Spring comes early in the desert. The rainy season is short and unpredictable, feeding the soil with desperately needed moisture in hopes of creating a short but vibrant display of color. When the desert is in bloom in Tucson and gold and blue flowers dot the saguaro and ocotillo dominated landscape, it truly is Mother Nature at her best. Early spring is also one of the best times of year to enjoy Tucson’s outdoor offerings.
Explore Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park, one of the most recent additions to the national park system, is home to a literal forest of giant saguaro cacti. The park is divided into two districts, Rincon Mountain District in the east and Tucson Mountain District in the west, by the sprawling city of Tucson. Its proximity to an urban area makes this park perfect for day trips. If you only have time to visit one side of the park and are traveling with younger children, I recommend the Tucson Mountain District. Start at the Red Hills Visitor Center to get your national park passports stamped, check out the exhibits, and grab Junior Ranger materials for the kids. There are two short trails next to the visitor center, the Cactus Garden Trail and Javelina Wash, which are great places to get acclimated with different types of desert flora.
From the visitor center, try taking the scenic Bajada Loop Drive through the cactus forest. The road is dirt, but 2 wheel drive vehicles should be able to handle the short drive with no problem. A great short trail within the park is the Signal Hill Petroglyphs Trail. There is a nice shaded picnic area near the trailhead, so I recommend planning this hike around lunch time. The trail to the petroglyphs is short but does involve quite a few stairs up the side of a hill. The reward at the top of the hill is the opportunity to get up close and personal with pictures that were carved into rocks over 800 years ago.
Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Part zoo, part museum, and a whole lot of fun, a day at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a must for families visiting Tucson. The expansive grounds are filled with animals and plants that inhabit the surrounding region. Exhibits are authentic and blend with the landscape seamlessly. A walk on the long trail will make you feel like you are having the best nature walk of your life. First a coyote appears from behind a saguaro cactus. Then a few yards later, a javelina pops out from behind an agave plant. And just when you think your walk can’t get any better you spot a Ferruginous Hawk in flight. Besides the wonderful animal exhibits, the ASDM has an Earth Sciences Corridor, complete with cave for exploring and an impressive mineral collection.
Stay at the Westward Look Resort
Located in northwest Tuscon at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains on 80 beautiful acres of rolling desert, the Westward Look Resort is a great spot for families to call home base. The resort embraces the beauty of the region with immaculate desert landscaping and peaceful walking trails. Guests can swim, play tennis, enjoy the sports park, and go horseback riding without ever leaving the resort. The guest rooms are recently remodeled spacious, and contemporary. No trip to the Westward Look is complete without an order of dessert nachos at either the Lookout Bar and Grille or via room service. Trust me, I still have dreams about them.
Read my entire review of the Westward Look Resort.
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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 | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
This post was sponsored by FamilyGetaway.com, an advertiser on the Family Travel Ad Network, a partnership amongst Ciao Bambino, Delicious Baby, Travel Savvy Mom, The Vacation Gals, Trekaroo, See Jane Fly, and Traveling Mom.
No matter how many times my car wanders through the canyon, following the tiny gap in the hillside until it reaches highway, I can’t help but get excited about the impending view. I know what is coming, I have seen it more times than I can count, but the anticipation builds up inside me just the same. And then, as if out of nowhere, the mountains drop down to meet the sea and the road dead ends into one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Even though I am a local, the magic of Laguna Beach is never lost on me. With its gallery lined streets, azure colored waters, and laid back atmosphere, Laguna is one of those places that makes people feel like they are on vacation from the moment they step foot into town.
flickr:paulhami
If your family has yet to experience the little strip of paradise that is Laguna Beach, now is the time to start planning your first trip. Its mild Mediterranean climate makes Laguna a year-round destination and the town is filled with plenty of great activities to keep the whole family asking to return year after year. Here are my tips on how to vacation in Laguna Beach like a local:
Make the Beach Your Second Home: Its hard to spend time indoors when there is so much beauty waiting for you outside. Tykes growing up in coastal Orange County often spend their weekends building sandcastles, playing in the surf, and exploring tide pools and children from more distant locales will enjoy the experience just as much as they do. Aliso Creek Beach in South Laguna has a great playground right on the sand that is very popular with local children, and is perfect for letting the kids run out those last bursts of energy as the sun sets. Once that bright orange ball slips beneath the ocean drenched horizon for the night, be sure to take advantage of the fire pits and roast some marshmallows for S’mores. Bring your beach chairs, cuddle up with some blankets, and listen to the surf crash as the fire dances and crackles.
Older kids tend to want to get out into the ocean a bit further and body boarding, surfing, and stand up paddling are all popular Laguna Beach activities. Lessons from local outfitters are a fun and safe way to create some lasting vacation memories. For those who prefer to spend more time under the surface of the water, Heisler Park, which is just a short walk up the sand from Main Beach, is a great place to scuba and snorkle.
Get in touch with your artistic side : For decades, artists have flocked Laguna Beach for inspiration, opportunity, and a true sense of culture in their community. No trip to Laguna is complete without a stroll around town to check out all the beautiful artwork in the gallery windows. Younger children may not be up for a few hours of quietly staring at incredible works of art inside various galleries, but they can certainly be bribed into a lovely walk and some window shopping with an ice cream cone in hand. If you come during the winter or summer, be sure to set aside some time to visit the Sawdust Festival, where hundreds of artists gather to showcase their work. Children will love the fun (and often free) classes they have to offer on how to create works of art of their very own.
