Welcome signs greet visitors with the slogan, “Utah, life elevated”; a phrase indicative of the state’s altitude and its inspiring sites and history. Life is elevated in Utah, where diverse geology has shaped the land and rich history has shaped the culture providing visitors with opportunities galore. Here families can experience world class ski resorts, five national parks, an inland ocean, and historical sites which celebrate cultures that persevered in Utah’s rugged desolation. This list of top 10 things for families to do in Utah is in no way ranked in order from least to greatest. Instead, this list is the cliff note travel guide for families visiting Utah; a starting point to experience life elevated.
10. Visit Mother Nature’s theme parks
Photo via Flickr user ArtBrom
With names like Goblin Valley, Grand Staircase, and Kodachrome Basin; these places counter any adventure that man-made theme parks tout. Instead of mechanical rides, Mother Nature’s theme parks give you hoodoos and fairy chimneys to climb. Instead of cartoon characters; Mother Nature gives kids a chance to use their imaginations and visualize a character made of stone. Utah’s location on the Colorado Plateau provides visitors an abundant supply of these unique rock formations where kids can climb, play, and learn hands-on geology; no ticket required.
9. Relive the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics
Photo via Flickr user Nomadic Lass
The 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics have concluded, but families can still experience the games at several Olympic sites and venues throughout Utah. Watch athletes train, or experience a ride on the bobsled, 80 mph and 5 G’s of force at Utah’s Olympic Park. The Olympic Park is also home to the Alf Elgen Ski History Museum, bobsled, and Nordic jumping events. If your family loves to ski, check out Snowbasin Ski Resort which hosted many of the game’s alpine skiing events and visit Solider Hollow which hosted Nordic skiing events. Kids can learn to ice-skate at the Utah Olympic Oval, which was the venue for the Olympic speed skating races. Whether you’re testing your winter sport skills, or reliving Olympic history, Utah has plenty of sites and world–class venues to enjoy.
Find more fun for families around Park City.
8. Drive to an Island
Photo via Flickr user Bring Back Woods
Many first time visitors to Utah want to see the Great Salt Lake, an inland ocean five times saltier than seawater. However, visitors are sorely disappointed when they arrive to the banks of this famous lake and discover why it is also known as “Stink Lake”. The Great Salt Lake is so salty that it can’t support most aquatic life. Instead it teems with brine shrimp and brine flies with a definitive stench. These little critters are just odor producers, they provide food for millions of migrating birds, making the lake a bird-watching paradise. The place for families to experience the Great Salt Lake, while minimizing odor impact, is Antelope Island. At 28,022 acres, this island abounds with wildlife; from birds to bison. Here, families can hike a peak and experience unparalleled views of the Wasatch Mountains, touch a rock that is 2.7 billion years old, or discover that high-salinity water allows you to float unassisted. There is no boat required to reach the island, just drive the causeway for your own family island adventure.
Read reviews of kid friendly activities on Utah’s Wastach Front.
7. Go Rock-hounding
What kid doesn’t like to dig in the dirt in search of treasure? Utah’s varied terrain is home to plenty of gemstones, rare rocks, and fossils. Families can head out to Utah’s west desert, along the pony express trail, and search for geodes at the Dugway Geode Beds or hunt for topaz at Topaz Mountain. If your family is searching for fossils, drive along remote highway 6 and pursue trilobites at Antelope Springs and the Ibex-Fossil Mountain Area. Families can also see some “commercial rock-hounders” in action at Kennecott Copper Mine, one of the largest open pit copper mines in the world. So do some mining or see some mining in action and you’ll discover the real “treasure” is an awesome family adventure.
6. Discover ancient cultures
Photo via Flickr user Rob Lee
Several ancient Native American tribes flourished in Utah, leaving evidence of their rich cultures throughout the state. Families can learn more about our state’s original inhabitants at one of many museums that celebrate these cultures, including the Natural History Museum of Utah, Museum of Peoples and Cultures, and Anasazi State Park Museum. Hands-on history abounds throughout the state where families can witness rock art petroglyphs and pictographs along trails and highways at places such as Dinosaur National Monument, Nine Mile Canyon, Fremont Indian State Park, and Arches National Park Delicate Arch Trail. Explore ancient Native American villages at the Edge of the Cedars State Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Grand Gulch Primitive Area. So teach your kids about the amazing ancient Native American culture and apply these lessons as you explore historical sites throughout Utah.
