Do you have a travel rewards credit card? If so, are you making the most of it? If you manage your credit well and pay your balances in full every month, your credit card could pay you to travel. My family gets free flights, free checked bags, free priority boarding, premium airport lounge access and […]
The U.S. National Parks are a bargain any day of the year, but there are several ways that you can save money on entrance fees. We have used nearly all of these ways to save on national park fees. It's a great way to make your travel dollars go even farther. Visit on a Fee-Free […]
Do you have a goal to travel more this year? Is there a dream destination you want to check off your list? Do you want to make memories with your family on a special vacation? My family travels frequently and we have learned that it pays to start planning our trips early. Spontaneous trips are […]
Are you dreaming of international travel? Does the cost of airfare keep you grounded? For years, I dreamed of traveling to Europe, Asia, and other international destinations. We are a typical middle-class family with busy schedules, a mortgage, car payments, etc. I figured that if we saved our money long enough, we could eventually afford […]
Are you wondering what the International Car Forest is? Are you planning a road trip through Nevada and wondering if you should stop here? Should you take the kids? I can help. My family stopped at the International Car Forest on our way home from a road trip to Yosemite National Park. The International Car […]
“There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” I understand that this is a popular saying in Norway – where they might know a little something about winter and how to dress for it. Here in Utah, winter doesn't last quite so long. But when you are blessed with The Greatest Snow […]
It's that time of year! Are you looking for inexpensive, but thoughtful gifts for the traveler in your life? Here are some of my favorite practical travel gifts that are all under $10 on Amazon.com. Travel Journal My kids gave me a travel journal for my birthday this year. It's a great place to record […]
Are you looking for discount Disney World tickets? It's a smart thing to do. Walt Disney World tickets are not cheap, and every bit of savings helps – especially when you're buying for a family. Since you're here, you must already know that some Walt Disney World ticket deals are too good to be true. […]
Merry Christmas! If you're looking for Christmas activities in Utah, you've come to the right place. Lights displays, festivals and events to boost your holiday spirit can be found all over Utah. Use these activities to fill your holiday calendar. Create your own schedule of holiday activities or use mine. The Tips for Family Trips […]
What does a trip to Europe cost? Obviously, it depends on many factors including where you're going, where you're coming from, how long you'll stay, and what you do when you get there. And of course, you know that. But it helps to have an idea, right? In this article, I'm sharing our actual expenses […]
Getting a baby to sleep in a hotel room can be tricky, but it can be done. We have been traveling as a family since my first baby was 4 weeks old. We survived that, and have been traveling as a family ever since. I have two children. Before they were born, I assumed that […]
Are you ready to head back to a big theme park – with enhanced health and safety plans in place? Have you dreamed of visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort? If your answer is YES to either of these questions, keep reading. Unusual circumstances have created some unusual Universal Orlando […]
Are you ready to book a trip to Walt Disney World in 2020 or 2021? For some families, the answer is an emphatic “YES!” For others, it's an emphatic “NO.” If you're itching for your Disney fix and are ready to book, KEEP READING! This post is filled with the latest Walt Disney World deals […]
Planning your first trip to Yosemite National Park in California? My family just returned from Yosemite, and we learned a lot about this beautiful park. I visited Yosemite for about three days in mid-October with my husband, two teen children (ages 13 and 16), and my parents (ages 70+). Our group had a variety of […]
My husband is an aspiring rockhound, so when we learned that there was an opportunity to hunt for garnets just outside of Ely, Garnet Hill hit the top of his wish list. My family found ten small garnets here in under an hour – both loose on the trail and embedded in rocks. It was […]
Want to gift wrap a Disney vacation this year? More families are giving vacations and other experiences as gifts because it's a gift that you can enjoy when you unwrap it, when you take the trip, and then for a lifetime through priceless family memories. Whether you leave on Christmas Day or another time of […]
Fall Break in Utah is October 15-18, 2020 for most public schools. Do you have plans yet? If not, I have a few ideas. Most of them are in Utah, but there are also a few warm-weather destinations in neighboring states that we love. All are within one day's drive or a short flight away. […]
We all know that overpacking is a “travel don't”, but that's easier said than done. Have you ever considered the money you could save by packing light? The savings are fairly obvious at the airport when packing light is the difference between paying for a checked bag and avoiding that fee. However, there are other unexpected […]
Need some fun and easy ideas for fall activities? When I tell my kids we are going to see fall leaves, they groan and quickly remind me how carsick they get. They think that a fall drive sounds like an arduous journey where mom and dad restrict the electronics and tell them to look out […]
Do you love fall leaves? Me too. One of the best parts of fall is taking a day or a weekend to find the best fall leaves in Utah. Utah is better known for the Greatest Snow on Earth and the Mighty 5 national parks than for its fall color. However, if you – like […]
Hey there! Looking for Halloween activities in Utah? Halloween is HUGE in Utah. Throughout the state, there are dozens of delightful destinations that celebrate the season and the unique cultures that make up our community. The fun begins in September. Here's a list of family-friendly pumpkin patches, corn mazes, fall celebrations, Dia de Los Muertos events, […]
I love summer, but sometimes the heat is too much! Snowbird Resort is an easy getaway when we want something fun to do in the cool mountain air. The resort is a short drive from Salt Lake City – making it an easy weekend getaway or day trip for our family. Snowbird Summer Resort was […]
Looking for ways to cut your travel budget so you can take that next trip sooner? There are lots of good ways to save money on food while traveling. You will eat whether you are at home or traveling, so you can bring your travel food budget down to nearly nothing if you eat like […]
Driving on the Bonneville Salt Flats has been on my wish list for a few years. We recently drove through this area on our Ely, Nevada trip and I insisted that we save time for the Salt Flats on our way home. The Bonneville Salt Flats are an exceptionally flat, hard and dry area in […]
Hey there! My family recently spent one day in Great Basin National Park, as part of a trip to Ely, Nevada. I visited Great Basin when I was young and was excited to return with my husband and kids (ages 16 and 13). We love the national parks. Great Basin isn't as showy as some […]
Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point is a great destination for families – or a romantic date. My husband and I have celebrated two wedding anniversaries at Ashton Gardens, several years apart. It's the perfect place to walk hand in hand and talk about anything, surrounded by the beauty and variety of nature. Ashton Gardens would […]
When you need a quick nature fix, want gardening ideas for your home, or need a fun and free family activity, look no further than the USU Botanical Center in Kaysville, Utah. This article was written by my sister Andrea. She is an avid traveler and the favorite aunt to her nine nieces and nephews. […]
Nevada Northern Railway in Ely, Nevada is a bucket-list destination for anyone who loves trains. It's also a great place for history lovers, star gazers and even cat lovers. My family recently visited Nevada Northern Railway during a long weekend in Ely. We did a lot of fun things on this trip, but everyone in […]
