kid friendly travel

FAMILY TRAVEL, HOLIDAYS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Best European Christmas Markets for Families
- December 13, 2023
If you are seeking a magical, family-friendly Christmas experience, look no further than Europe’s festive holiday markets. Take a stroll along cobbled streets adorned with fairy lights to admire traditional handmade gifts, beautiful ornaments, and gorgeous decor, and to taste an array of local festive delicacies. Today, join travel blogger and UK mom of two, Aimee Keeble, as she explores the very best family-friendly Christmas markets in Europe for you to visit with your children.

‘Tis the season

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and also the season of travel! For families looking for a fun and unique way to celebrate the season, there’s no better way to discover the magic of the holidays than by immersing your family in the European Christmas markets.

As the winter chill sets in and twinkling lights illuminate cobblestone streets, it’s time to pack your bags, grab the little ones, and embark on a festive journey that you won’t find any other time of year. From snow-dusted fairytale settings to mouthwatering treats that will tantalize the taste buds and gorgeous hand-made ornaments, toys, and decor, join me on a virtual sleigh ride through Europe’s most magical Christmas market destinations. Get ready to create cherished memories and discover the true spirit of the holidays in the heart of these winter wonderlands.

Preparing to visit the Christmas Markets

If you haven’t visited a European Christmas market before, here are a few top tips for an enjoyable visit;

Payment methods

Since the pandemic, most small vendors have switched to accepting card payments, however not all will. Be sure to bring both your credit cards and cash in the correct currency to spend on smaller items.

Dress warm

To enjoy long periods of time outside in winter, don’t forget to pack thermal base-layers, insulated coats, gloves and hats.

Walk

Most Christmas Markets in Europe are in town/city centres so you will get the best experience by booking a central place to stay and exploring on foot or by using public transport. European cities have excellent public transport systems with trams, buses, and underground lines. Not only will you see more of the local sights, but you can enjoy the mulled wine and spiced ciders without having to drive!

Stay safe

Christmas Markets can be very busy places so take the usual safety precautions of agreeing a meeting point in case you are separated, taking a photo of your child clothing on the day, and having your phone number in their pocket. If you are heading out in the dark to admire the lights, consider reflective coats or attachable lights to help your children stand out.

Cobblestone streets

Cobbles and steps are very common across European cities so be sure to consider stroller suitability – bigger wheels or carriers are best.

Timing is everything

Christmas markets can get crowded, especially on weekends and evenings. Plan your visit during off-peak hours to avoid the biggest crowds. Arriving early in the day can also provide a more relaxed experience for your family.

Best European Christmas Markets for kids and families

Ready to journey through Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets? Here are our five favorites. Each of these European cities promises an unforgettable holiday experience for kids and families, blending tradition, wonder, and the timeless joy of the Christmas season.

1. Tallinn, Estonia

By far, our favourite Christmas market can be found in Tallinn, Estonia. The medieval Old Town transforms into a fairytale landscape, offering not only artisanal crafts but also performances and a charming Christmas train for the little adventurers. Held in the historic Town Hall Square, the small market hosts a huge Christmas tree, live music, and a little carousel. You won’t find mass-produced items here, but rather locally crafted Estonian products such as winter jumpers, beautifully painted baubles, and warm gloves.

Be sure to taste some of the local delicacies like sour cabbage and glögi (mulled wine). Adorned with fairy lights and often snowy, Tallinn is the most magical Christmas Market to visit. We particularly love this market because it’s smaller and pedestrianized, so it’s perfect for children to explore. Plus, once you’re finished with the market, there’s the epic Seaplane Harbour Museum to check out!

2. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges, Belgium, hosts a slightly larger Christmas Market with both locally crafted products and more widely available items. The city takes on a storybook setting in the winter with its cobbled streets and historic squares. For the children, there’s an outdoor ice rink and a light trail to explore. Bruges is compact and easy to navigate on foot with young children in just 2-3 days, which makes it ideal for a long weekend with the family. After that, you could take in Ghent, which also has a wonderful market, or if you are looking for a larger, bustling vibe, head over to Brussels.

3. Prague, Czechia

Prague, Czechia, is a winter wonderland of incredible architecture and spirited market stalls, inviting families to explore a magical carousel, an ice-skating rink, and a puppet theater for festive delights. The festivities in Prague are spread across the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, where you can discover a wide range of Christmas gifts, including ceramics, lace, wooden toys, and knitted clothing. Prague’s Christmas market is the perfect place to discover new food by tasting some Czech delicacies such as klobása (sausage), trdelník (sweet pastries) and svařák (mulled wine).

This market is great for families with plenty to keep the children entertained, including creating their own traditional Czech Christmas crafts (weekends) and petting the lovely animals at the stable in the Old Town Square. Again, the city is small and easy to explore on foot.

4. Vienna, Austria

The historic city of Vienna has multiple Christmas markets to explore with children and an excellent transport system to hop between them easily. Here, you will find beautiful wooden toys and the most delicious pretzels! The City Hall also offers activities for the children, including Christmas cookie decorating and candle making. Once you’re done with the markets, there’s also the oldest fairground in Europe to visit, which the kids will love!

5. Budapest, Hungary

You will find Budapest’s main Christmas market outside St Istvan Bazilika (St Stephen’s Basilica), where there’s a delightful range of traditional handmade crafts and sweet treats (be sure to try the ‘Kurtoskalacs’ – Hungarian chimney cake!). Here, the children can also enjoy laser light shows and skate at the ice rink, which circles the Christmas tree in St Istvan Square. Once you’ve finished browsing, head up to the Basilica for some rooftop views of the city.

Nearby, you will also find the historic Christmas fayre in Vorosmarty Square, surrounded by beautiful 19th-century buildings. This one is ideal for quaint handmade gifts and mulled wine! After exploring the markets, be sure to visit the thermal baths.

European Christmas markets for families

Under the glow of twinkling lights and amidst the festive cheer, exploring Europe’s enchanting Christmas markets with your family promises to be a memorable experience. Each destination I’ve featured today offers unique activities, experiences, foods, traditions, and delights for your children to experience. I hope you’ll have a chance to make it to the Christmas markets this year. And as you navigate through the market stalls, be sure to savor seasonal treats, as well as the joy on your children’s faces.

Additional resources
What’s your favourite Christmas market?

About the author

Aimee is a humanitarian worker and photographer based in the UK. As a mum to two young boys, she spends much of her time outdoors in nature and enjoys traveling with her family. Aimee loves to support other families to explore with young children by sharing tips and inspiration.

You can find more from Aimee online in the following locations:
Instagram: @how_i_wander_uk
Website: How I Wander
BEACH, FAMILY TRAVEL, LOCAL GEMS, SUMMER
Best Kid-friendly Beaches in Southern California
- June 30, 2022
If you’re planning a trip to Southern California with your family, hitting a beach should be on your to-do list! Southern California has some of the most beautiful and unique beaches in the country. With so many beach options available, it can be hard finding the best beaches for kids and families. Today, Megan Haveelar, photographer and mom of four, is here sharing her family’s five favorite kid-friendly beaches in Southern California. Each of these beaches has its own unique qualities and should be a bit less crowded than many other beaches, making them great for kids of all ages.

Summertime in Southern California

Yay, it’s summertime! And summer means fun in the sun and making memories with our loved ones! I’m sure many of you have some exciting summer travel plans. One popular destination happens to be Southern California. There are a variety of famous attractions that draw many people each year; from Hollywood to Disneyland, Sea World to Universal. There’s the the infamous Santa Monica Pier, Catalina Island, and the historic Pacific Coast Highway. The list could go on!