5. Take a scenic drive
If you have the time, and you spot a scenic byway sign in Utah, by all means take it and you’ll discover some of the grandest sites that can be found from any piece of blacktop. Scenic Byway 12, a 124 route between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks is an adventure for any family. Here you travel along red rock formations at Red Canyon, enjoy viewpoints such as Powell Point, Boynton and Homestead overlooks, and straddle slickrock terrain along The Hogback. In northern Utah, drive the Alpine Loop with access to sites and trails including Timpanogos National Monument, Sundance Ski Resort and views of the Wasatch Mountain Range. This drive is especially enjoyable in autumn when the aspens and scrub oak display their colors. So pack the kids, pack a picnic, and search for those scenic byway signs in Utah. Just don’t forget to pack the camera!
4. Learn about Utah’s Mormon Heritage
Photo via Flickr user amulonphotography
In 1847, Mormon pioneers reached the Salt Lake Valley and prospered in a place once thought to dry and barren to settle. These Mormon pioneers are the reason why Utah is known as the “beehive state” since a beehive is symbolic of industry and perseverance. In Salt Lake City, families can visit Temple Square, home of the Salt Lake City Temple, Family History Library and the Salt Lake Tabernacle. Kids will especially enjoy experiencing Utah’s living history at places like This is the Place Heritage Park, Benson Grist Mill and the American West Heritage Center. Explore Mormon pioneer sites and learn about Utah’s early Mormon heritage and you’ll understand exactly why Utah is called the “Beehive State”.
3. Discover dinosaurs
Utah’s unique geographical history makes it an ideal place to discover dinosaurs. Families can tour natural history museums and learn about paleontological history or set out on a family adventure to discover fossils and dinosaur remnants on your own. Kids will love the hands-on displays at the new Museum of Natural History of Utah and families can step back in time at Thanksgiving Point’s Museum of Ancient Life. Encounter life-size dinosaur models along the trails of the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Museum or let the kids place a hand in a track at Potash Road Dinosaur Tracks. Additional museums and sites throughout Utah include the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum, Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm, Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, Dinosaur National Monument, and the USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum. So take those future paleontologists on a dinosaur tour of Utah and discover a prehistoric world like no other.
2. Explore five National Parks
Photo via Flickr user whateva87
Captivating landscapes and geological wonders abound throughout Utah’s national parks. Each of Utah’s national parks are world renowned, yet each is different. Zion National Park is known for its stone monoliths and narrow slot canyons. Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its brilliant hues and hoodoo spires. Arches National Park of course, is known for its large concentration of arches. Canyonlands National Park is known for its rugged landscape and high plateaus. Capitol Reef National Park is known for its sandstone sculptures and the water pocket fold, a 100-mile geographical feature. Families can visit one or visit them all and find diverse landscapes, history and culture like no other place on Earth.
1. Discover the greatest snow on Earth.
Photo via Flickr user Makelessnoise
There is a reason why “greatest snow on Earth” is printed on many Utah license plates. Utah’s snow is pretty spectacular as a result of our dry climate which leaves behind fluffy, powdery snow; perfect for any winter outing. Yes, it’s a subjective determination whether or not Utah snow is the greatest on Earth. Thankfully Utah has plenty of places for families to make up their own minds about snow quality. Families can experience the snow at one of the state’s popular ski resorts, such as Park City, Canyons, Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, or Brian Head. Explore mountain trails in the winter with snow shoes or back-country skis or find a snow-covered hill and zip down it on your sled. Whether your family is making the perfect snow angel or trekking in the back-country, Utah’s “greatest snow on Earth” will not disappoint.
Want more 50 states fun? See more posts in our series:
Top Ten Things for Families to do in Alaska
Top Ten Things for Families to do in California
Top Ten Things for Families to do in Nevada
Top Ten Things for Families to do in South Dakota
Ann Anderson is Trekaroo’s Utah Destination Guroo.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
A visit to Nevada can feel like stepping into a Western movie. When traveling in Nevada, it’s normal to drive 50-100 miles between towns outside of the major metro areas of Las Vegas, Reno, and Carson City. Nevada’s nickname is The Silver State, dating from the Nevada silver rush days of the mid 1800′s when a fortune’s worth of silver could literally be shoveled off the ground! Makes you want to visit Nevada, right? Before you dash out the door with your diaper bag and shovel, plan ahead and read Trekaroo’s top ten things for families to do in Nevada.
