California with Kids

California’s Eastern Sierras: Geological wonder, rustic wilderness, wide open plains, and varied topographies, that’s just the beginning.

Families have many options when it comes to choosing kid-friendly accommodations, and apartment rentals are exploding in popularity.

As lifelong residents of the Western US, my family and I love pioneering history. Since the moment my 4th grade class studied the California Gold Rush, I was hooked, and I’ve passed on my passion for this chapter of our nation’s history to my kids. Nearly everywhere we drive in the West harbors some vestige of early settlements, Native American life, or pioneering struggles.

Don’t just read about California history, explore it with your kids!

Visiting Catalina Island with kids is the perfect way to enjoy an island vacation adventure, without the hefty cross-the-ocean price tag.

I call it “business class for the family class” – those accommodations with amenities that business travelers demand and family travelers relish.

My son was diagnosed with autism about five years ago. The doctor who delivered the news expected my husband and I to give into our emotions and fall apart. Instead, we booked a trip. Then we booked another and another and another.

Dog sledding is a unique opportunity for families to enjoy. There are many outfitters across the country providing kennel tours, education, sled tours, lessons, and hands-on experiences. Without doubt, dog sledding is an experience your family will not soon forget.

Autism cases in the United States are on the rise. As such, many ski resorts are offering tailored programs introducing kids on the autism spectrum to skiing. Among these forward thinking ski resorts is Northstar at Tahoe, where my son participated in a lesson using an approach called Adaptive Skiing.

Like most moms, my mornings typically start with the same activities, such as getting the kids up and dressed. Recently though, 7am found me not in my kitchen, but instead floating 4,500 feet above California’s beautiful Temecula Valley in a hot air balloon!

I have lived in California for 28 years, but never visited any of its national parks. When the opportunity to visit three national parks in three days presented itself, I jumped at the chance.

We decided to take it a step further, and we began to seek out conservations and sanctuaries. What we found was in these concentrated environments you can connect with the animals on a more personal level. We learned the animals’ names and heard their stories. We looked them in the eyes and we made a connection.

When the fresh beach air calls, the seaside town of Santa Monica, located just west of Los Angeles, is often where my family and I end up. It has the charm and appeal of a coastal getaway, but with its sophisticated urban aspect, it is anything but a lazy beach town.

Trekaroo spent 2012 reviewing the best family dude ranch vacations across the country (it was a hard job, but someone had to do it!) We are excited to provide you with this handy guide to our favorite ranches and why they are so special as family friendly vacation getaways.

What Los Angeles hotels are family-friendly and offer convenience to local attractions? We’ve compiled reviews from our family readers and Superoos (expert reviewers) and offer you our selection of the best family-friendly hotels in Los Angeles, CA.

Have you been fascinated by the glamor and glitz of Hollywood and wished you could take a family-friendly tour to see the stars? Well, look no further than Adventures by Disney and “Lights, Camera, Magic!”

Hospitality is a family affair at Quarter Circle U Rankin Ranch in Caliente, CA. It’s a dude ranch where riding experience isn’t necessary, a great children’s program entertains all ages, and you can unplug.

For one week every summer, my home is invaded by teenagers- and I love it!   I am lucky enough to be the aunt of two wonderful teens who actually don’t …