Planning a trip to or through Ely, Nevada? We found that there are lots of fun things to do in Ely. Honestly, I never thought much about Ely (pronounced EE-LEE) until I was contacted by its visitor's bureau. We love all kinds of travel and new experiences, so I replied, “Tell me more.” We put […]
McCall, Idaho is a scenic lake and ski town located about 2.5 hours north of Boise. It's right on Payette Lake and just a few miles north of Cascade Lake. The city of Cascade is located about 30 miles away and there are a lot of fun things to do between McCall and Cascade. We […]
Packing light is a challenge on every family vacation. Most airlines charge for checked bags, and overhead bins are stuffed. There is only so much cargo space in the family car. Cruise ship cabins are ridiculously small. We typically pack one carry-on suitcase and one small backpack per person. Most kids and adults can manage […]
Planning a Black Hills road trip? The Black Hills of South Dakota are one of my favorite destinations for families, and it's perfect for a summer road trip. It's a classic American vacation. This article is an overview for planning a Black Hills road trip and I'm sharing all my top tips on when to […]
My first baby was four weeks old on her first road trip. It was for a family reunion in Washington State where we would be spending most nights in a rustic cabin or sharing a house with my in-laws. We drove 2,000+ miles roundtrip. It was an ambitious road trip for new parents, and honestly, […]
Renting a vacation home is a great alternative to a hotel. You usually get more space, privacy and a full kitchen – often in an exceptional location. In this article, I'm sharing all my best vacation rental tips for families. My friend Katie turned me on to vacation rentals a few years ago when she […]
Do you love ghost towns? I do. Grafton ghost town is located near Zion National Park in Utah. It's a must for history-loving families. Grafton is one of the rare ghost towns that looks better than it did 20 years ago. A school house, several homes and a cemetery have been restored and preserved. It's […]
Need to stick close to home during your next school break? Try turning it into a staycation. My staycation tips can help your family have fun, make memories, save money, and enjoy the same benefits of a regular vacation. My family's spring break travel plans were cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most local activities were […]
Looking for a little adventure? And something unusual? Spiral Jetty in Northern Utah is both. Spiral Jetty is a work of art that was created at the north end of the Great Salt Lake by Robert Smithson in 1970. It is made from local black basalt rock, which can turn white in some places, due […]
Looking for a unique outdoor destination? Antelope Island is the largest island in Utah's Great Salt Lake. It is close to the city, but almost completely undeveloped. It's an easy place to visit when we need a nature fix. Antelope Island State Park is an easy day trip from Salt Lake City or Ogden, Utah […]
Are you craving a Disneyland vacation, but can't get there right now? The current pandemic is making us long for “The Happiest Place on Earth” more than ever. So, we are doing what we can to bring Disneyland to our house with a list of Disneyland-at-Home ideas. Whether you're prepping for a future Disneyland trip […]
Do you have a school break or holiday coming up, but no travel plans? Make the most of it with these staycation ideas. Our spring break travel plans were cancelled due to coronavirus, so we planned a week of family activities at home. Our options were more limited than they would normally be, but we […]
Looking for a great Disneyland hotel? I have stayed at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel three different times. In this Grand Californian review, I'm sharing what we loved about this Disney Resort hotel, and what we didn't – plus tips for making the most of your stay. Grand is an apt name for this luxury hotel. […]
Social distancing? Most Utah State Parks are OPEN for now! However, some visitor centers, campgrounds and other services are closed. Check https://stateparks.utah.gov/ for updated information before you go. Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Utah State Parks always rank high on my list of close-to-home travel options because they are fun, accessible, and […]
How many vacation photos do you have stored in your phone or computer? If you're anything like me, you have a lot of great pics that your family never sees. Vacation photos represent precious memories. They can bring a smile to your face when you're feeling down. Shared memories can bring your family together for […]
Wondering where to stay at Bryce Canyon? This remote, but popular national park in Southern Utah is one of my favorites, and I have visited many times. Here is an overview of your lodging options in and near Bryce Canyon, and the advantages to each. Inside the Park Why stay here? Location, location, location. You'll […]
With so many historical sights, activities and attractions to choose from, how do you decide what to do in Washington DC with kids? I live in the Washington DC area and have five children. From toddlers to teens, these are some of the places my family enjoys most. They are also our favorite “DC” […]
There are so many fun things to do in Sedona, Arizona. This beautiful desert destination is a great choice for families who love nature and outdoor activities. It has excellent parks, historical sites, shopping, dining and resort activities as well. This article was written by my good friend Chris. She is a mother of five […]
When sticky, smoggy summer days start to feel old, it's time to escape to the mountains for some cool summer fun. For that, there is nowhere better than summer in Park City Mountain Resort. Summer fun at a winter resort? You betcha. Cooler temperatures, clean mountain air and fantastic scenery make Park City a fun […]
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the biggest events of the year in Washington D.C. I went down one year on a lovely Sunday evening and watched thousands of frustrated people stuck in their cars in a traffic jam. Don't be one of them! The 2020 Cherry Blossom Festival will be held March […]
Zion National Park is my happy place. My parents were raised in southern Utah and and at least once a year, my dad would load all the kids and cousins into our old van and take us for a day in Zion. Now I love visiting this park with my kids. For as many times […]
Finding a great hotel near Disneyland is one of the most important parts of planning any Disneyland trip. On-property vs off-property, price, distance, transportation, amenities, room size and more can make a big difference. The “best” hotel will be different for every family. It’s Kimberly with Get Away Today, where we specialize in Disneyland vacations. […]
Heading to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on a cruise? We spent two days in Puerto Vallarta on our Carnival cruise, and we loved this city. We loved the activities and excursions we chose and are sharing the details here. This isn't a list of everything you could do in Puerto Vallarta, but we did a lot […]
Utah is internationally recognized as one of the best places for stargazing. Clean, dry air at high altitudes and lots of wide open spaces make Utah's national parks and state parks a great place to show your kids the wonders of the night sky. Light pollution is a problem in most cities, which makes it […]
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Food is one of the easiest places to save money. With a family of seven, I have lots of tips for dining at Walt Disney World on a budget. I'll also share our favorite lunches and snacks to pack into the parks. Combine these tips with 25+ Ways […]
Wondering what to pack for your Disneyland vacation? There are a few essential items I add to our Disneyland packing list that make our trip better. They may be helpful at other parks too, but there are a few items that you only need at Disneyland. You can get my complete, printable Disneyland packing list […]
Looking for fun things to do in St. George, Utah? This city never fails to surprise me. I thought I knew everything there was to do here since I have visited many times. Nevertheless, I find something new and delightful every time I visit this sunny Southern Utah city. Outdoor activities dominate my list because […]