10. Visit Lake Mead before it goes dry
Photo Courtesy Flickr User Ethan Miller
Lakes Mead and Mohave are the central focus of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, one of Nevada’s most popular water sport playgrounds. The lakes offer year-round water recreation plus scenic drives, shaded picnic grounds, and National Park Service Ranger led programs throughout the year. Children can earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing activities in the Lake Mead Junior Ranger Guide book which is available for free at the Visitor Center. Tragically, Lake Mead, the source of almost all of the water in Sin City, is in the beginning stages of a crisis that if left unchecked would spell the end for Las Vegas. There is a 50% chance Lake Mead will go dry by 2021. Basically what we’re saying is, quit beatin’ the devil around the stump and go!
Read family reviews of Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
9. Hike Red Rock Canyon
Photo Courtesy Flickr User Alan Vernon
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is less than a twenty minute drive from Las Vegas. Wild burros roam the shoulders of the park’s 13-mile scenic loop drive. Families will have themselves a hog-killin’ time at a popular area known as The Children’s Discovery Trail, a half mile “move at your own pace, learn about the desert, and enjoy the scenery” kind of hike. If you have never taken your child on a hike, this is the one to start with. There are no steep climbs and plenty of signs to make this an easy and unforgettable experience. You had me at “wild burros.”
8. Stand atop Hoover Dam
Photo Courtesy Flickr user Tsmyther
When you drink from the tap at Disneyland, Anaheim, that water is coming from the Colorado River and Lake Mead, 300 miles away. Without Hoover Dam, there would be no Vegas and until the Hoover Dam was built, much of the southwestern United States was plagued by two natural problems: parched terrain that lacked irrigation and boring bachelor parties. The Hoover Dam is on my bucket list, not because it was named one of the Top 10 Construction Achievements of the 20th Century (when it comes to engineering, folks I am at sea), but to visit the state line! Look at me, I’m in Arizona, now I’m in Nevada, now I’m a Republican, now I’m a Democrat!
Read family reviews of the Hoover Dam.
7. Visit the State’s Capital, Carson City
Nevada’s capital city plays host to a number of year round events designed to give families a plethora of sightseeing options. My family loved the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada- the museum did a bang-up job! This hands on museum features a floor piano children can play with their feet, just like in the movie BIG. No trip to Carson City is complete without a visit to the Nevada State Railroad Museum where children can experience train and handcar rides. If you’re headed north, Washoe Lake State Park is only 10 miles away.
Read family reviews of things to do in Carson City
6. Discover Reno
Photo Courtesy nvdm.org
Reno’s newest museum, Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, is a hands-on exhibit experience that caters to young minds. Just northwest of downtown Reno, cheetahs run free at Animal Ark, a 38-acre wildlife sanctuary open to the public. Catch a baseball game at the Reno Aces Ballpark or visit Sierra Safari, the largest zoo in Nevada. Later, when the young whippersnappers are hungry ‘nough to eat a saddle blanket, swing by Squeeze In, where kids can write on the walls, order Teddy Bear pancakes, receive toy baskets, or sip hot cocoa piled high with whipped cream and sprinkles.
5. Valley of Fire State Park
Photo Courtesy Flickr User Rickz
Barely an hour outside Las Vegas, Valley of Fire is Nevada‘s oldest and largest state park. The valley derives its name from the intense heat which incinerates hikers. Okay, I’m kidding. The valley derives its name from the red sandstone formations of the Mojave Desert. Petroglyphs carved into the rocks are both accessible to little legs and easy to spot. If weather permits, try the short hiking circuit at the White Domes Loop Trail which passes through slot canyons with colorful sandstone walls. Unless your children are lizards I wouldn’t recommend desert hiking in the summer when temperatures are usually over 100 degrees. You’ll be wise to remember these two tips: Never kick a cow patty on a hot day and always take water with you!