Nevertheless, the place that families want to visit most while they are here is our stunning beaches! Warm, soft sand, cool water, salty air, and beautiful views! There’s really not much better than a gorgeous sunny day at a southern California beach!

Best Southern California beaches for families

Today, I’m sharing my top 5 favorite kid-friendly family beaches in Southern California. Each of these beaches are a little less touristy, so you don’t have to battle the crowds, and have their own personality. These are beaches our family visits regularly and they each have a uniqueness to them that makes them fun in different ways.

If you’re looking for a beach to surf or boogie board, I got one for you! If you’re looking for a beach with beautiful crystal blue water and stunning views, I got one of those! Looking for a beach that offers more than just laying in the sand, I know of a beach with a beautiful hike up and down the seaside cliffs. As well as a beach named Pirates Cove and one named Treasure Island! I mean what kids wouldn’t want to visit a beach with a name like that! Whatever beach you choose, I highly recommend staying and watching the sunset at any of these locations, you will be so thankful you did!

Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove is located in Orange County between Newport and Laguna Beach. It’s one of the largest remaining areas of open space and natural coastline in Orange County. It’s a huge stretch of beach running 3.2 miles long and also 2,400 acres of wilderness. Because the beach is inside a state park, the hours are sunrise to sunset and there are also fees for parking.

Crystal Cove State Park is definitely a must-see for any beach-loving family! From the seaside cliffs to the tide pools down below, this beach offers lots of space and fun for kids and families. The walk down to the beach can be long for little ones, but if you can make the hike, it’s so worth it. Crystal Cove also offers hiking and camping!

Visit their website to find out more http://www.crystalcovestatepark.org/

Corona Del Mar/Pirates Cove

The two beaches of Corona del Mar and Pirate’s Cove are definitely ones we visit a lot! They are connected by a rock jetty at the entrance to Newport Harbor in Newport Beach. While right next to each other, they have different features and personalities, so I’ll discuss them individually.

Corona Del Mar beach

Corona Del Mar is also a state park beach. It’s about half a mile long, at the base of a seaside cliff with cool rock formations at the bottom. The parking lot is located at the bottom, and there is a parking fee. However, as you’ll see there is a stunning neighborhood up top with street parking that’s free. You can easily walk down the path to the beach. We love using our boogie boards here and checking out the sea life on the rocks. If you enjoy some beach volleyball there are plenty of courts to get your serve on!

Pirates Cove

Pirates Cove is a very unique spot! Located just to the right of Corona Del Mar, it’s an amazing beach for kids and families. You can either park in the lot or park above in the neighborhood. You cannot see this beach from the parking lot, you must climb over what looks like a hill of large boulders! Once you climb up and are at the top you will see a staircase that leads you down to a very secluded beach that looks across the channel of Newport Harbor.

At Pirates Cove beach, you’ll find little caves to sit in and get out of the sun, as well as a giant boulder out in the water you can swim to and jump off. There is a lifeguard here during the summer months and they rope off the swim area so no one gets too far out into the channel. This is a fun place for kids to explore and swim! The water is very calm and shallow so it’s great for little ones! You can also watch the sailboats and yachts go in and out of the harbor.

Treasure Island

Treasure Island is a very beautiful, super unique spot that does require a bit of walking, but again, it’s so worth it! The beach is located at the bottom of the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach. It’s known for its crystal blue waters! There is a small parking lot located on the southwest side of the resort, or you can also park on the street for free. There’s a beautiful path with lots of flowers and greenery on top, just behind the resort, and there are different staircases and ramps that lead to different parts of the beach.

Our favorite part of this beach requires us to walk north all the way until we get to the little peninsula at the base of Goff Island. This is a great spot to snorkel and the sand here is so soft. The beach part is kind of rocky and gets deep quickly, so make sure your kids are good swimmers. My kids are between the ages of 7-11 and do just fine. Here you seriously feel like you are on a tropical island out in the pacific!

Torrey Pines

Torrey Pines is located in San Diego. There are so many great beaches located in San Diego, but this is one that my family and I really enjoy visiting. It’s located just north of La Jolla and downtown San Diego. Torrey Pines is a State Reserve as they are protecting the Torrey pine trees that are specific to this one area of southern California. There is parking close to the beach or you can drive up to the top of the cliff where the Torrey Pines Lodge is located which is now a visitor center and ranger station. There are some cool things to learn at the visitor center about the Lodge and the history of the area.

My family I like to park at the bottom in the beach parking and walk up the drive to the top, and from there we hike down to the beach. It’s a good way to get some steps in! I’ve done it with the small children and they do well, you might just need to take lots of breaks. The rocks hiking down can be slippery so be sure to hold onto those small hands. Also, if you go in the evening and catch the sunset on your way down…it’s breathtaking! We’ve also seen seals come right up to the beach here!

Newport Beach

The beach around Newport Pier is a great spot for surfing, boogie boarding, swimming, fishing, dolphin watching, and sand castle building! We enjoy Newport because the beaches are situated in neighborhoods so they don’t feel touristy, more like you’re around a bunch of locals. Parking is free on the side streets, but there is meter parking on the main street.

Newport Beach is a great spot for families, as you could spend all day and never get bored! There is no shade here, so I definitely recommend bringing an umbrella or shade tent. The tide here is great for kids and adults learning to surf, but if you really want to see some professional surfers just head down to the Wedge, located at pier W, just down the way from Balboa Pier. I also highly encourage walking down the pier to see if you can spot some seals or dolphins.

There is a boardwalk perfect for jogging, bike riding, skating, or walking. You can rent bikes and scooters at places around the pier. There are also a couple of playgrounds located right on the sand between Newport and Balboa Pier.

Best kid-friendly beaches in Southern California

Okay, so there you have my top five recommendations for some of the best kid-friendly beaches in Southern California! However, if none of these are in the area close to where you are staying in California, don’t worry, there are many more! Just visit the website below to find state beaches close to you and get some helpful information about beaches nearby and what each one offers. We enjoy state beaches over city beaches because they are usually cleaner and we like to support our state and the efforts they put into keeping our oceans and beaches protected and preserved! https://www.parks.ca.gov/

Which Southern California beach is your kids’ favorite?

About the author

Megan is a wife and a homeschooling mom of four. She is originally from Colorado, but has spent much of her life overseas. First in Eastern Europe, specifically, Hungary, where her first two kids were born. Secondly, in Ethiopia, where she and her husband adopted their second two kids. She and her family are now stateside, currently living in Southern California. She loves traveling with her kids, either on planes, road trips, or just in their local area! Most of her family’s outdoor adventuring includes water of some kind like beaches, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, or pools. They especially love paddleboarding, hiking, rock climbing, camping, and even just going to the local park to play soccer or basketball. Megan also has a passion for photography and loves to bring along her camera to document all their adventures!

Find more from Megan in the following locations:
Instagram: @meghavelaarphoto
RWMC posts: Megan Havelaar
BEACH, FAMILY TRAVEL, GOOD FOR NATURE, HIKE, LOCAL GEMS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER, WATER
West Coast Road Trip: California to Oregon with Kids
- May 12, 2021
Family road trips are some of my fondest childhood memories and should be experienced by every kid at least once. There’s something extra special about a road trip, where the journey is just as much (if not more) fun and important than the destination. Road trips are wonderful opportunities for families to reconnect and experience new things together. Today, Araceli Gonzalez, a California mom of three, shares her family’s West Coast road trip from Northern California to Oregon. She shares her favorite spots along the way and reminds us just how magical a road trip can be.