The Deer Valley Seafood Buffet in Park City, Utah is one of my husband's favorite ways to celebrate his January birthday. We have been here twice – with and without our kids. It's a good choice for a family celebration or a romantic night out. Zagat Restaurant Guide listed the Deer Valley Seafood Buffet as […]
Planning a trip to Disneyland? On a budget? The good news is that there are lots of ways that you can avoid paying top dollar and still have a wonderful Disneyland trip with your family. I have either used these tips myself, or have enough first-hand experience at Disneyland to know that they work. Several […]
I live in Utah and have visited Bryce Canyon National Park many times. It's one of my favorite places on earth. Today I'm answering Google's most popular questions about Bryce Canyon National Park. We usually visit this park on a weekend from Salt Lake City, or as part of a longer trip to Southwest Utah. […]
Planning to visit Cabo San Lucas on a cruise? We visited this popular cruise port on Mexico's Baja Peninsula with our kids (ages 12 and 14). Here are our tips on what to expect, fun things to do, and ways to make the most of your limited time. This was my first trip to Cabo […]
Food is part of the fun on vacation, but those calories really add up if you travel regularly. My family has figured out a few simple ways to eat healthy on vacation. When I follow my own advice, it really works! Just before our Universal Orlando trip in 2017, my husband received a diagnosis and […]
Need a fun all-ages, all-weather activity in Davis County, Utah? Our family discovered The Rush Funplex in Syracuse last summer. It was a hit with both my teen and my 5-year-old. It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. I’m always looking for things that I can do with our kids near our home. I had […]
Ski season is here! My family lives within an hour of 10 of Utah ski resorts, and it's a fun way to spend a winter day. Thankfully, nearly every Utah resort offers ski deals for families. We all know that this season will be a little bit different. The good news is that skiing and […]
Need to find cheap airline tickets for your next family trip? Here are the tried and true tricks we use to fly my family of four several times per year. You don't need to work for an airline or be an expert travel hacker to save hundreds of dollars on flights. Air travel is expensive […]
Planning a trip to Moab? This remote city in Utah's southeastern corner makes a great base for all kinds of fun activities. The list of things to do in Moab is long, especially if your family loves national parks and outdoor adventure. I live in Utah and Moab is a few hours' drive from my […]
There are so many awesome tools to help make your Disneyland adventure magical, and one of my favorites has to be the official Disneyland App! It's totally free. It's Kimberly with Get Away Today, your one stop shop for all things Disneyland vacations. I've visited Disneyland dozens of times, and was slow to love the official […]
My family spent a week at the Disneyland Hotel on our last Disneyland trip. In this Disneyland Hotel review, I'm sharing what we loved and what didn't live up to the hype – plus tips for making the most of your stay. I stayed at the Disneyland Hotel once when I was a kid, and […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Spokane, Washington? My family visited Spokane last summer for my husband's work. At first glance, Spokane isn't the most glamorous convention city, but say “YES!” if you get the chance to go. We loved discovering what makes this city great. Spokane is beautiful! We booked a downtown hotel, just across […]
Headed to Disneyland? Knowing your priorities is the key to success. Here are the best California Adventure rides and how to get on them fast! Disney's California Adventure is a separate park, located just across from Disneyland's turnstiles. This fun park is the home of everything Pixar and Marvel. It has enough top-notch attractions to […]
Want some great tips for seeing the live Frozen show at Disneyland? See the Frozen – Live at the Hyperion show in Disney's California Adventure. Frozen – Live at the Hyperion is a stage version of the Frozen movie, condensed into one hour. All your favorite characters and songs are there. Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, […]
Hey there! Planning a trip to Boston? It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. When we booked our summer trip to Boston, we had to spend a day in Lexington and Concord. So many things happened there during the Revolutionary War! We needed to take our kids (18,18, 13 and 5) so they could see […]
Hi there, Wondering if Disneyland's MaxPass is right for you… or even what MaxPass is? It’s Kimberly with Get Away Today, here to keep you updated with all things Disneyland. If you love Disneyland rides and want to ride as many of them as possible, MaxPass may be perfect for you. Here is everything you […]
Planning a trip to London? I used to scoff at Big Bus tours because they are “touristy.” However, I've now tried Big Bus in London and Washington D.C. and have decided that they are actually a fun, low-stress way to see a new city. My family used Big Bus as transportation and tour on our first […]
Moab has several spots where you can see dinosaur tracks and bones in nature, plus a dinosaur museum. We've “tracked” down these Moab dinosaur sites over several trips. Some tracks are recent discoveries, which is really exciting. My 12-year-old son was a huge dinosaur fan a few years ago. As a result, I have read […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Monterey? If it's your first trip to this area, I bet that the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is at the top of your list. My son wants to be a marine biologist when he grows up, so it was a must-see for my family when we visited Monterey last summer. […]
Hello! Do you love Jelly Bellys? I find Jelly Belly gourmet jelly beans in my Christmas stocking and Easter basket pretty much every year. I'm a big fan. When we saw a sign for Fairfield, California on our road trip to Santa Cruz last summer, my husband asked, “Isn't the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield?” […]
Hey all! Planning a trip to Portland, Maine? Peaks Island is nearby. It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. My family stopped in Portland, Maine with our kids (18, 18, 13, and 5) on a New England road trip last summer. We love water and nature. As we searched for fun family activities, Peaks Island […]
Seasons Greetings! What could possibly make The Happiest Place on Earth even happier? How about Christmas at Disneyland? Holidays at the Disneyland Resort has become an annual tradition for many families, filled with the merriment and magical memories of the season. Each year, the holidays sparkle even brighter with festive decor, extraordinary entertainment and delectable […]
My family visited Bannack ghost town on the last day of a Montana road trip last summer. We've visited several ghost towns in the west, and Bannack is by far the best. Here's why. In my experience, most ghost towns are in ruins, with few standing structures. Others are tourist traps. Bannack is everything I […]
Hello! Need a packing list for your next family trip? I hate packing! It's extra stressful when you need to plan for the needs of a whole family. A packing list is one of the best ways to take the stress out of planning and organizing. Here are my tips for making a printable, sharable packing […]
Hello! Planning a trip to London? Westminster Abbey is at the top of many first-time visitors' lists, and we made sure to see it on our family trip to London last year. It's just as beautiful as I imagined it would be. It was an amazing feeling to walk through a place that has featured […]
Hey Travelers, Planning a trip to New Orleans? It's Jason with Carltonaut's Travel Tips. New Orleans is the perfect place to tell ghost stories. Between the voodoo shops of the French Quarter and the above-ground cemeteries throughout the city, it's easy to talk of ghosts, mysteries and haunted houses. But is a New Orleans ghost […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Canyonlands National Park in Utah? Canyonlands is divided into three districts: Needles, Island in the Sky and The Maze. Each has its own scenery and fun things to see and do. Some activities are easily accessible. Others require a special vehicle and/or miles of hiking in a remote desert. We […]