4. Explore Great Basin National Park
Photo Courtesy NPS
Great Basin National Park is home to some of the world’s oldest trees, bristlecone pines. The road leading to the park hosts an impromptu exhibition of quirky art sculptures placed there over the years by witty locals. Once in the park, a 12 mile road, winds up to the gentle Island Forest Trail and Wheeler Peak, the second highest mountain in Nevada which is home to the famous Lehman Caves featuring 1.5 miles of underground passages. Family adventure daypacks filled with goodies to create excitement while exploring the park are available for check-out free of charge at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Only out on the range can you find yourself.
3. Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
Nevada’s State fossil is the Ichthyosaur aka: “fish-lizard.” The Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, 150 miles from Reno, is divided into three main sections. Visitors can complete a self-guided tour through the ghost town of Berlin, schedule a park ranger led tour of the fossil quarry and recently reopened Diana Mine, or camp at the campground. The newly opened Diana Mine is filled with artifacts to make it appear as if the miners were still working there today. Imagine crawling through dusty and cramped tunnels in near total darkness for 12 hours a day. Yikes! Umm wait, does crawling under dark and dusty couches to retrieve action figures count? Whoa Nellie!
2. Break Rocks at Garnet Hill
Photo Coutrtesy of Flickr user Vegas Swallows
Garnet Hill, about 4 miles Northwest of Central Ely, is an area famous for its dark red garnets found in volcanic rock. Serious individuals should be prepared to break a sweat. You need a hardened chisel, eye protection and a sledge hammer to get them out. Typically you will end up dulling three or four chisels throughout the day. Children can visually search the ground for small garnet stones which are spread here and there throughout the area, their dark color contrasts with the soil making them easy to see. To add some excitement to the trip, when no one is watching, scatter pre-purchased faux gems out on the ground for the kids to find (just make sure to take them all home with you)! Pack your plunder dear, we’re headin’ for Garnet Hill!
1. Vegas Baby Vegas
Photo Courtesy Flickr User 5 flip-flops
The wildest part of Las Vegas isn’t necessarily the nightlife. Families can visit The Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage which is home to some of the world’s rarest and most exotic animals, Journey to the Center of the Earth with SpongeBob Squarepants at Excalibur and pet sting rays at Mandalay Bay Resort’s Shark Reef Aquarium. Itching to gamble? Try your luck at The Lion Habitat at MGM Grand Hotel! Lions sleep 20 hours a day. If you go, and they’re awake “JACKPOT”; admission is free! Children and Adults alike will love the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Want to get away from The Strip? Kids at Springs Preserve will enjoy interactive exhibits and outdoor activities. Anyway you shuffle the deck, Vegas is Ace High!
Read reviews of family friendly activities in Las Vegas.
Want more 50 states fun? See more posts in our series:
Top Ten Things for Families to do in California
Top Ten Things for Families to do in Alaska
Top Ten Things for Families to do in South Dakota
Tina Buell is Trekaroo’s Northern California Destination Specialist, single mom, and mother to a constant ray of SONshine
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
South Dakota, the land of great faces and great places, is rich in pioneer, exploration and archeological history while boasting beautiful wide open whispering prairies, stunning jutting mountains, crystal clear lakes and lazy windy rivers (giving it more shoreline than the state of Florida!!) The population of the entire state is on par with the city of San Francisco, so there is lots of land for roaming and exploring. Although the state boasts numerous attractions that are sure to delight the history or science buffs, there are just as many beautiful spots to simply sit, relax and watch a laid back evening mosey on by. I am certain that once you travel with your family to South Dakota it will hold special place in your heart like it does mine. Here are our top ten things for families to do in South Dakota:
10. Visit a little house on the prairie
Photo by: SD Tourism
Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s famous series of books will take great pleasure in getting to see her family home and over 2,000 artifacts from the author’s life at the Ingall’s Homestead in De Smet. Visit in the summer for a wider appeal of old-fashioned family fun when you can camp, take covered wagon tours, wear pinafores, bonnets, and straw hats while you are a student at the Little Prairie School or try your hand as a pioneer as you make rope, grind wheat, shell corn and make your own corn-cob doll. Each July, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant recreates part of the author’s life in theatrical fashion outdoors at the Homestead.
Been there? Share your scoop with other Trekaroo users.
