then imagine peering over the edge and discovering a waterfall plunging down onto the deserted beach below. Sound like paradise? I think so! You can find this slice of heaven at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and many more like it up and down the winding Big Sur coast.  Monterey and Carmel lie at the top of this stretch of coastline and these charming towns offer plenty of low key fun for families, including Point Lobos State Reserve and Monterey’s famous aquarium.

Read reviews of kid friendly activities along the Central Coast.

3. Visit the happiest place on earth

Magical down to the very last detail, a trip to the Disneyland Resort is most definitely an essential California experience. Sure there are parks in Florida, Japan, and Europe, but Disneyland is the original. California Adventure, once overshadowed by Disneyland, is quickly stepping into its own spotlight with a $1 billion renovation which when finished will include a re-themed entrance featuring 1920’s and 30’s Hollywoodland nostalgia and Carsland. The immensely popular (and absolutely incredible) World of Color and long anticipated Little Mermaid ride are already successful aspects of this transformation. A splurge to stay at one of the Disney hotels is definitely recommended whether it be the more budget conscious Paradise Pier Hotel, stunning Grand Californian, or hip and newly remodeled Disneyland Hotel.

Read reviews of kid friendly lodging near Disneyland.

2. Fall in love with Yosemite

John Muir once said of Yosemite “but no temple made with hands can compare with Yosemite. Every rock in its walls seems to glow with life…as if into this one mountain mansion Nature had gathered her choicest treasures…”.  Standing in the middle of Yosemite Valley, surrounded but sheer granite monoliths, rushing waterfalls, and lush meadows, it is hard not to agree. But Yosemite is much more than that small 7miles long and 1mile wide valley, it is Tuolumne Meadows, Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Vernal Falls, Mariposa Grove, Hetch Hetchy, and 761,268 acres of pristine and protected wilderness.  Every family needs to see it.

Find reviews of family friendly things to do in Yosemite.

1. Watch a sunset on the beach

California has 840 miles of coastline and hundreds of diverse beaches just waiting to be explored. Wide sandy beaches like Santa Monica or Huntington are popular with families looking for a classic day in the warm California sun while animal enthusiasts will love spotting elephant seals at Año Nuevo and sea otters off Avila Beach.  The lonely windswept beaches of Point Reyes are just as beautiful as the sun-kissed surfing spots at San Onofre. So whether it is on white sand at Laguna, black sand in Marin, or rocky tidelands along the Lost Coast, make sure to take time to sit down together and stare out into Pacific while watching those last moments of light slip away. Isn’t California grand?

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

Almost a year ago, an uber ambitious group of Superoos were selected to become the first ever Destination Guroos.  These busy Trekaroo contributors continue to help grow Trekaroo by making it relevant to locals, wherever you call home.  As volunteers, they have worked hard adding new content to the site, securing lots of fun activities for Superoos (and for their own families), and have helped write numerous submissions for this blog that highlight seasonal, local, and perfectly awesome activities to do with your family around the country.

And Trekaroo is continuing to grow…

In addition to the Guroos selected in early 2011, five new Guroos have been added to the pack.  The following  nine ladies are the go-tos in their particular region.  Let’s get to know them a bit better.

Southern & Central California

Sharlene Earnshaw (doubletheadventure) joined Trekaroo in 2009; she has five-year-old twins.

Sharlene does double duty here at Trekaroo as both a co-SoCal destination Guroo with Michelle McCoy (below), and also as the Blog Editor in Chief.  She spends countless hours adding site content, writing posts, setting up Superoo visits across the country, editing blogs and still somehow manages to be super mom to five-year-old twins!  She travels extensively and shares her advice with the masses here on Trekaroo.  I am tired just thinking about all she has to do!

Favorite traveling tip:  “Travel with your kids while they are young and travel often. The more often you get your kids out there, the easier it will become. The first five years of a child’s life are when they are making all those important brain cells and every educational travel experience is worth months of time stuck behind a desk in school.”

Dream vacation destination:  “Any National Park. I love being outside with my family and enjoying the beauty of America”

Best thing about being a guroo: “I love California with a passion and being able to grow Trekaroo’s Southern California coverage is a total blast! It has led me to vacation in my own neck of the woods more often, something I might not have otherwise thought to do.”

 Sharlene’s contributions to the Trekaroo blog are too many to mention here.  A few blog highlights include 15 National Park adventures, the helpful Best CA Tidepools for kids ,and Best Zoos in the West.  Check out Sharlene’s passport to see where she’s been.