Photo Credit: Laguna Beach CVB
Sample some of Laguna Beach’s best family friendly eateries: One of the hardest things about traveling, especially with young children, is finding family-friendly restaurants that aren’t chains filled with mediocre food. Luckily, Laguna Beach has some nice options. The House Of BIG FISH is a great place to take the kids. The casual atmosphere and ocean views will make you feel comfortable to have your kids in tow without having to give up aesthetics. The menu features some great fresh seafood choices and plenty of options for those members of your family who think fish is “yucky”. Coyote Grill is a great option for families who are looking for a place with Mexican and American fare. The fried chicken is famous and the fajitas are quite tasty. Be sure to sit out on the patio, so you don’t miss a second of those incredible Pacific views.
Sleep Surfside: With its beachfront location, friendly service, and incredible Catalina views, The Laguna Riviera Resort on the Beach is an amazing place for a family to call home base while enjoying all Laguna has to offer. The resort is popular with locals who are just looking for a few days where they can sleep with their windows open and fall asleep to the sounds of the crashing surf. Built in 1948, the resort has maintained its retro seaside motel exterior while featuring large rooms with contemporary décor. The surfside setting and friendly owners have kept families coming back for generations. Each of the 41 rooms are unique in design, but they all include fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers, and many have private or semi private decks. Most rooms have ocean views. There is an enclosed salt water pool, spa and sauna, which are great for days when the ocean is a bit too chilly for swimming. A game room with an air hockey table, ping pong, and foosball is sure to keep kids occupied for hours. The common outdoor area features lounge chairs, barbeques, and incredible sweeping views of the ocean. FamilyGetaway.com currently has a terrific package up for bid on a 2 night stay in an ocean view room with continental breakfast, free boogie board rental, and access to beach equipment starting at only $260 total which is 50% off normal rates.
In addition to the rooms, the resort also has an amazing beach bungalow available for rent. Built in 1913 the bungalow has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a full kitchen and some of the most mesmerizing ocean views you will ever experience. It typically rents for $585 in low season and $885 in high which is quite a good deal, but FamilyGetaway.com currently has an amazing 3 night package up for bid starting at only $892 total!!! Get another $100 off your first FamilyGetaway purchase if you sign-up for their Family Travel Newsletter.
I love the bungalow so much that we already have plans to rent it the next time our extended family comes in to town.
For more vacation ideas and tips from FamilyGetaway’s blog caravan:
- Tips for Planning the Best Family Ski Vacation from Ciao Bambino
- Stay tuned for A Family Vacation in San Diego from SeeJaneFly. Coming soon… 11/16/2010.
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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 | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
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
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
Trekaroo’s goin’ to Carolina
Can’t you see the sunshine,
Can’t you just feel the moonshine,
Ain’t it just like a friend of mine,
To hit me from behind
Yes, we’re goin’ to Carolina with our KIDS!
(To the tune of James Taylor’s “Carolina in my Mind”)
Why North Carolina? Because Trekaroo families have been taken it upon themselves to build a fantastic list of activities and hotel reviews that just had to be released to the public. From the famous sunny beaches of North Carolina to the winter fun in High Country, families love it in North Carolina. Looking for some indoor fun? There’s plenty to enjoy in North Carolina from a world-class zoo in Asheboro to exhibits of fascinating sea life in our three coastal aquariums. We’ve got family-friendly summer fun at minor league baseball games and Nascar races.
Photo by: Flickr/Texas_mustang
So, what have Trekaroo families shared?
- Over 650 activities for kids throughout North Carolina
- Activities and hotel reviews in all 4 regions: Piedmont Triangle, The Coast, Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Great Smokey Mountains.
- A list of kid-friendly hotels in NC waiting to be rated by parents
- Lots of fun lists like:
- Places to Hike with Kids Around Charlotte, North Carolina by PrincessTrioMom
- Cheap Things to Do in Charlotte, NC with kids by JodyMace
- Kid-friendly Hotels in Charlotte, North Carolina by SpencerSpellman
- Fun for Dudes, Both Kids and Bigs Near Charlotte, NC by rjones64
- Snow Tubing and Sledding Hills in North Carolina by thelees3
- Ski Resorts in North Carolina with Kid Programs by thelees3
- Best Activities for Kids in the Piedmont Triangle – voted by Trekaroo families by Stephen Wantas
In celebration of our launch, the Trekaroo KidsMobile Blog Carnival stopped in Charlotte, NC and invited local bloggers on board to share their local tips on kid fun around Charlotte. Check out what they had to share.
Special thanks to christinembyrd, PrincessTrioMom, jamierippy, Grandma Adele, summerbreeze, Olgabow, jrhammlett, allison, frogsandladybugs for their love of North Carolina and sharing more than most about their adventures with kids with the Trekaroo community. And of course, thanks to team Trekaroo who work around the clock to make get all the details in place.
Going to Carolina with my kids,
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 | NC | NY | PA | TX | VA | WA