9. Follow the signs to Wall Drug
Photo by: Trekaroo/Gretchen
Billboards offering free ice water in 1931 put the only drugstore in Wall, SD on the map. Today, Wall Drug greets almost 20,000 visitors on a summer day, many buying a $.05 cup of coffee or a cute, albeit kitschy, souvenir to take home. Signs line Intertstate-90 for over 500 miles pointing the way to Wall Drug; by the time it arrives, a massive gift-shop and restaurant in the middle of the prairie, you and your kids will feel as if you have come upon the greatest thing since sliced bread. And really, you have. Wall Drug is a family owned and operated wonderland of touristy wares, interesting photo ops, cheap local food and a fun, imaginative rest stop in the middle of a long car trip!
Need a longer pit stop? Rest your head in Wall at these hotels.
8. Explore the sprawling Badlands
Photo by: SD Tourism
Located on the edge of the Great Plains just outside of Wall, Badlands National Park is a beautiful and unique terrain full of 244,000 acres of buttes, spires, and rolling grasslands. Drive the highway 240 Loop for an hour overview of many of the park’s features including the Badlands Wilderness where you might spot bighorn sheep, coyotes, or even American bison. A quick 30 minute detour takes you to Robert’s Prairie Dog Town where you can try to catch a glimpse of the cute little mammals. One thing you are sure to see is an amazing panoramic view of the park’s beautiful landscapes. Eight hiking trails sprawl the lands including two just right for little ones: Cliff Shelf Nature Trail (.5 mile) or Fossil Exhibit Trail (.25 mile). In the summer, Night Sky Programs are an incredible way to end your day under a blanket of stars most urbanites have never imagined.
7. Head underground
Photo by SD Tourism
South Dakota’s land is full (er… I suppose, surprisingly hollow) of caves ready for exploration. Caves present kids (& grownups) with a unique, mysterious and always interesting look into life underground. Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument are must stops; the two cave systems together run almost 300 miles underground! Numerous tour options are available and run daily except on holidays. Rushmore Cave has the adreneline junky family covered with not only their simple cave tour, but the option of flying on a zip line or taking an advanced spelunking tour where you will literally have to crawl on your belly through tight spaces! (Claustrophic folks, take a deep breath now!!) Experienced hikers will enjoy the 45 minute hike at Sitting Bull Crystal Caverns, but children under three are only allowed in backpacks. If you are hoping to find some gold during your trip underground, head to Big Thunder Gold Mine where you are guaranteed to end your tour a small bit richer! Tips for cave expeditions: pack a sweater as it gets very chilly down in the earth. Be sure to check out the activity level of the tours; you can’t exactly decide mid-cave that it is too strenous. You always have to climb the uphill portion of the hike as you exit, so plan accordingly.
6. Dig up some bones
Photo by: Flickr/Clinton Little
Travel back in time 26,000 years at the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs where a unique sinkhole created a treasure of fossil remains from the ice age. The Mammoth Site is a must stop for any family with a budding paleontologist in tow, and has enough hands on activities that even non-scientists will applaud their visit. Home of the world’s largest Mammoth Research facility, you can tour both an active paleontology dig site and see real ice age fossils as they are found (which include over 58 Colombian and Woolly Mammoth fossils, in addition to numerous other animals). The museum takes on an especially active summer with programs for kids including an hour long Jr. Paleontologist program that gets your kids in the dirt with a simulated excavation held daily. Older kids are invited to participate in a more advanced simulated dig as well.
Check out other activites and hotels in Hot Springs, South Dakota.
5. Follow in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark
Photo by: SD Tourism
Lewis and Clark, some of our countries original “trekaroos”, followed the Missouri River through the state of South Dakota and so can you. There are many interstates and trails following the route and lots of stops along the way for a glimpse into what their travels were like. Spirit Mound, near Vermillion, SD in the southeast serves as a great starting point for your trek and a beautiful spot to picnic. Due to changes in the river over time, this is one of the only spots you can be absolutely certain to stand where the explorers once stood. The nearby Lewis & Clark Visitor’s Center in Yankton provides an overview of the history of the duo and great views of Lewis & Clark Lake and Recreation Center. The Rec Center is one of South Dakota’s most popular parks and boasts three campgrounds, a resort, playgrounds, fishing, swimming areas, and even wi-fi, which no doubt would have been handy for Lewis & Clark! Further north in Pierre, the state capitol, take a boat ride on the Capitol City Queen to view famous landmarks and history of the adventure from the water. Head to Farm Island for another great recreation and camping spot. While there check out the Lewis and Clark Family Center for hands on interactive displays focusing on the history of their expeditions.