Hi all, I hope you’re having a great summer! This is Cathy from My Book a Day. We love to travel with our four kids (ages 18, 18, 13 and 5). When we were planning our New England trip for this summer, we made a special trip to the Joseph Smith Birthplace in Sharon, Vermont. […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Santa Cruz, California? We spent a few days in Santa Cruz and Monterey this summer, and had one full day for Santa Cruz. After a little research, we knew exactly where we wanted to spend that day – the Santa Cruz Wharf and Beach Boardwalk. They are right next to […]
Hello! Thinking of a trip to San Diego? Want to save money? San Diego is one of my favorite vacation destinations. It has so many no-fail family attractions, and the weather is gorgeous year-round. A few years ago, San Diego's visitors bureau launched an exciting program for families. Kids get FREE admission, meals and hotel […]
Planning a trip to Glacier National Park? Glacier is a huge park, and it's impossible to see it all in one day. My family spent three full days here in July, and still missed some sections we wanted to see. You can still do a lot in one day at Glacier National Park. I recommend that […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood? Riding the biggest, headline rides was my family's top priority on our trip to Universal Studios. My kids were ages 10 and 12 on our last trip, and it was so fun to ride all of the park's thrill rides together. Universal Studios Hollywood does not have […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Arches, Canyonlands or Moab? If so, consider a side trip to Newspaper Rock. It's an impressive display of ancient rock art, accessible for all ages and abilities. I've visited this site several times, and I love it every time. My most recent trip was with my son and niece (ages […]
Hello! Thinking of a trip to Natural Bridges National Monument? I visited this scenic region with my son and niece (ages 12 and 11) earlier this summer. This park had been on my wish list for awhile, but it's so remote that I really didn't know what to expect. We arrived at Natural Bridges in […]
Hey there! Planning a trip to Boston, Massachusetts? It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. It’s been a busy summer for our family. We took 4 kids (ages 18, 18, 13, and 5) with us to Boston. And we had a blast! There are so many fun and family-friendly things to do in Boston. Here […]
Hey Travelers, It's Jason from Carltonaut's Travel Tips. I was in New Orleans several weeks ago for a business trip and was able to spend a few hours at the National World War II Museum. After exploring the museum, I decided to one day bring my entire family back to New Orleans for the sole […]
Hi everyone, Planning a trip to Disneyland? It’s Kimberly with Get Away Today, here to talk to you about the Disneyland Resort. I'm so excited that Pixar Pier has just celebrated its one-year anniversary at Disney's California Adventure Park! Guests can celebrate their favorite Pixar pals like never before with new attractions, dining options and […]
Planning a trip to Glacier National Park in Montana? We recently visited this spectacular park, and Going-to-the-Sun Road was one of our top priorities. Riding this scenic road is one of the top things to do in Glacier, and it's the only road through the park. You can drive your own car, but we chose to […]
San Juan County, Utah is one of the state's best undiscovered destinations. It's close to high profile destinations like Moab, Arches, Mesa Verde and Monument Valley, but is well worth a visit on its own. San Juan County is located in Utah's far southeastern corner. It's a large region with a small population, overlapped by […]
Hello! Have you heard of KOA Care Camps? KOA Care Camps was new to me until recently, but it hit close to home. I'm the mom of a cancer survivor and I'm proud to partner with KOA to raise awareness for a cause that helps kids with cancer. Here's my family's story, KOA Care Camps […]
Is Four Corners Monument on your bucket list? We wanted to visit this special spot for a long time and we first made it happen in 2012. I recently returned with my son and niece on a road trip through Utah's San Juan County. Four Corners Monument is the only place in the United States […]
Hello! Are you planning a Disney Cruise? It's Kimberly at Get Away Today. We book family cruises for the best prices on all the major cruise lines, and you can have a great time on any of them. However, there is something really special about a Disney Cruise. In this post, I'm sharing what makes […]
Hey there! Looking for a fun day trip in Salt Lake City? It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. If your family is anything like our family, you have places that you traditionally visit year after year. This is the Place Heritage Park is one of those for us. This year, my five year old […]
Planning a trip to Monterey, California? It's such a beautiful area, with so many fun things to do. Monterey was on our wish list for years. When an opportunity to partner with KOA and See Monterey came up, we needed no convincing to squeeze this trip into an already-busy summer. We left the day after […]
Hey there! Looking for a great family activity in Salt Lake City? The Natural History Museum of Utah has been one of Salt Lake City's best museums for a long time, but since it moved into the Rio Tinto Center a few years ago, I believe that it is now among the best natural history museums anywhere. Why […]
Hello! Do you love camping? Whether the answer is yes or no, keep reading. There is something here for everyone. We love the outdoors, a good campfire and the friendly atmosphere of a campground. However, we sleep a lot better indoors and like the convenience of a hotel. For years, we assumed that Kampgrounds of […]
Hey there! Thinking of a trip to the San Juan Islands in Washington? It's an island vacation unlike any other. My 12-year-old son has visited a lot of great places like Paris, London, New York City, Orlando… He liked them all, but the San Juan Islands in Washington State rank highest on his list of […]
Hello everyone! Dreaming of Disneyland? Love Halloween too? This is Kimberly, back again from Get Away Today. If you’re a Disney fan, then you may already know tickets for the annual Disneyland Halloween party are already on sale. But have you heard about all the changes? I have the inside scoop on the brand new […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Europe? After we booked flights to Paris last summer, we decided to divide our time between Paris and London. Eurostar made it easy and affordable for our family. Eurostar is a high speed train that connects London, Paris and Brussels. You can also use it to reach, Amsterdam, Marseilles, Bruges, […]
Looking for a good all-ages activity in Las Vegas? I'd seen ads for Shark Reef Aquarium lots of times and always wondered what it was like. On our most recent trip, we moved it to the top of the list. We thought that Shark Reef was fun! My kids were ages 11 and 14 when we […]
Looking for drive-in movie tips? My family loves movies almost as much as we love to travel, and we go to the drive-in at least once every summer. When we want to be immersed in a blockbuster movie with a high-definition picture and digital sound, we head for the multiplex. When we want to spend […]
Hey there! It's Cathy from My Book a Day. What do you do with a 5-year-old when the winter has been so long and spring won’t come? You take a trip to Kangaroo Zoo and everyone is so much happier! I normally have all of my kids in tow (18, 13 and 5), but with […]
Hey Travelers, Planning a trip to Nashville? It's Jason Carlton with Carltonaut's Travel Tips. If you go “Walkin' After Midnight”, then it's possible you're a fan of Patsy Cline. She was an American country music star in the late 1950s and 1960s. She has a whole museum dedicated to her life and music in Nashville. […]
Hello! Looking for some travel gift ideas for Mother's Day? I'm a mom and I travel often, so hopefully I can help! I've created a list of travel gift ideas that can make your mom's next trip better or help her bring her travel personality into the home. I like to give and receive practical […]