West Coast road trip from California to Oregon with kids

I love road trips. And I especially love road tripping with my little people. I’ve spent a significant amount of my life on the West Coast and there’s always more to do, to see, and to explore. Driving the coast is a great way to immerse yourself in all the wonders and adventures this area has to offer.

Last summer, we set out on an EPIC West Coast family road trip. Our seven-day adventure had a jam-packed adventure itinerary, filled with fun outdoor activities for the family. We traveled from California to Oregon and had some amazing adventures along the way, making memories and enjoying our time together. From Northern California, where we paid a visit to the magnificent California Redwoods, on up the Oregon Coast, this road trip was amazing.

Planning your west coast road trip

There was so much to see and do. We could have spent an entire summer exploring this area! We made the most of our road trip by planning each stop and outlining exactly what we wanted to do at each location along the way. Yes, it takes a bit of planning, but it’s worth it. And chances are, if you’re traveling with kids, things won’t always go according to plan and you’ll have to make changes and adjustments along the way. The good news is that no matter where you visit along this part of the West coast, you will be sure to find gorgeous spots to explore, trails to hike, beaches to comb and so many observation points along the way.

My kids described each stop and place we visited as epic! Every hike topped the next. It was definitely a memorable adventure and one that would be fun and easy for other families to do if you’re looking for a fun West Coast road trip with kids.

Exploring the California Redwoods with kids

Our first stop was to see and explore the magnificent California Redwoods in Redwood National Park. We are from California and we love to visit the beautiful redwoods as often as we can. Walking through the redwoods feels like you are walking into an enchanted forest, each hike is better than the next. Each trail more beautiful than the last. Our kids have a rating system for each hike, fun, super fun, epic, and LEGENDARY. This place is LEGENDARY by all standards.

You will find creeks filled with huge redwood tree trunks, making it the most magical playground around. We could spend hours exploring this magnificent place. If you are road tripping and have the chance to drive the length of the park, there are some really great options and things to do to fill an entire fun day (or more). Some do require that you drive on narrow, windy, dirt roads, so just be prepared for that.

Boy Scout Tree Trail

If you’re looking for a moderate hike on the Northside Redwood National Park, try the Boy Scout Tree Trail. This trail is challenging, but so rewarding! It may take you a while to do this one, especially with kids, as it’s a 5.5 mile round trip trail. But if your kids are experienced hikers, they can handle it. The trail goes through fun creeks and falls and you’ll see lots of very big trees!

Each one of our kids is responsible for their own backpack. They carry water, snacks, and often a change of clothes. If you need to know what to pack, here’s a great post on the 10 hiking essentials for families.

Hiking is one of our family’s favorite activities. I enjoy observing their expressions, seeing the magic and the look in their eyes as they find a new cave or a new giant tree trunk to climb. There is nothing like it. Pure joy. Childhood played out in all its glory. It is always worth all the effort.

Trillium Falls Hike

Another favorite hike is the Trillium Falls Hike. This one is located on the Southside of the national park and is really family-friendly. There’s plenty of parking, bathrooms, picnic tables, trash cans, and more. This hike will take you past some gorgeous super huge trees, beautiful flowers and ferns, and even a couple of small waterfalls if you go after a rain. Plus, there’s a chance you may see elk on this trail! They’re definitely around – be sure to look for evidence (have you ever spied elk poop)? The full loop is just under 3 miles, but there are turn-around points at various locations if you don’t want to do the whole thing.

This redwood forest is the perfect combination of everything a kid could possibly dream of; lush jungle-like vegetation, cold crisp creeks, glorious redwoods, vast canyons, and a ton of SLUGS! We love discovering new trails, seeing what is around the corner, and losing ourselves in the magic that the forest offers.

Southern Oregon coast

After spending some time in Redwood State and National Parks, we made our way up the 101 to the Southern coast of Oregon. This area is full of amazing places to visit and we had a hard time narrowing down what we wanted to do and see. There are so many wonderful lush hiking trails with spectacular views followed by sand dune-like beaches.

If you have the opportunity to travel through this gorgeous state I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. It surpassed all our wildest expectations. We have plans to explore other parts of this state and cannot wait to visit again.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

In southern Oregon, there’s an area known for amazing sand dunes and adventure. The Oregon Dune National Recreation Area is a 31,500-acre portion of the Siuslaw National Forest and is one of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world.

Our hikes normally take hours because there are distractions such as these. We pause to roll down sand dunes and it means everything to me to see my kids enjoying the great outdoors. I have seen their love for these places grow a little more with each adventure. This is why we make the effort. My hope is that this will remain in their heart forever, that they will always treasure these places.

Oregon waterfalls

Oregon is full of these grand waterfalls. Millions of years ago, geologic activity created the diverse landscapes of southern Oregon and created some of the most beautiful alpine lakes, rushing streams, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. If you have the opportunity, you must visit the Cascade Mountain Range in southern Oregon. You’ll find some of the most incredible waterfalls, including those in the Umpqua National Forest.

Waterfalls in the Umpqua National Forest

You are almost guaranteed to be mesmerized throughout your time in Oregon, particularly if you’re a waterfall chaser. The waterfalls in Umpqua National Forest have been labeled by my kids as LEGENDARY. Every single one of them. The fascination is like no other. There are so many great hikes within Umpqua National Forest and the prize for getting down them is usually a stunning view of an Umpqua waterfall. Trust me, each one is worth the effort!

Keeping up on hikes is easy for kids when you are greeted by a beautiful waterfall at the end. I find that our little guy is keeping up with the rest of us easier here than anywhere else. He is learning the art of exploration first hand from his sister and brother and I can’t think of a better way to spend our time.

And if you want an even bigger reward at the end of a long day of hiking, be sure to unwind in the revitalizing geothermal hot springs of Umpqua National Forest. The terraced pools of warm water provide a fabulous view overlooking the Umpqua River. It’s an incredible way to relax, rest your legs and reward yourself for a hike well done.

West coast family road trip

A west Coast family road trip is like no other. Along the way, you can explore jungle-like forests, discover historic lighthouses, spot whales and elk, peer into tide pools, find secret sand-dune beaches, and stared up into towering cascading waterfalls. The west coast really is amazing and diverse and beautiful. I hope our adventures have inspired you to plan a trip out west to see what you can discover!

Check out this post for advice on how to road trip safety during the pandemic.

Happy road-tripping from our family to yours.

Is a west coast road trip on your summer bucket list?

About the author

Araceli is a wife and momma to three wild and adventurous littles. She believes that nature and free play are truly the foundation of a beautiful childhood. Araceli and her husband have made it a priority to raise their children with a strong bond to the great outdoors. Araceli is a working mom with an extensive career in Project Management. She’s creative, crafty, and loves collecting houseplants. As a family, they love exploring wild places and she loves documenting their adventures.

Find more from Araceli in the following locations:
Instagram: @roaminggonzalez
All RWMC posts: Vista Verde Ranch (Colorado), Winter Crabbing with Kids, California Tide Pools, Sun River Resort (Oregon)
FAMILY TRAVEL, INFORMATION, NATIONAL PARKS
Tips for a COVID-Safe Roadtrip with Kids
- June 29, 2020
Traveling looks much different right now than it looked last summer. With the COVID-19 pandemic still happening across our country (and the world), there are more restrictions on travel and lots of precautions and considerations that must be taken before leaving, along the way, and while you’re at your destination. Today, Nichole, a homeschooling mom of 2 and road-tripping expert, is here with some COVID-safe roadtrip health and safety precautions that families should consider in order to keep themselves and others safe.