4. Step back in time to the Wild Wild West
Photo by: SD Tourism
In 1876, the mining town Deadwood was born almost overnight as miners, outlaws, gunslingers and gamblers moseyed into town to search for gold. The entire city of Deadwood is a national historic landmark and is ripe for historic and entertaining tourism. Start your day with a walk through Adams House & Museum, Deadwood’s oldest museum full of historical artifacts on the town. Pan for gold at the Broken Boot Mine, or be a part of the daily reenactments of history including the shooting of Wild Bill Hickock at the #10 Saloon, or gunslinger shows on the street in front of the Four Aces, or the Celebrity Hotel (now actual gambling casinos, which are legal in Deadwood). Also note, unless you are an uber fan of bikers, be sure to check the dates of the annual Sturgis Harley Davidson Rally in early August before planning your trip: the town is literally overrun with bikers and many of the town’s normal activities are put on hold. Just a short drive outside of Deadwood, don’t miss the 1880 Train, a working vintage steam train that takes you on a beautiful historic route through the heart of South Dakota’s gold-panning history.
Find a great night’s stay in Deadwood.
3. Seek out a different point of view
Photo by: Flickr/puroticorico
Nine Native American Indian tribes call South Dakota their home and your trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting some of the amazing cultural and historical destinations that offer a glimpse into the Native American experience. The Crazy Horse Memorial near Custer, SD is a cultural work-of-art in process: a massive rock sculpture (not yet finished, but already impressive) of Crazy Horse, the famous Native American leader. Although the mountain is still being carved, don’t miss this stop. The Indian Museum of North America and Native American Education & Cultural Center are located on the premises. The South Dakota Art Museum in Brookings showcases numerous Native American artists and even has a hands on “Kids Sensation Station” to keep small ones interested. The Native American Scenic Byway takes travelers over 450 miles, through five reservations and past countless markers and monuments including the Sitting Bull Monument and Fort Pierre, where Lewis & Clark met with the Native American Indians. If your children are mature enough, be sure to take them to the Wounded Knee Museum in Wall and the actual site of the Wounded Knee Massacre; despite the heavy nature of the topic, I believe that a thorough understanding of this event, and many more like it in Native American history, will help our children grow to be respectful and responsible leaders of tomorrow.
2. Stand in awe of an America’s grandest granite icon
Photo by: Trekaroo/windhaven
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, located in the southwestern part of the state is one of America’s most famous landmarks and can’t be missed. Almost every Trekaroo user gives it 5/5 stars! I have fond memories of visiting the famous faces of Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington and Roosevelt as a kid and remember being especially intrigued by the ingenuity and skill required to complete such a masterpiece so long ago. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum began this masterpiece in 1927 and it took over 10 years to create; it is truly an amazing work of art and an awesome tribute to our great nation. Two short trails are worth the investment to get away from the crowds and closer to the Presidents’ 60-foot faces. Pick up a Jr. Ranger guidebook before you set out at the Visitor’s Center to really help bring history alive for your little ones. The Sculpter’s Studio, which is sure to inspire any budding artist, is open daily in the summer months, and Carver’s Café serves up yummy treats including ice cream to sweeten the end of your tour year round.
Check out Keystone, SD.
1. Put it all Together
Photo by: Flickr/markclong
South Dakota boasts 54 state parks and recreation areas full of beautiful lakes, breath-taking rocks and waterfalls, flowing prairies and deep, dense woods. My personal favorite, Custer State Park, happens to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited; it is centrally located just minutes from Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse monuments and is less than one hour away from almost every activity in this guide. Three incredible, scenic 60 minute drives run through the park: Needles Highway, open only in the warmer months, takes its name from the “needle-like granite formations which seem to pierce the horizon along the highway.” Iron Mountain Road is meant to be taken at a leisurely 20mph to fully take in the amazing beauty. In case the sheer beauty of rock, prairie, and river landscapes doesn’t completely excite your child, never fear. The last major scenic route, Wilderness
Photo by: SD Tourism
Loop, almost guarantees that you and your family will have an animal encounter. In addition to deer, sheep and elk, free-loading burros will most likely approach your car for food, and you might just run into one (or many) of the park’s 1300 buffalo!! This park boasts numerous campgrounds, cabin rentals, and even the Custer State Park Resort with four different lodges hosting a variety of activities including horseback riding, a chuck wagon cookout and off road Jeep tours that take you to close encounters with the park’s buffalo. Custer State Park’s amazing natural beauty, wide array of options, and it’s close proximity with so many of the state’s famous wonders make it your best bet for visiting the diverse and beautiful South Dakota.