The Black Hills of South Dakota was the road trip that rivaled Disney World for my kids. They were ages 4 and 7 when we first visited the Black Hills in 2011. We visited Walt Disney World in 2013, and when I asked about their favorite vacations in 2014, the Black Hills was at the top […]
Need a few travel toys for your next trip? Screens can be lifesavers on long travel days, but too much screen time makes my kids grouchy. Sometimes a classic toy is the perfect alternative to endless movies or video games. New toys are also exciting for kids. Packing a new toy or two is a […]
Hello everyone! Are you thinking about a trip to Universal Orlando Resort in 2019? It's Kimberly from Get Away Today. We recently had a great visit with reps from Universal Orlando Resort, and learned about all the awesome new attractions in their parks. Did you know that for the first time in five years, Universal […]
Hello! Thinking about summer vacations? The first week of July is a great week for travel. It's nice and warm in most places, and it's fun to celebrate the 4th of July anywhere in the United States. Bonus: Independence Day is a school/work holiday for most, so we don't have to use as many precious […]
Hi there! Planning a plane trip with kids? It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. This summer we’ll be traveling with a 5-year-old, a 13-year-old and two 18-year-olds. Flying with kids is always an adventure! Sometimes it’s a better adventure than others, and being prepared for the little things usually helps the trip go smoothly. […]
Hello! Looking for a fun activity or shore excursion in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico? My family visited Puerto Vallarta on our most recent cruise. I wanted to see the city and take a food tour, but ran into a snag. My family is too picky. I don't like seafood, my daughter won't eat anything spicy or […]
Planning your first cruise? There is a lot to like about cruise vacations. The ports are exotic, the food is delicious, the service is excellent and the price is right. In this article, I'm sharing my best cruise advice for first-timers. Cruise ships are big enough to keep everyone entertained, but small enough that it's […]
I had no idea how common plantar fasciitis is until I got it myself about four years ago. Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition where the plantar fascia (ligament in your arch) is damaged, then tightens and causes stabbing heel pain. I've picked up a few tips for traveling with plantar fasciitis. Most cases of […]
Hello! I'm Johnny Cash. Not really, but if you're reading this, you may have read that opening line using the recognizable voice of Johnny Cash. If you didn't, then maybe you're due for a visit at the Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville. It's full of history about the musician, artist, humanitarian and actor. Beyond simply […]
Wonding where to stay at Zion National Park? You have a lot of good options. Here's an overview of the cities near Zion and the advantages of staying in each. I've visited Zion National Park at least forty times. My parents grew up in Cedar City and my dad took us here – usually with […]
Hello! Planning your first trip to Yellowstone National Park? It's a big park. And it's remote, but it's absolutely worth the trip. I'm blown away every time by the diversity of natural wonders inside Yellowstone. Geysers, waterfalls, mountains, wildlife… they're all abundant and breathtaking. I've visited Yellowstone several times and haven't seen it all. We took […]
It's Cathy with My Book a Day. It's almost spring break in Utah. I'm always on the look out for something to entertain our 3 kids (18, 13, and 5) when they're out of school. SeaQuest in the Layton Hills Mall is always a great idea. There's something for everyone. SeaQuest is a lot of […]
Hey there! Planning a trip to Europe? With kids? Planning a solo or couples trip overseas is one thing. Doing it with kids is a whole different challenge. You not only have to plan, pack and haul for yourself, you have to do it for your children too. And it feels more important to get […]
Planning a trip to Mount Rushmore? We have all seen a million photos and movies and replicas and even parodies of Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota. For that reason, I did not expect to be as awestruck as I was when I finally stood in front of it. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is spectacular. […]
Hello! Planning a trip to London? The Churchill War Rooms is a popular attraction for history lovers. They are the actual rooms where Winston Churchill and his staff led the British war effort during World War II. After the war, the rooms were sealed and preserved. A museum dedicated to the life of Winston Churchill […]
What's more beautiful than Bryce Canyon National Park in the summer? It's Bryce Canyon in the winter. Bryce Canyon National Park is open year-round, and winter is a great time to go. Orange hoodoos and green bristlecone pines topped with pristine snow against a bright blue sky… It's absolutely spectacular. I have visited Bryce […]
Hi there! Do you love inexpensive family activities? And free chocolate samples? It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. I’m always looking for things near me that are fun and engaging for our 3 kids, ages 18, 13, and 5. There are some fun things around in our area, Davis County, Utah. One of those […]
Want to avoid the crowds on your next Utah ski trip? With 8,464 skiable acres, Powder Mountain is the biggest ski resort in the United States. It's bigger than Park City and a lot less crowded. Powder Mountain is located a little farther from the action – but still only about 30 minutes from Ogden, Utah. […]
Looking for some vacation ideas or day trips in Utah? In 1847, Brigham Young announced, “This is the right place” as he gazed over the Salt Lake Valley for the first time. More than 150 years later, Utah is still the right place, especially if you are looking for fun family activities and adventures. Here […]
Planning a trip to Paris? The world-famous Louvre Museum is at the top of many visitors' lists. It is home to Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and many other famous and important works of art. My family visited the Louvre during our first Paris trip, and I didn't love it as much as I hoped to. However, […]
Hey Traveler, Planning a trip to New York City? I'm Jason from Carltonaut's Travel Tips. There's something about exploring a really big ship full of aircraft and history. The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City is a great place to explore during a visit to the Big Apple. You'll not only […]
The Ice Castles in Midway, Utah have just opened for the season and we were excited to be there for the media preview. We loaded our minivan with our kids and four friends – ages 10-15. They bundled up in snow gear and enthusiastically explored all the nooks and crannies of this cool place. My […]
Planning a trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks? Need a place to stay? Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch is located between Yellowstone and Grand Teton and offers a variety of lodging options. My dad and I spent three nights at Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch last summer. We planned to visit the parks […]
Hello! It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. We have 3 kids (18, 12, and 4). There are things that are easy to do with our wide range of ages, and some things that are a bit more tricky. Something we all enjoy doing is going to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. […]
The Pinball Hall of Fame was one of the best things we did on our last trip to Las Vegas. My husband spent his teen years playing pinball games in arcades. My two children (ages 11 and 14) loved trying Medieval Madness, Addams Family and other games that he played when he was their age. […]
Hey there! Who else is itching for spring? Since my kids and my husband are tied to the traditional school schedule, Spring Break is our best opportunity to get out of town for a few days between Christmas and summer breaks. It's also a celebration. We love winter holidays and the abundance of winter sports close […]