Please note – any decisions to travel are highly personal and we encourage you to take note of the risks, do your research, consider your doctor’s advice, assess your family’s health and make your own informed choice. Do not travel if anyone in your family is sick or running a fever. The information shared here cannot guarantee anyone’s health or safety and is not meant to be divisive or comprehensive. Please do not travel through Indigenous communities at this time. This post contains affiliate links.

Making the decision to travel during a pandemic

Summer started months ago for many of us. Usually, by this time of year, the kids and I have been on the road for several extended trips already. As states began to reopen, we made the tough decision to drive from Arkansas to Arizona to surprise my Mom for her birthday. We hadn’t seen her in nine months and she lives two states away (one of those states is Texas). My husband and I talked for a week before we made a decision about the trip and it was not an easy decision to make. We decided to go with the idea that we’d be diligent, overly-cautious, and not take any unnecessary risks.

Road-tripping during a pandemic is a scary prospect, even more so to do it with children. There are a lot of things to consider and a lot of things we’d need to do differently for this trip. However, I found that by taking some protective measures, along with a few changes to our typical routine, we had a great COVID-safe roadtrip experience! Today, I’d like to share some of the steps I took to make our trip safe and successful.

Laying the plans and making tough decisions

I’ve made this drive at least five times already, but this time would be different. Normally, I am not one to stress over road trips, but if I’m being honest, this one made me worry. I approached our road trip planning (which is also a foreign concept to me as I rarely plan these shenanigans) with an overabundance of caution. We talked about all the options for overnights: camping versus hotels versus AirBnB‘s versus sleeping in the car.

After seeing if my kids and I could squeeze in the back of our Subaru Outback (not really), we decided against that option. I prefer more remote, dispersed camping, so public campgrounds with shared bathrooms were not an option for me during this trip. We don’t have an RV (though renting one may be a great solution!). After looking into the status of forest lands, I decided we would avoid them. Some lands are still closed within New Mexico and Arizona, and it is advisable to avoid Indigenous communities entirely due to the COVID outbreak. That left hotels and vacation rentals – both of which have their own issues and restrictions, but they were the best and safest option for us.

COVID-related safety precautions while roadtripping

Our final decision was to make the drive in two days rather than three, to minimize exposure. After careful research, our opinion was that hotels were probably the cleanest they’d ever been and I felt okay about staying in hotels. I picked a Drury Inn in our destination for day one (Albuquerque) and we left at home at 6 AM.

We are no strangers to long days in the car, but this one was different. Most of our favorite stopping points were either closed or not the best idea to visit. Palo Duro Canyon and Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. The Blue Hole in Santa Rosa and Meow Wolf in Santa Fe. Not everything was closed – the Texas State Parks are open but require advance tickets purchased online and there are capacity limitations in place.

One of the great things about traveling out west (or anywhere) with a highly capable vehicle, is the ability to roll down unknown roads to find a breaking spot. We took several rest breaks along back roads and side roads. We avoided people and got the chance to experience some beautiful countryside.

COVID-related hotel safety precautions

After a long 13 hour day of driving, we finally pulled into a familiar Drury Inn (we’d stayed there two times before). I wasn’t sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised upon our arrival to find the hotel very quiet with hardly any cars in the parking lot. The check-in process was smooth, all the employees and guests wore masks (my children and I included; it was required in the lobby). I was impressed with their social distancing measures in place.

To minimize any exposures, I carried one backpack into our room with what we would need for the night, plus our electronics. I wiped down any surfaces we would touch and we all relaxed for a moment while I ordered Panera for pick up. The restaurant was in the parking lot for the hotel and was incredibly convenient. Our hotel room was impeccably clean and any blankets, throw pillows, or comforters had been removed from the room so the beds only had sheets and pillows. We found that staying in a hotel and getting food to go felt perfectly safe with the excessive protective measures in place.

Roadtripping pit stops during a pandemic

We left Albuquerque the next day at 5 AM (mainly because my kids wake up ridiculously early). I stopped at a Starbucks because I know they require employees to wear masks and gloves. A few hours down the road (and every cheesy photo op along the way) we made a stop on a random dirt road off the interstate. That turned out to be a great choice because my kids got out to run free, I made some more coffee and even got their bikes down for them to burn some energy off.

When we needed to stop for gas, we took extra precautions. When pumping gas, I used a paper towel as a barrier between my hand and the gas pump. I wiped my card down after inserting it into the card reader. I brought my own hand soap to use in the bathrooms and sanitized my hands immediately after getting gas or going inside. If we went inside a gas station, we all wore masks.

The bathroom situation…

There’s one question that I know you’re wondering about, so let’s just get it out there. Yes, we also used the bathroom there. No, I didn’t bring a toilet along. And yes, we adhered to Leave No Trace principles. Yes, that kind of bathroom stop too.

I planned for roadside bathroom breaks and brought along toilet paper and a disposable bag to put used toilet paper in and planned to throw away at our next gas stop. Public bathrooms don’t totally terrify me, but we found it faster and smoother (less exposure) to use back roads and side roads for this COVID-safe trip. Depending on where you’re traveling, this option isn’t always possible, but it made us feel safer.

Here are few roadside bathroom break tips:
- urinate on hard surfaces;
- dig cat-holes for number two;
- bring extra toilet paper and/or flushable wet wipes;
- bring a disposable bag to store any used toilet paper with you;
- if you need privacy, open both passenger doors and hide in between them;
- if you are traveling with younger children, bringing a small, portable toilet for the little ones to use.
National Parks are re-opening…slowly

We also stopped at Petrified Forest National Park along the way, thanks to our Annual Parks Pass. I researched ahead of time to make sure the park was open and read about any restrictions or cautions. There were not many crowds and nearly everyone wore masks at any potentially crowded stops. Luckily, we had nearly every stop to ourselves. Most people were really great about keeping distance and being respectful of space. It also felt good to get out and stretch for a while.

When visiting a national park this time of year, it’s important to go early, bring sun protection, and carry plenty of water. We hiked the relatively short Blue Mesa loop and enjoyed the views of the Painted Desert along the way. If you plan on visiting a national park (or any park) along your way, do your research. It’s imperative that you check websites ahead of time for closures or capacity limits. Some parks are requiring reservations via advance ticket purchases. Please be respectful and obey city/state guidelines, especially within Indigenous communities. To learn more about recreating responsibly, please take some time to read this guide.

Things to bring on a COVID-safe roadtrip

Before heading out, we added a few things to our packing list to make this a COVID-safe roadtrip. I realize that wearing masks is a contentious topic (we’re not here to debate this), but they are required for some states. I am a practiced sewist, and made masks for my family with pockets for medical-grade filters. You can order masks from many different outlets now, depending on what your preferences are. My “clean all the things” bag contained: two kinds of hand sanitizer, a hand sanitizer in spray format, antibacterial wipes, baby wipes, Lysol spray, and extra masks.

I also decided to pack our food for breakfast and lunch. Snacks, drinks and a cooler are all a must. I’m okay with ordering food to go, but thought that eating out only for dinner would minimize any risks. Coffee is a necessity for me when I’m doing these massive solo road trips, and our backpacking stove is a great tool for making coffee on the road. Paired with my JavaDrip, it’s a fairly quick and easy process.

I would also recommend a backpack to carry things into a hotel for an overnight stay. Choose one that large enough to hold things for the whole family, so you’re not taking in multiple suitcases. My kids were not allowed to bring their stuffed animals into the hotel just to minimize any exposures. For more about my solo travel safety tips (and my backpack system) check out THIS post.