Want more 50 states fun? See more posts in our series:
Top Ten Things for Families to do in California
Top Ten Things for Families to do in Nevada
Top Ten Things for Families to do in Alaska
Katie Bodell is Trekaroo’s Assistant Editor, a wife, & a mom to three sweet California girls.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC| FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR| PA| TN | TX | VA | WA
Washington DC is a destination that families love because of it’s amazing free museums and famous buildings. When visiting with kids, what are the best hotels to stay at? You could choose to stay just outside the downtown area near a metro stop or stay in within walking distance to The Mall, White House and other major attractions. With young kids, you might want to stay close enough to take afternoon breaks. Trekaroo families have voted their favorite hotels for 2009. Here are the winners:
# 1 Top Family-Friendly Hotel with Great Kid Perks: Hotel Palomar
Hotel Palomar welcomes your child with special treats – from fun packs to popsicles in the afternoon to milk and cookies in the evening. Trekaroo families also loved the Wine and Wii hour and the simple but clean pool. With a variety of rooms to choose from, you could pick a suite to have some privacy from the kids. The in-house restaurant is excellent. The Palomar is also located within walking distance to all of Washington DC’s major attractions. Their Discover the District Package offers families executive accommodation that will fit up to a family of 5 plus little perks like Kids Eat Dinner Free at the Urbana Restaurant plus a free in-room movie with popcorn. Rooms start at $239/night.
Read the full reviews from families on the Hotel Palomar | Check for Deals and Availability
#2 Great Service and Excellent Location: Grand Hyatt Washington DC (Center)
The location of the Grand Hyatt cannot be beat with a metro stop right in the lobby and within a short 10 minute walk to the Mall and other major attractions. It’s wonderful location makes it possible for families to take a break in the middle of the day and to get to attractions with minimal hassle. Trekaroo families found the staff very attentive. The wide range of choices for breakfast is also a big hit. The nicely appointed rooms make for a comfortable stay. Rates start at $166/night
Read the full reviews from families on Grand Hyatt Washington DC (Center) | Check for Availability
#3: Best Hotel with Free Parking: Hawthorn Suites Alexandria
If you’re driving and don’t want to spend a ton on parking, consider staying away from downtown Washington DC in Alexandria at the Hawthorne Suites. This hotel offers free parking along with their suite rooms complete with a full kitchenette. A hotel shuttle takes guests to the nearest metro stop so you can avoid driving downtown if you wish. This hotel even has a pool with life guard on duty. Within a few miles, you can explore charming Old Town Alexandria. Rates start at $109/night
Read the full reviews on Hawthorne Suites in Alexandria | Check Availability
Which Activities came up at the top?
Best Activities for Kids in Washington DC – voted by parents
Other Resources for Washington DC:
- All 100 Activities for kids in the Washington DC Metro Area
- Kid-friendly hotels in and around Washington DC
- The Best Kid-friendly Hiking Trails in DC – HikingAlong
- Indoor Places for Toddlers Around Washington DC – SuburbanDaddy
- 8 Things (Under $5) to Do in Washington DC with Toddlers – Two Kids and A Map
- Fun Washington, D.C. Activities that get Kids Fired Up - Sujatha
- Day Trips with Kids From Washington DC – teachmama
- Must See Attractions in DC with Preteens and Teens – musingsfromme
- What to do with Tweens in Washington D.C. – MsTwixt
LiLing Pang is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | FL | HI | MA | NY | PA | TX | VA and now IL and WA
Elementary school aged kids are eager explorers and discovering San Francisco with them is a total blast. Kids at this age are great communicators, able to follow a tour, are interested in history, and are strong enough to do what may be more demanding physically. If you are coming to San Francisco with a child who is in elementary school, here are some must see attractions listed in order of importance.
Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco, California
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bike/236189021
Pier 33 (on Embarcadero and Bay St)
Hornblower Alcatraz Landing San Francisco, California
3. California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, California