The natural wonders near Moab, Utah are a happy place for my husband and me. The first time we went there together was a few weeks after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Contemplating the grandness and beauty of God's creations brought peace to our souls and that feeling about Moab has never left […]
Are you planning a trip to Southern Utah? Goblin Valley State Park is one of the state's best destinations for families. Visiting Utah's Goblin Valley State Park is like traveling to another planet. It's a long way from anywhere and the terrain is so unearthly that the movie Galaxy Quest was filmed here. Whether camping for […]
Hey there! Is a hot air balloon ride on your bucket list? I jumped at the chance to ride in a hot air balloon when I visited Gallup, New Mexico last fall. I helped set up the balloon and then gently floated over red rock canyons, with panoramic views of the American Southwest. It was […]
Hey traveler, It's Jason from Carltonaut's Travel Tips. Long road trips can be fun. They can also make you question why you thought confining your kids into a set spot for hours on end was a good idea. Our family has overcome that “Are we there yet? I'm bored” stigma with some amazing audiobooks. We've […]
Hello! Planning a trip to London? It can be an expensive place to stay. We considered a variety of options when we were planning a five night stay in London. We wanted a central, walkable location, but we also wanted to keep expenses down. When my sister recommended Travelodge London Covent Garden, we got both. […]
Merry Christmas! It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. Christmas time is the most magical time of the year with kids. Our kids (ages 18, 12, and 4) are no different. I love sharing the magic of Christmas with our kids in Salt Lake City. There are so many things to do and see and […]
Sadly, the Newseum closed in December 2019. Click the button below to get a list of other great museums for families in Washington DC. Here's what you missed… My husband is a news junkie and the Newseum was at the top of our list on our last trip to Washington D.C. It's a fairly new […]
Looking for a fun and easy getaway in Utah? My family loves Zermatt Resort in Midway, Utah. Midway is located less than an hour from Salt Lake City, and about 20 minutes from Orem or Park City. It's one of Utah's most charming small towns, nestled in the Wasatch Mountains. There are a lot of […]
Planning to pass through Gallup, New Mexico on your next road trip? There is more to do here than you might expect. There are lots of fun things to do in Gallup. I recently spent a few days in Gallup as part of the TMS Family Travel Conference. Honestly, most of the travel writers who […]
I traveled to New Mexico for a conference last week and flew home on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The airport was packed with families! It made me remember all the trips I've made with my kids, and the craziness of getting a family through airport security. Airport security is necessary, but a HUGE hassle. If […]
Looking for a family-friendly hotel in Las Vegas? We've tried several, and Tahiti Village – just south of the famous Las Vegas Strip – is our favorite. I found this resort a friend asked for recommendations on Facebook for family-friendly hotels in Las Vegas. We both live in Utah, where Las Vegas is an easy […]
Hey there! It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. Traveling with our three kids (18, 12, and 4) is always an adventure! Part of our summer adventures this year took us to the Oregon Coast. It’s a place we’ve been – and loved – before. This year we only ventured as far south as Tillamook, […]
Planning a trip to Las Vegas on a budget? Las Vegas isn't as cheap as it used to be, but there are still lots of ways to save money on your vacation. We have vacationed in Las Vegas with our kids (ages 11 and 14) a couple of times during school breaks. It's also a […]
Planning a Las Vegas trip? A trip to Las Vegas isn't complete until you've seen the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. There are more family activities on the Las Vegas Strip than you might expect. I don't enjoy most of Las Vegas' “adult” entertainment, but I still think it's a fascinating place. There are lots of […]
Hola, It's Jason from Carltonaut's Travel Tips. Isla Mujeres is a small island off the coast of Cancun, Mexico. It's a popular tourist destination because of it's white sandy beaches, shopping and opportunities to explore old Mayan ruins. If a trip to Cancun is on your list of places to visit, make sure Isla Mujeres […]
Planning a trip to London? Theatre is my kids' “team sport,” so getting theatre tickets in London was a top priority. We saw three popular musicals, buying tickets from three different sources. Hamilton and Wicked were at the top of our list because our kids (ages 11 and 14) are fans and we hadn't been able to […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Paris? Public transportation is often the easiest and least expensive way to get around. We visited Paris with our two children, ages 11 and 14, last summer. Our apartment in the 13th Arrondissement was a few kilometers from top attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. […]
Hey there! It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. Traveling with our 3 kids – ages 18, 12, and 4 – is always an adventure! This summer, part of our family vacation was in Portland, Oregon. Our family loves the Pacific Northwest! We love its personality, the weather, the people and the variety of things […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Paris? The Palace of Versailles is a must for many visitors. My daughter celebrated her 14th birthday while we were in Paris, and we wanted to do something special on that day. Where better than visiting a royal palace with our princess? Our family of four enjoyed visiting the Palace […]
Hey There! Fan of geology and caving? Love exploring off the beaten path? Look no farther… Carlsbad Caverns National Park needs to be on your travel list. Carlsbad Caverns is home to over a million bats during the summer months and is largest open cavern in North America. Our family had a great time visiting […]
Hola, It's Jason from Carltonaut's Travel Tips. My wife and I took a trip to Cancun, Mexico, a few months ago. It was her first time out of the country. We were able to use travel points to cover most of our airfare and a Marriott hotel. Since our travel budget was tight, we were […]
Hello! Hoping to visit a royal palace on your London trip? Hampton Court Palace was one of my family's favorite days during our week in London. There are lots of interesting things to see and learn for history lovers, and some pretty cool activities for children. Choose a day with pleasant weather if you can, […]
We visited some of Seattle's best known spots, and a few that first-timers might not have heard of. Here are my family's favorite activities from our trip to Seattle, Washington. It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. We have a little bit of everything in our family – a teenager, a pre-teen and a preschooler […]
Hey Harry Potter Fans! Is Platform 9 3/4 a must-see in London? My family thinks so. If you've read all the Harry Potter books and seen all the movies, you know that Harry takes the Hogwarts Express to school every year from the magical Platform 9 3/4 from London King's Cross station. The books may […]
A stroller is an essential item for any trip with a baby or a young child. You can rent strollers at many popular destinations, but it's usually most convenient and comfortable to bring your own. There are a lot of great strollers with different features, and one size doesn't fit all. Over time, we bought […]
Hello! Planning a trip to the Black Hills in South Dakota? It's one of my favorite destinations for families in the United States. And Jewel Cave National Monument is one of my favorite places to visit in the Black Hills. My family has visited Jewel Cave twice, several years apart. Ranger-led tours are the only […]
Hey Adventurers, It's Jason with Carltonaut's Travel Tips. Since I was a kid, my family has taken an annual vacation to Escalante, Utah, located along Utah's Scenic Byway 12. As a kid, our trip consisted of fishing, camping, hiking and watching an amazing small-town Pioneer Day parade in July. Now that I'm older, I enjoy […]