COVID-safe roadtrip recommendations & tips

Wherever you’re going, read ahead and do your research! Now is not necessarily the time for spontaneity and winging it along the way. Call ahead, check websites, ask questions, get suggestions and make reservations. Campgrounds are filling up fast due to more people camping and utilizing RV travel. Some parks are open, some are not. All of these things can be researched before you go to minimize stress, inconvenience and confusion. Also, bear in mind that the guidelines for masks vary from city to city and state to state. Bring them and be prepared to wear them (or make alternative plans if you choose not to).

Before leaving the house, lay out a tentative route plan, but allow for flexibility. We noted two small towns along our way that were closed to outside visitors. Knowing this let us plan ahead for pit stops. One of my favorite things I’d highly recommend is cheesy photo ops along the way! Say yes to these! You may not be able to get into the museums or attractions, but you can grab some super fun photos to commemorate your journey. Most of these are free from people and you don’t have to touch anything. Plus, it’s a great way to get out and stretch your legs. Atlas Obscura is one of my favorite resources for finding these fun photo ops. Just remember to be respectful of private property and follow local rules and guidelines.

The payoff

The main (well, and only) reason we made this big trip was to surprise my Mom for her birthday. She had absolutely no idea we were coming and I sneaky planned it with the help of my stepdad. My husband wasn’t able to come along due to work commitments, but gave me his full support for this endeavor. We could barely contain our excitement, nor could we wait for 6:30 AM, the decided-upon time to surprise her.

I hauled cardboard boxes with us from home. I bet my parent’s neighbors were very curious as to why I was assembling boxes on the corner so early in the morning. We tiptoed our way down the street and my kids hid in the boxes on the front step. I rang the doorbell then hid around the corner. It was without a doubt the BEST surprise of my life! I’ll never forget the joy and happiness when my Mom realized it was my kids in those boxes. We. Missed. Our. Family. Friends, I know you do too. I encourage you to take the trip. Do so with caution, but not with fear. For some extra-happy goodness, check out the full surprise video HERE. 100% worth it.

COVID-safe roadtrip resources

For a full list of the things we brought along to make this trip safe- click HERE.

For a list of helpful things to entertain kids on long trips – click HERE.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram at coleyraeh to see all of our adventures and shenanigans, including the return trip home.

You can read more about our family on my website.

Thanks for reading friends, if you have any questions please feel free to message me on Instagram or send me an email.

About the author

Nichole is mama to two incredible adventurers, an older boy and a younger girl, and they are on their fifth year of homeschooling. She has been married to her best friend for nearly thirteen years and they share a mutual love for the outdoors. An Iowan native now living in the south, she is happy to claim Arkansas as home. She is a wanderlust (and coffee) fueled, fearless, road-tripper who has been known to take off for epic adventures at a moment’s notice. Hiking and camping (of the backpacking variety) and crystal digging are a few of their favorite family activities. You can usually find her in the woods somewhere (probably up a creek and jumping off waterfalls), or on an epic road-tripping adventure with the kids.

You can find Nichole online in the following locations:
Website: http://www.luckeywanderers.com
Instagram: @coleyraeh
RWMC posts: Nichole
CAMP, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Pop-Up Camping With a Large Family
- July 10, 2019
Camping is a summertime essential activity! If you haven’t gone camping with your kids yet, what’s holding you back? Does it sound intimidating? Do you not think you have the right gear? Don’t know where to go? Have more kids than fit in a tent? We’re here to help! Camping might sound overwhelming, but it’s always worth it. Seasoned campers will tell you that sometimes even the most disastrous camping trips are the most memorable and fun. Today, we have the absolutely wonderful Ginny from 1000 Hours Outside here to share her best tips and advice on how to do pop-up camping with a large family. Ginny has 5 kids, an old pop-up camper and a great sense of humor. That’s the perfect recipe for a great adventure! Here’s how their family does camping.

Less stuff, more fun!

We live in an age where we celebrate minimalism. Less is more! If it doesn’t bring you joy, pitch it! As it relates to parenting, we are encouraged to own fewer toys, fewer clothes, and to have less clutter. You either own your stuff or your stuff owns you, as the old adage goes. There are certainly many benefits of a more minimalistic approach to life, but one area of childhood that we should not want to have less of is experiences. Why? Because experiences equate to learning and they bond us together as friends and as family.

Today, I want to encourage you to build as many outdoor experiences into childhood as you possibly can! Outdoor play provides significant developmental benefits to children. One way our family has substantially increased our yearly outside time is through camping. Camping can be done in a myriad of ways such as tent camping, hammock camping, car camping, staying in a rustic cabin, or even sleeping directly under the stars. With five young kids, we have tried several of the options above (hammock camping hasn’t happened yet). We found that pop-up camping with a large family is a great way to get out and see the world!

Benefits of camping

Life is hectic and no one can really prepare you for the demands that children bring along with them. Beyond the wants and needs of children, there are many other adult responsibilities to juggle. Sometimes it’s nice to get away from it all. Camping is an excellent choice for R&R because it’s affordable, accessible, and it completely removes you from the daily hustle and bustle. It’s a quick and convenient way to set all the expectations aside for a few days and to reconnect with family, friends, and with nature.

In nature, children disperse and become engaged with their surroundings. In this way, camping is an ideal vacation when you have young kids because it’s not the type of vacation that you need a vacation from. When you camp, nature surrounds you and your kids! Nature deeply occupies any age child and so this simple change of surroundings can offer some desperately needed moments of reprieve for parents and caregivers.

Why a pop-up camper?

After many years of camping with children, we found that camping with a pop-camper made camping indescribably easier and more accessible. Because it’s easy, this means camping happens more often! Campers come in all shapes and sizes, but pop-up campers tend to be on the cheaper end of the spectrum and they can offer a notable amount of sleeping space. We bought an ‘experienced’ camper (15 years old to be exact). It cost about the same as a week or two of lodging at a summer cabin. In exchange for one week of luxurious accommodations, we purchased an item that has the potential to offer us years of adventures.

Vacationing as a large family

No one talks too much about large family logistics. In fact, the only thing people told as baby number four was about to make her debut was that once we had four kids we would never get invited anywhere again. We still weasel our way into people’s lives, but the truth is there are some logistical issues once you hit the category of “large family.” Hotel rooms don’t accommodate large families well. Our vehicle choices are limited. Restaurant waits are much longer. Given these “obstacles,” camping quickly becomes an ideal way to see the world.

Pop-up camping with 5 kids

Our pop-up camper provided the answer to so many of our large family vacationing problems. To begin with, we all fit! We searched for the largest pop-up we could find. Double beds aren’t going to cut it but if you can find a pop-up with at least one king bed, you’ll find there will be ample inside space and storage. We actually found a camper with two king-sized beds that pull out on either end! Plus, there’s a bench that turns into a small bed, and a table that also turns into a small bed, fitting all seven of us comfortably inside.

Our bedtimes in the camper have provided some of our favorite memories, all together laughing and telling stories. Additionally, camping is a vacation where you can easily plan your own meals and bring your own food. Most pop-ups have storage where you can leave kitchen items at the ready! We took a quick trip to a goodwill shop to originally stock up for what we needed. Finally, we can travel and explore almost any area of the country at a fraction of the cost! The savings for a nightly campsite versus two (or more) hotel rooms rings in around 70 – 90%!

Pop-up camping tips for large families

Once your pop-up is packed with essentials, you are only a few outfits and a grocery trip away from some lifelong memories. Here are a few of our best pop-up camping tips that we’ve tried, tested and approved!