Michelle McCoy (mcfam) joined Trekaroo in 2010; she has four kids between two and ten.

 Michelle stays extremely busy with Sharlene filling out the dense and active Southern & Central California destination on Trekaroo.  She is in charge of tons of major tourist attractions, yet prides herself on working to get every single activity, restaurant and hotel on the Trekaroo map.  She has reviewed over 300 activities on Trekaroo to date– really!

Favorite traveling tip:  “Take baby powder to the beach: sand falls off wet skin when covered in baby powder!  Yes, I have very white kids afterwards, but the sand is mostly gone.”

Dream vacation destination:  “A quiet beach in Hawaii under a gentle sun.  Quiet is key!”

Best thing about being a guroo: “Being a Guroo has put me in situations that I never dreamed I’d be in, such as attending a LA blog event dressed in 60s clothes while chatting up with other bloggers… or competing in a challenging race in San Antonio with Sharlene while meeting fabulous tour guides and staff in that beautiful city.”

See where Michelle & family have been and get her inside scoop.  Read her blog articles as they are packed full of awesome SoCal fun including the top ten holiday events, and great summer packages for SoCal beach destinations.  Michelle has a slew of fabulously helpful lists, notably the free & fun activities in LA & Orange County that I have personally used over and over!

Have a question about traveling in SoCal?? Ask the guroos!!

Texas

Heather Reed (slofamilylife) joined Trekaroo in 2009; she has four children under the age of seven.

Heather’s contributions to Trekaroo are honest and full of practical tips and information.  A mom to four kids, one of whom is special needs, Heather provides a unique and helpful voice for families traveling with specific challenges and concerns.

Why you should love Texas:  “As a newbie to Texas myself, it’s like an entire region opened up to us.  I love that Texas is rich in culture and art, has an amazing array of family activities, and some of the best resorts in the nation!”

Dream vacation destination:  “An around the world trip stopping specifically in Thailand, Barcelona, Switzerland, Rome, Venice, and Italy.  Oh, and I would absolutely LOVE to walk in Jesus’ footsteps in the middle east!”

Heather’s blog contributions are all incredibly helpful:  Check out her post on traveling with special needs children, the best river rafting trips with kids, and how to pack for a road trip. View Heather’s passport to see the latest spots she has reviewed.

Have a question about traveling in Texas?? Ask the guroo!!

Florida

Lisa Marie Leihy (cavalletta) joined Trekaroo in 2008; she has one six-year old daughter.

Lisa Marie was one of the original Superoos and has continued to provide excellent content, reviews and tips over the past few years.   Her excellent writing and enthusiasm shines in Sunny Florida as she works hard to uncover all of the awesome attractions in her home state.

Favorite Vacation Destination: “Springtime in Florida cannot be beat!  The dogwoods and azaleas are in bloom and the fresh fruits and vegetables are at their peak!  Chefs across the state create amazing dishes featuring these goodies, sand sculpting contests can be found along the beautiful coastline and art festivals are ideal places to see the world from another perspective.”

Favorite tip for traveling with kids: “Make a list, check it twice and remember that vacations are about having fun together as a family. Let the little things go and just have fun!”

Lisa Marie’s passport is full  of helpful reviews and lists including fun spots for animal lovers and Kid Friendly Museum exhibits in Tampa Bay.   An article on visiting the Everglades with Kids, or an all-inclusive Cancun trip are just two great samples of her great blog contributions.

Have a question about traveling in Florida?? Ask the guroo!

New England

Michelle Brennan (meb123) joined Trekaroo in 2009; she has three kids ages 6-9.

 Michelle is one of the brand new Guroos and is full of excitement.  She covers the great New England states that are rich in history, culture and fun family activities.  She was picked to be the Guroo for this destination because of her excellent writing, committment to the site and love of travel.   

Why you should love New England: “New England is diverse and encompassing. There is everything from mountains to shore.”

Travel Philosophy: “Take [kids] places where they can get out and explore. The world is full of things to learn about. “

Fun Fact: While RVing at Glacier and Yellowstone, Michelle “found out something about our youngest that we would not have expected. She loves to track animals by their footprints and poop. Who would have guessed we had a budding animal scientist on our hands??”

Michelle’s blog submissions have just begun, but she has already shared a few gems: Read about her family vacation in New Hampshire, or find out the behind the scenes details of a performance of the Nutcracker.  Read her permanent reviews on Trekaroo for her coverage of New England.