Hi Everyone, It's Kimberly with Get Away Today. Today I'm excited to talk to you about the future… and share my best tips for booking a 2019 Disneyland vacation. Why is getting ready for next year's summer vacation to Disneyland right now so important? If you haven't already heard, Disneyland is facing an unprecedented year […]
Planning a trip to London? The Tower of London is one of the city's most popular attractions, and my history-loving family enjoyed it even more than we expected to. Even my 11-year-old son – who usually groans when we plan museum visits – found a lot to like here. The Tower of London isn't a […]
Hey there, It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. We have a little bit of everything in our family – a teenager, pre-teen and preschooler – so we have to do things that everyone will enjoy. Last month I shared our tips for visiting some of the most popular places in Nauvoo, Illinois. This month […]
Custer State Park is one of the best state parks in the United States. It's located a short distance from Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota. My family has visited Custer twice, and it was a highlight of our Black Hills trip both times. On our second trip in July 2018, we […]
Every summer we spend a week at Bear Lake in Utah. We love this popular vacation spot and all the fun that is nearby, too. Bear Lake is known for its beautiful turquoise water caused by the minerals in the water. This lake spans the border of Utah and Idaho, so you will spend some time in […]
Hello! Planning a trip to London? Hoping to keep costs down? I love to try local flavors when we travel, but food is also one of the easiest areas to keep costs down on vacation. Buying ready-to-eat food at grocery stores lets us eat local and save money at the same time. My sister visited […]
For most people, a first trip to Paris is not complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. This iconic structure has been the city's best known symbol since the late 1800's. Today, it is one of the most visited places in the world. My family visited the Eiffel Tower on a rainy day in […]
Hello fellow travelers! Planning a trip to Boston? It's Jason with Carltonaut's Travel Tips. During the past year, I've been to Boston four times. First, was a family vacation. The other three were for work conferences. Each visit gave me another opportunity to explore what the city had to offer. From historic trails stretching across […]
UPDATE: We were heartbroken when Notre Dame Cathedral was devastated by fire in April 2019, and look forward to the restoration of this magnificent 12th Century cathedral. Visit Notre Dame's official website at http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/ for up-to-date visitor information. Keep reading to see photos of what Notre Dame looked like before the fire. Click the button […]
Hello! Do you dream of traveling the world? Me too. I grew up in a middle-class family in the wide open spaces of Utah, and have pretty much lived here all my life. It's a fantastic place to live and travel, but for international travel, it isn't close to anywhere. For years, I assumed that […]
Hello! Depending on who you are, visiting a place called Reptile Gardens might sound like a dream come true or your worst nightmare. We have visited this fun destination twice, seven years apart. My lizard-loving son was four-years-old the first time, and eleven the second time. Reptile Gardens was a winner both times. Reptile Gardens […]
Hey there, It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. We have a little bit of everything in our family – a teenager, pre-teen and preschooler – so we have to do things that everyone will enjoy. If you’re looking for a family vacation with meaning, then Nauvoo, Illinois is a great destination! Nauvoo was the […]
We only had one day to spend at Disneyland Paris and wanted to maximize it by going on the best rides. I have older kids (ages 11 and 14), and we all love rides. With such a short time in the parks, riding as much as possible was our top priority. Between ride closures and […]
Hello! Planning a trip to London? My family recently returned from our first trip to London, England. We wanted to experience all of the popular attractions, and get to know this famous city. The London Pass was a convenient way to see many attractions in London with just one ticket. We learned a lot by […]
Hi everyone, It’s Kimberly with Get Away Today, here to talk to you about the Disneyland Resort. Since its humble beginnings, Disneyland has never stopped creating and innovating. As Walt Disney said, “Disneyland will never be completed as long as there is imagination left in the world.” Over the past few years, we’ve been able […]
Lagoon Amusement Park has been a favorite Utah destination since 1886! Today, Lagoon is still one of the best regional amusement parks in the U.S. It is large and clean and has coasters and other attractions that you won't find anywhere else. You'll spot Cannibal, Lagoon's newest coaster well before you pull into the parking lot. […]
My kids were thrilled when we told them we were adding a day in Disneyland Paris to our Paris itinerary. They liked visiting well-known Paris destinations like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame and Versailles, but in the end, Disneyland Paris was their favorite day of the trip. For families like ours who know their […]
Hey travelers, It's Jason from Carltonaut's Travel Tips. Earlier this year I was in Orlando for a business trip. The work keep me busy during the day, but lucky for me, SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando was open till 10 PM so I could check it out after a long day of working. While it would've […]
It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. Our family loves to travel together. We have a little bit of everything in our family – a teenager, pre-teen and preschooler – so we have to do things that everyone will enjoy. This means that every trip is an adventure! Last summer we went to Vancouver, British […]
We like to refer to Great Basin National Park as Utah’s 6th national park because it is only 10 miles from the Utah border. It practically sits in Utah! We love spending a weekend every year exploring this fun park. Great Basin is full of family adventure with cave tours, great camping, and hikes at 10,000 […]
Need a nutshell guide to Universal Orlando Resort in Florida? It's one of our favorite parks! In this article, I'm sharing all our tips for saving money, best attractions, lodging, dining, transportation and more. Gone are the days when Universal Orlando was a one-day add-on to a Walt Disney World trip. The Wizarding World of […]
Hello! When planning our vacation to San Diego last summer, we wanted a hotel with plenty of amenities, a good central location, and a great value. We also needed something to sleep six! The Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Diego – Mission Valley on Hotel Circle ended up being the perfect choice. We loved […]
Hello! Are you thinking of a tour of Hearst Castle on the Central California coast? It's one of the most popular California State Parks. Hearst Castle is a massive mansion built on the top of a mountain in San Simeon, California. It was built and added onto through the 1920's, 30's and 40's by the […]
Hey everyone, It’s Kimberly with Get Away Today, here to share more tips for The Happiest Place on Earth. One of the best parts of traveling to Disneyland is indulging on all of the delicious treats and eats. Specifically, I love Character Dining with my three young children. Character Dining is the perfect way to […]
Hello adventurers! There's something about finding tall things that offer amazing views from the top. In my Utah home, it's usually the mountains. For Florida, it's ICON Orlando: a 400-foot tall observation wheel along International Drive in Orlando, Florida. In fact, ICON Orlando (formerly known as Coca-Cola Orlando Eye) is the tallest observational wheel on the east […]
Hey there! It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. We love to travel with our family. Sometimes it’s an adventure with the ages of our kids (17, 12, and 4). We like to find things to do that will work for kids of all ages and so far, we’ve been successful. One of our favorite […]
Hello! Many families travel to Las Vegas, Nevada every year. For my family, it's an easy warm-weather getaway from our home in Utah, or a convenient stopping point on a Southern California road trip. Though there are actually lots of great family activities in Las Vegas, the city earns its “Sin City” reputation. That can […]