1. Research your campground and your campsite

Different campgrounds have different things to offer. Depending on the ages of your kids you might be looking for a campground that has a play structure, one with a great bike-riding trail, one with a beach you can walk to, or one with all of the above. There are typically so many options to choose from! Some have pools and others have laundry facilities. We read about a campground in Virginia that had wild rabbits running all around! Once you’ve narrowed down your campground, think through your campsite. Do you prefer shade or sunny? Close to the bathroom or closer to the beach? At each campground we visit, we make a few notes about our favorite sites for if we book again in the future.

2. Organize clothes by how they are used

With a large family, we have found that it is easiest to organize our clothes by what we use them for. We pack all PJs together in a bag. Everyone’s swimsuits and towels are packed in another bag, while jackets and long pants also get their own bag. We pack complete outfits (including diaper or underwear) so getting dressed in the morning is never a hassle. We store the bags on the beds during the day and then place them on the floor when it’s time to sleep.

3. Add a few special touches

We have a few small things that always stay in the camper. A set of matchbox cars, one small stuffed animal and flashlight for each child, a pack of glow sticks, and a special tablecloth. We only use these items on family camping trips, so they hold special sentiment for the kids. In case it rains, we also always bring along some card games and some books.

4. Think through your ideal restroom situation

As a mom, sometimes the most stressful parts of the day (and night) is figuring out how to navigate young kids to the restroom. We’ve found that keeping a small potty seat in our camper has worked wonders (we use the actual toilet area for storage). As far as showers go, we purchased a few small bathroom caddies that we keep stocked with washcloths, soap, and shampoo. Buy an extra pair of cheap flip-flops to keep feet clean in the camp showers and keep the day-to-day shoes from getting soaked. If getting to the shower is too much of a hassle, remember that toddlers and preschoolers love a bubble bath in a plastic tub at the end of the day!

Bring on the memories!

Our pop-up camper has given our large family easy accessibility to the grandeur of nature, from magnificent sunsets to breathtaking waterfalls. I often tell people it is the best thing we have ever purchased as a large family because of the multitude of foundational memories it has provided us. As our culture becomes increasingly screen-heavy, we are all in for anything that helps us increase real-life moments.

Are you a camping family?
Share some of your favorite camping memories below!

Ginny
Michigan
@1000hoursoutside

Ginny is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and the founder of 1000 Hours Outside. She is a thought-leader in the world of nature-based play and its benefits for children. Her 1000 Hours Outside Challenge spans the globe and many people from all walks of life look to her for inspiration as well as practical tips on how to put down the screens and get outside. Ginny has a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Michigan. She is also a children’s book author and illustrator. Her book, The Little Farmhouse in West Virginia was published in February 2019. You can find her online at http://www.1000HoursOutside.com.
BEACH, FAMILY TRAVEL, LOCAL GEMS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Hawaii with Kids
- April 26, 2018
If you’ve been dreaming of gorgeous sandy beaches and the deep blue waters of Hawaii ever since watching Moana (just me?), then today’s post is for you! The amazing Andrea Laughery is here today sharing her latest adventure in Hawaii with kids. She’s sharing all the gorgeous images from their most recent stay on Maui. Plus, tips and advice for planning a Hawaiian vacation with kids and all their favorite kid-friendly activities, places to stay and eateries.

Hawaii with kids

The soft Pacific waves are clapping up in rhythmic motion on the sand, carrying away and bringing with them new bits of coral, shells, rocks…and the occasional beach toy a child calls out for one of us to grab. The shade tent is propped up just perfectly in a way so that my legs are warm from the sun and I can see the kids digging tunnels and castles ferociously by themselves a few feet away. My husband lets out a snore from the reclined chair next to me. I sip my chilled La Croix. The emerald palms are dancing and swaying overhead in that perfect Maui breeze. Life is good.

The above scenario is what I always envision when we plan our trips to Hawaii with the kids. Somehow the tortuously long days of travel, hungry kids, lost luggage, the arduous task of organizing airplane entertainment and snacks, unplanned visits to urgent care for ear infections, countless applications of sunscreen on tiny ears and necks and noses, the formidable and sweaty trudging through deep sand carrying blankets and umbrellas and buckets of toys all end up lost in a sea of more powerful, more enjoyable memories. Make no mistake, traveling with young children isn’t at all easy breezy.

But we do it anyway! Because….wait for the cliche…it’s always worth it. Our kids already have these amazing, deep rooted memories of our family trips in Hawaii. We’ve been traveling with our kids since the time they were babies. By this point in life they are really amazing troopers and keep good attitudes and know the routine.

Family-friendly Hawaii

Every family has their own quirks and routine for travel. It’s important to always look first inward when planning a Hawaiian vacation, and less outward at what others are doing. Our family tends to err on the side of ‘outdoor adventure obsessed’ and ‘spend days searching for the best shave ice on the island.’ So, that’s also how a lot of our trip time is planned. We personally love experiences that are just challenging enough to build character. I don’t like everything to be easy for our kids. It’s okay to hike down a long trail and get hot and work your muscles. It makes you appreciate the reward and feeling of accomplishment at the end. I love pool time and relaxing too, but the times we grow as a family and push to experience something unique together are always my favorite.

But maybe you’re a big resort lover. Or you like wandering touristy shops. Maybe you enjoy spending all day at the pool. Or taking whale watching tours. Or snorkeling or going to luaus or building sandcastles or driving winding roads through lush jungles. Whatever it may be, Hawaii has something for everyone. If you go with an open heart, gratitude, and appreciate for the people and the land you are sure to leave with incredible memories for this very special piece of earth.

Every island has something a little different to offer. I advise to research each one thoroughly before making your choice! We’ve personally loved our time on all the islands for different reasons. We chose different islands depending on the season we are in and what activities we have our hearts set upon.