Have a question about traveling in New England??  Ask the guroo!!

Pennsylvania, New Jersey & Delaware

Beth Keklak (BAT) joined Trekaroo in 2009; she has three kids ages 7-10.

Beth describes her family as energetic, adventurous and easy-going and it is evident in her contributions that she and her family rarely take a breath from travel & fun opportunities.  Beth was chosen this year as a Guroo because of her great dedication and professional involvement with the site, and has already began the fun and intense work of adding content and activities in her three Eastern states. 

What you should know about New Jersey (Beth’s home state): “We aren’t what you see in all those reality TV shows!”

Favorite tip for traveling with kids: “Pack plenty of patience and plan for the unexpected.”

Dream vacation: “Australia”

Travel Philosophy: “We have never taken a “relaxing” vacation at an all inclusive resort that includes a lot of down time.  When we travel, we like to explore areas to the fullest extent we can in the time we have!”

Explore with Beth’s family by heading to her reviews on Trekaroo.  If you are  headed to Atlantic City, be sure to check out her list on the top destinations for kids, and while you have New Jersey on your mind, be sure to read her blog about the best holiday activities in the area.

Have a question about traveling in PA, NJ or DE??  Ask the guroo!!

Utah

Ann Anderson (akeisel) joined Trekaroo in 2011; she has three children.

Ann started off with Trekaroo this year and was immediately noticed as a great writer, passionate traveler and go getter!  In her short time with Trekaroo she already has over 140 reviews under her belt.  She was a natural choice for the new Utah Guroo because of her wit, enthusiasum and dedication to the families on Trekaroo. 

Favorite tip for traveling with kids: “Start travelling with your babies early; by the time they’re 3, they’ll know the drill.”

Best thing about being a guroo: The name of course. I often request that my kiddos refer to me as Mommy Guroo – it’s so empowering!

Funny travel story: Ann’s personal drive to experience everything any family would enjoy while on assignment was tested while riding the huge canyon swing 1000 feet above the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs, CO.  She says that she “climbed aboard the ride with my 10 year old, buckled up, shut my eyes and immediately starting screaming when the ride operator pushed “go”!  I screamed so loud that the poor operator shut the ride off after only 2 swings out across the river. I’m sure I still hold the prize for biggest wimp on that canyon swing.”

Check out Ann’s passport full of helpful reviews.  She has a fantastic list covering Utah’s National Parks  and recently shared a helpful and inviting post on visiting National Parks in the off season.

Have a question about traveling in Utah??  Ask the guroo!

Northern California

Tina Buell (imsnow) joined Trekaroo in 2011; she has one three year old son.

Tina and Kristine (below) share the Northern California region.  Tina is a single mom to an adorable little boy and loves that writing and adding content for Trekaroo gives her the opportunity to not sacrifice her desire to travel with her son.  She was an obvious choice for the NorCal co-guroo spot as she has shown nothing but enthusiasm and committment to be as involved as she possibly can at any given moment; Trekaroo appreciates her efforts.

Favorite vacation destination: “Vienna, Austria”

 Why Northern California rocks:  “Northern California is a very diverse terrain with activities ranging from ski level to sea level.”

Favorite tip for traveling with kids: Just “don’t be scared to do it. It’s always worth it.”

Tina loves sharing reviews on Trekaroo.  A great year round resource she has written is the Top Berkley Activities for Kids, and the holiday list for the top Christmas activities in NorCal.

Kristine Dworkin (kristined) joined Trekaroo in 2009 ; she has two children.

Kristine is another new addition to the Guroo team and brings with her a great sense of fun mixed in with some incredibly practical and helpful tips.  She is also the mom to a special needs child and writes from a perspective encouraging to so many Americans whose children’s needs are diverse and unique.  She and Tina stay busy filling out the Northern California section of Trekaroo.

Favorite vacation destination:  “The Big Island, Hawaii”

Favorite tip for traveling with kids: “Pack snacks and always have something to do on hand!  When all else fails, whip out your iPhone!”

Funny travel story:  “I took my kids to the Wicked Plants Exhibit in Golden Gate Park… My daughter, who was 9 at the time, read things like choking and rash on the plants signs and loudly exclaimed, ‘Oh my god, Mommy, are you trying to kill us?’”

Kristine’s family travels & reviews are helpful and full of tips.   She has already written a few blog posts, including a helpful and poignant look at explaining Veteran’s Day to kids. 

Have a question about traveling in NorCal??  Ask the guroos!!