Hawaii planning tips & advice
- Think about whether your family would feel more comfortable in a large resort with other people (and more amenities), or something more private and simple like renting a house or a condo.
- Book flights for weekdays to save cash. However, don’t go so crazy on flight times that you sacrifice you and your kids’ sanity. We try and fly during the day so that we land in time to get kids to bed.
- Adjust to local time zone as quickly as possible, and allow plenty of downtime in the room for naps and quiet time the first couple of days.
- Consider using a local rental company to deliver things to your room for things like pack-n-plays, beach toys, and high-chairs. The less things you have to pack with you, the better!
- Remember you don’t need to do something just because you think you should. This is your vacation and your family time. If you want to spend every day of it at the pool or beach, and skip spending hours in the car driving the narrow road to Hana, then do it!
- If your family dynamics work in a way that you feel comfortable inviting other family members such as grandparents or an aunt or uncle along, that can be a great way to ensure you and your partner get some solo time away from the kids, and create positive memories with family.
- That said, putting some planning and organization into your vacation will pay off in droves and allow you to fully relax when you get there! Make lists and pack minimal, but do remember that most all of the Hawaiian islands have major stores with any items you may need or forget upon arrival.
- Keep a short list of activities or sites you may want to see, but wait to book until you get to Hawaii. You may find you don’t want to do that night manta ray dive after all, or a sunset picnic with the kids sounds better than a 4 hour long luau with hundreds of other people. Let your mood and vibe direct your plans, so keep them loose!
- When flying, reserve all technology use until the end of the flight or the kids start falling apart. We avoid small pieces/toys and stick to things like coloring, stickers, and a lot of snacks.
- If you have a newly potty trained kiddo, invest in a travel potty seat that can fold into a chair with bags, or out as a seat on the big airplane toilet. It’s the best travel investment we’ve made.
- Go with the flow. Expect that when you travel with kids things may not (definitely will not) go accordingly to plan. And that’s okay. Attitude really is everything. My husband and I always give one another a little fist bump before the beginning of a long journey. It’s our reminder to one another to not get cranky with each other and have each other’s back on whatever may come our way.
Hawaii favorites with kids
- Favorite place to stay? We like to stay on Kauai at Waipouli Village, but this most recent trip we stayed on Maui at Honua Kai Resort. For our upcoming trip to the big island of Hawaii we are renting a house through VRBO.
- Favorite Hawaii activities? Hiking, eating shave ice, and swimming in the ocean.
- Favorite thing about Hawaii? Simply being outside in the warm weather, exploring new places and savoring the laid back atmosphere of the islands.
- Kids favorite thing to do in Hawaii? The kids love the swimming pool, and I’d say if you’r traveling with small kids you definitely want to stay somewhere with a pool!
- Recommended trip length? Allow yourself enough time to adjust to time zones, get real relaxed, and figure things out before you have to pack stuff up again to leave. I say at least 10 days, but 2 weeks is ideal!
- Best kid-friendly places to eat? The Fresh Shave is the place to be for good shave ice that is made with all fresh ingredients and no artificial syrups!
Andrea Laughery lives in beautiful Washington state with her two kids and red-bearded husband. Together, they enjoy traveling, hiking, backpacking, and spending time in the great outdoors. Andrea also owns a small photography business, is constantly writing and putting her journalism degree to use, and works with a non-profit foundation. You can follow her over on Instagram @laughclan
FAMILY TRAVEL, LOCAL GEMS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SKI/SNOW, WINTER
48 Hours in Banff National Park with Kids
- March 7, 2018
Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park, comprised of 6,641 square kilometers of unparalleled mountain scenery nestled in the heart of the magnificent Canadian Rockies. Banff is home to world-class skiing and snowboarding, the emerald waters of Lake Louise and the breath-taking towering jagged peaks lining the Icefields Parkway. Today we are thrilled to have local mom and outdoor adventurist, Krista, here to take us on a 48 adventure through Banff National Park, with her 4 year-old in tow. Krista is sharing all the details on where to stay, what to do and where to eat while you’re in Banff for an epic outdoor winter weekend family adventure.

Welcome to Banff

My family an I are lucky to live within driving distance to the Canadian Rockies. To recharge our batteries after a busy January, we decided to take a quick road trip to Banff National Park for the weekend. One might think we are crazy to plan an outdoor adventure during the coldest time of the year, but there’s something to be said about freshly fallen snow and frozen lakes. If you haven’t experienced it, I highly recommend you give it a try. And when you have a 4 year old adventure seeker, outside (even during the winter) is the best place to be.

Where to stay

Typically, on a quick weekend getaway we stay at a hotel in the area. We are regulars at the Banff Park Lodge, as it suits our needs quite well. The hotel is located smack dab in the center of town, but is still surrounded by nature. Often you can see elk randomly crossing the street in the middle of town! By staying here, we are able to walk to restaurants, trails and even a market without our kiddo getting too tired. However, if you’re looking to stay longer or want other accommodations, there are a ton of amazing cottages and condo style accommodations available in the area and around the park.

Winter Activities

While we love the area year-round, both the town of Banff and the park are absolutely glorious during the winter. Skiing is the main attraction, but there’s so much more to do in Banff than just heading down the slopes of the Rockies. Travelers come from around the globe to meander the snow-covered, shop-lined streets, nestle into the world famous hotel or overlook the infamous view from Chateau Lake Louise. Families can also indulge in unique winter activities such as dog sledging, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing or a game of curling. The drive along the world-renowned Icefields Parkway towards Jasper is absolutely breathtaking. And the experience of standing on the ancient Athabasca Glacier is well worth the trip.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is by far our favorite place to visit in the entire province of Alberta, no matter what season! The lake is about a 45 minute drive from Banff, so we turn on our favorite playlist and before we know it, we’re there! The views and photo ops at Lake Louise are unparalleled, year-round. During the winter, the lake is frozen solid. This means there are people skating, playing hockey and even snowshoeing. It’s spectacular! Whether you’re a skating pro or first-timer, it doesn’t get much more Canadian than skating on a natural lake rink in a national park beside an ice castle! Skate rentals are available and a large section of the lake is serviced by a makeshift Zamboni that helps smooth out the surface. To warm up, just head inside the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and enjoy a rich steamy hot chocolate.

Banff Gondola

Located just minutes from town center the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain is a must with kids. After purchasing tickets, kids receive a Junior Explorer booklet so they can do a little scavenger hunt when they arrive at the top of the mountain. The ride up the mountain is so much fun! For those that are not a fan of heights, beware; it will make your heart race! However, the ride is only about 8 minutes long. At the peak (an elevation of 2,281m or 7,486 ft), you’ll enjoy an incredible vista of six mountain ranges.

At the top of the gondola, there’s lots to do. There’s a little cafe called the Sky Bistro, which offers up top notch food with spectacular views (definitely worth a splurge). However, be advised that is often closed for a few weeks in January for annual maintenance, so check before you head out. Also, there’s a hike to Sanson’s Peak (which we haven’t done yet as it has always been too slippery) and an interpretation center. The center has interactive games and a cinema room where you can watch bears and other wildlife up close in their habitat. Prepare to spend at least a morning or afternoon here. For more information and pricing check out the Banff Gondola website.

Banff Red Chair Movement

Another favorite family activity is finding the red chairs. Adorable red Adirondack chairs are located in several popular hot spots around the picturesque town. Some chairs are easy to find and others will have you exploring — around the forest, on top of a ski hill and at the mouth of a large glacial lake. There is a map to print off to help you find the locations of all the chairs. We’ve had some good luck over our last few visits but still haven’t managed to find them all…yet! Make sure you take a selfie once you find the chairs and share it with Parks Canada by using the hashtag #sharethechair.

Kid-friendly eateries

Beaver Tails – Indulge in a decadent piece of fried dough smothered in Nutella. YUM. And if you are feeling extra hungry, be sure to try their poutine!

Eddie Burger & Bar – A small restaurant and usually pretty busy, but well worth the wait! They have a variety of menu items that will entice even the pickiest of eaters.

Boston Pizza – A chain pizza joint that offers both eat in and take-out options. Lots of menu choices and a big hit with our kiddo!

Hope you enjoyed exploring some of what Banff National Park has to offer families!
If you’ve been to Banff, we’d love to hear what your family favorites are – leave a comment below.

Hi, I’m Krista! A 30-something, coffee-drinking mama of one kiddo (4) and wife to an amazing guy. We live in Alberta (yes, the Winters are freezing) and have the Canadian Rockies as our playground. I can plan an epic road trip – complete with a playlist – at the drop of a hat, just don’t ask me to get crafty!
FAMILY TRAVEL, LOCAL GEMS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Costa Rica with Kids
- January 18, 2018
I’m thrilled to bring you an amazing guest post today from the adventurous and talented Giselle Wyckoff. Giselle is a NYC mom of 2. She recently spent a week in Costa Rica with her family and documented the entire journey for us! She’s here to share all their amazing adventures, activities and experiences – giving some tips, advice and recommendations on how to successfully do Costa Rica with kids. If you have any questions for Giselle, leave them in the comments below! Pura Vida!

I consider myself a lover of travel, amateur photographer, and a mom who likes to expose her kids to the world around them, while capturing as many memories as I can. I have a ten-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl. We live in New York City and consider ourselves true urbanites. However, we wanted to take the kids out of their city comfort zone on a true outdoor adventure. This past October we traveled to the Papagayo peninsula of Costa Rica. Our experiences from wildlife-watching and tasting fresh fruit, to surfing and ziplining, brought out the inner child and adventurist in all of us.

Traveling to Costa Rica

Papagayo is in the Guanacaste region on the southern pacific coast of Costa Rica. To get there you fly into Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia (LIR). Jet Blue, American and other airlines have direct flights from multiple cities in the United States. Upon arrival, we were greeted by very friendly locals and felt safe during our entire stay. The Costa Rican people (“Ticos”) live by the motto, “Pura Vida,” which translates into ‘pure life.’ Pura Vida is more than a phrase, it’s truly a way of living. It’s used for greetings and farewells – it encompasses the optimism and easy-goingness of their lifestyle.

Weather

Costa Rica has two seasons: dry (December-June) and rainy (July-November). And rainy definitely means rainy! The rainy season is a great time to explore the lush forests. It’s also the perfect time take advantage of the swells when surfing and the full rivers when rafting. It’s usually sunny in the morning with tropical showers in the afternoon. The temperature is warm throughout, with the average temp in Guanacaste hovering around 75-80⁰F year-round. Make sure to pack your raincoats, water shoes and a water-resistant/waterproof bag for day trips. Don’t forget hiking shoes and bathing suits, as well. Make sure to pack bug spray…and lots of it.

Where we stayed

We stayed at the Andaz Papagayo which is part of the Hyatt group. The hotel is a 40 minute scenic drive from the airport, which was lush and beautiful. We saw many of the local crops (sugar cane) and native birds and animals. The beautifully landscaped property of the hotel is set between two beaches and surrounded by all things tropical. The wildlife on the property is an unexpected added bonus. Our kids enjoyed seeing the monkeys and colorful birds right outside our room!

Like most of the hotels throughout the region, a lot of attention is paid to nature and conservation. All of the employees were eager to share their knowledge about the local wildlife, foliage and ecosystem, which was interesting for all of us. The concierge at the Andaz helped us with our daily itineraries and activity planning. They also connected us with Tropical Comfort Tours, who arranged all the activities, adventures and day trips throughout our stay.

What we ate

Coffee, sugarcane, tropical fruit, rice, beans, seafood and meat are all locally grown and harvested. Only the freshest of the fresh! Our meals were truly authentic as we ate in several local restaurants. Favorite local foods include plantains, casados (rice and beans) and seafood ceviches. Bottled water is offered everywhere; however, we did not find drinking the ice or water at any of the restaurants outside our resort to be an issue.

Day trips

There are so many amazing activities to do and day trips to take in Costa Rica. It’s an adventure-lover’s dream come true. It’s also an amazing place to relax surrounded by nature. Whether you’re looking for a thrill ziplining through the jungle or just want to spend a day lounging at the beach, Costa Rica has something for everyone in the family. There are so many things to do, you can spend every day of your trip doing something different. Most hotels can make day trip arrangements for you, or steer you to a reputable third party for activity planning. We chose a combination of action-adventure outings and relaxation for each day.

Day 1: Surfing

Surfing in Costa Rica was at the top of our bucket list. We took a trip to Playa Tamarindo which is about an hour away from the resort. It is a long, rocky beach with shallow waters and breaks perfect for surfing, especially for beginners. There were quite a few surfing companies on the strip, and we used Iguana Surf. They provided the instructor, surfboards and the rash guards. There was a twenty-minute tutorial on the beach which included safety, paddling out, and popping up on to the board, and then it was time to hit the water!

The conditions were suitable for my family with the light crowd, long wide beach and knee to waist high swells. The instructor guided each of us on how best to effectively get up and ride the wave. Our son took to it almost immediately! Within minutes he was up and riding small waves. He’s asked for a surfboard every day since!

Day 2: Ziplining

There is nothing like the rush you feel zipping through the clouds hundreds of feet in the air! We took a trip to Monteverde, a cloud forest reserve found in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica. Jairo (our guide and fifth family member on the trip) from Tropical Comfort Tours drove us in a van to the top of the mountain. The trip was nearly four hours of breathtaking views and exposure to several diverse Costa Rican communities. We stopped for an authentic Costa Rican breakfast of Gallo Pinto (eggs with rice and beans), and then headed for the forest.

Monteverde has something for every adventure-lover, including ziplining, horseback riding, nighttime nature/animal hikes, hanging bridge canopy tours, bungee jumping and coffee making and chocolate tours. Two days is probably ideal to cover most of this, but since we only had a day, we opted for the ziplining and the hanging bridge tours. There were eight ziplines, which ranged from 500 to 2500 feet in length, and up to 300 feet in the air, spanning over the clouds and forest, which had our hearts racing.

The guides from Sky Adventure were amazing, and really put an emphasis on safety, making sure everyone was comfortable at all points. My seven-year-old had to zipline with an instructor due to the lack of weight (which actually made me happy), although she would have probably liked to have gone solo! The views from above were both exhilarating and breathtaking! The extensive ecological biodiversity on the hike among the canopy of the forest was astonishing for the kids.

Day 3: White water rafting

We went to Canon de la Vieja for a family outing for some white-water rafting. Next time, we will do it in the dry season! The rapids were classified as level 2, but because we were at the end of rainy season, it became more of a level 3/4 course. Saftey is priority – helmets and life vests are required for everyone. I would also recommend that children are capable swimmers if they are going to participate. We were each in separate dokis (inflatable boats) with our own guides, although they put both kids together to balance out their boat.

It was an intense 45 minutes of dips, turns and splashes, but a pure thrill, and we felt especially safe with safety guides in two extra boats in front and behind us. In between fighting the rapids, there were stretches where we would peacefully drift down the river, and we were able to observe the nature around us – birds, bats, frogs, trees, etc. The contrast between the rocky bumps and the tranquility of the calm river was beautiful.

Day 4: Relaxation

We spent the fourth day relaxing and enjoying our surroundings. Because of our limited time in Costa Rica, I had everyone running like the Energizer bunny the first three days. I kept reminding myself that they are still kids, so our last day was completely unscheduled. We walked along the nature trails observing the wildlife — white-faced capuchin monkeys swinging from the trees above us and the family of coatis (small, cuter raccoons) playing and eating in the forest.

We also walked the beach and saw many species of crabs, fish and shells. But alas, the kids wanted some time at the Andaz Kids Club, Cambio. They played board games, baked and decorated cupcakes, and did art projects. They got to play on the swings near the beach and relax in the pool. And most importantly to them, they enjoyed a pineapple smoothie sitting next to an iguana! I reluctantly obliged, and found myself a hammock, rounding out another wonderful day.

Trip takeaway

Costa Rica was wonderful and we loved everything we did. And amazingly, there is so much more than we were able to experience, including volcanoes, hot springs, waterfalls and national parks. Everything that we did was new and incredible to us. There is nothing like sharing new experiences with your children. Seeing their excitement, watching them overcome fears, and broadening their minds was everything I hoped that this vacation would be. I am most grateful for this trip because everything we did, ALL of us did, creating long lasting memories and tighter bonds.

To Costa Rica with love…this is not good-bye, this is see you later…Pura Vida!

Giselle Wyckoff is from New York City, mom to Max (10 years old) and Sam (7 years old), an operating room nurse and amateur photographer. Growing up in the metro area has given her a love for food, travel and adventure, but she also likes to break away to the east end of Long Island for a little tranquility and downtime. In her free time, she enjoys tennis, the beach, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying all that NYC has to offer- restaurants, museums, and fashion. Her passion for photography is influenced by these interests, focusing on capturing the vibrance and beauty in family shots, street and travel photography. You can find her at the following locations:

Instagram: gisellewyckoffphotography
Email: gisellewyckoffphoto@gmail.com

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