Hey there! Have you heard of Glen Canyon Dam? We made a trip here last summer as part of a family reunion, and it was a lot of fun. My parents and I had planned a June getaway to the Grand Canyon North Rim, with our base in Kanab, Utah. As the trip neared, my […]
Hello! If you live near Salt Lake City or are planning a visit, this is the ULTIMATE list of ways to fill your summer vacation – and most other months of the year too! I've collected every fun activity I can think of between Ogden and Provo to keep your family busy, happy and off their screens. […]
Hello Fellow Adventurer! Is Capitol Reef National Park on your list? We spent Spring Break exploring Capitol Reef, which is one of Utah's “Mighty 5” national parks. This National Park is often overshadowed by Arches and Zion in popularity, but Capitol Reef has a lot to offer, with lighter crowds. We had a wonderful time […]
Hi! Want to travel more often? This time last year, my husband and I were trying to decide what we wanted to do for summer vacation with our family. Vacation expenses add up quickly and we wanted to maximize our spending dollars. One night I found a sale fare to San Diego that couldn't be […]
Looking for a great family destination that's still a little undiscovered? There are lots of fun things to do in Morro Bay, California. My family visited Morro Bay, California during Spring Break. The weather was cool, but pleasant. We found a great variety of fun family activities, and this was one of our best wildlife […]
Hi everyone, It’s Kimberly with Get Away Today, here to talk to you about how to plan a family reunion at Disneyland. While this might seem overwhelming at first, the phrase “the more the merrier” can come true while you’re at The Happiest Place on Earth. This is why I’ve created a guide filled with […]
The perfect itinerary for family travel to Yosemite National Park
Hey Travelers, I was caught off guard the first time I walked by WonderWorks while on a business trip in Orlando. It looked like the building had fallen out of the sky and landed upside down. The exterior alone made me want to check it out. I'm glad I did. WonderWorks is a fun, over-the-top […]
Planning a trip to or through Las Vegas? Hoover Dam is located about 30 minutes south of Las Vegas, Nevada and it's a “dam” good family-friendly attraction in a city that is not known for its family attractions. It's educational too! We have visited Hoover Dam twice, about five years apart and our experience was similar – […]
Hey there! It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. We love to travel with our family. Sometimes it’s an adventure with the ages of our kids (17, 12, and 4). We like to find things to do that will work for kids of all ages and so far, we’ve been successful. Touring the British Columbia […]
Welcome! Disneyland may be the ultimate family vacation destination. This world-famous theme park is located in Anaheim, California and it's been delighting families for more than 60 years. Many fans return to the “Happiest Place on Earth” year after year because Disneyland really is that magical. It's impossible to cover everything there is to know […]
Do you love otters? Who doesn't? My 11-year-old son has been into otters for years, and can tell you a lot about them. We found otters to be elusive on our trip to the San Juan Islands in Washington. We knew that sea otters were endangered, so we had pretty much settled for seeing them […]
Hey Traveler, I don't take a lot of selfies, but during my visit to Madame Tussauds in Orlando, Florida, I couldn't resist. I walked away with my share of photos with celebrities, legends, sport icons, TV personalities and pop stars. Madame Tussauds is a world-famous museum filled with lifelike wax statues of famous people from […]
Hi there! I just spend three fantastic days in Martin County, Florida for a Spring Break getaway with the kids. I wanted a vacation where Mommy could relax while the kids had fun in the sun on the beautiful shores of Florida's Treasure Coast. Mission accomplished. Florida's Treasure Coast Florida's Treasure Coast is a stretch […]
Planning a trip to Colorado? There are lots of fun things to do in Denver! I'm a Salt Lake City native, and here in the wide open spaces of the Mountain West, Denver is considered a close neighbor. For years, I assumed that Denver was just more of the same, but I was wrong. Denver […]
Hello Fellow Adventurer! Utah's Adventure Family is back! This time we're sharing about one of our favorite National Parks. Grand Teton National Park is located in Wyoming just north of Jackson. The mountains here are rugged and breathtaking. The lakes are crystal clear and beautiful. Best of all, there is wildlife around every corner! The park […]
Hi! I am super excited to share our tips for visiting Volcano Bay with young kids with you! Volcano Bay is an awesome water park at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida that the whole family will love. We visited Volcano Bay when our four kids were all between 5-10 years old. It was a relaxing […]
Wondering what to pack for a Caribbean cruise? There is so much variety in a cruise that it can be tricky to fit everything you need into a suitcase. I'm a former travel agent and cruises are my favorite vacations, so I've had some practice at packing for a Caribbean cruise. Swimwear, formal wear, active […]
Hi everyone, It’s Kimberly with Get Away Today, here to talk to you about the Happiest Place on Earth. Today, I want to discuss how to plan a Disneyland trip just for adults. I know you’re thinking I’m probably crazy, but I visited Disneyland often, both before and after I had my first child 4 […]
Planning a trip to Washington D.C. on a budget? We've been there. Our first family trip to Washington D.C. was over the 4th of July. We wanted to stay within walking distance of the National Mall without paying a fortune. The hotels were all so expensive! We eventually found a hotel in a great location that […]
Hello! Are you thinking about a Hollywood trip? My family loves movies, and most of us appreciate a good Netflix binge too. We decided to build a Hollywood trip around a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood in Southern California, and it was so much fun! You aren't likely to spot any celebrities, and honestly, Hollywood […]
Hey there! It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. Our kids cover quite an age range (17,12, and 4) so we have to be careful with the activities we choose on vacations. It’s tricky to find something that everyone likes. We loved visiting Victoria, British Columbia so much last summer, that we are planning a […]
Have you heard that it's best to visit Disneyland during the off-season? It's good advice, but I'm seeing it so often that I feel that someone should point out that there are important benefits to visiting Disneyland during peak season. Furthermore, off-season at Disneyland is not as clearly defined as off-seasons in most other places. […]
Hello Fellow Adventurer! We at Utah's Adventure Family love exploring National Parks! There are so many amazing things to see throughout the country, and we love falling in love with new National Parks. That is exactly what happened when we visited Yosemite National Park. It was love at first sight! We worried about the crowds, […]
Hello! One of our favorite family vacation destinations is Disneyland in Southern California. We start thinking about our next trip as soon as we get home! Our last Disneyland trip started as a quick getaway with the kids. My parents, who are in their late 60's, decided they wanted in on the fun. Then my […]
Hello! I've been visiting Southern Utah my whole life. My parents, grandparents, and even great-great grandparents were born there, so my roots run deep in the red soil of Cedar City, Hurricane, St. George and Zion National Park. Having visited and occasionally lived in this beautiful area for decades, you'd think I'd have seen it […]
Howdy Campers! We love camping. But last summer my wife had to work a lot of weekends. Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment, but I went camping by myself with five kids. We did a couple overnight getaways to mountain campgrounds. We drove four hours to Flaming Gorge Dam for a long weekend. In previous […]
Hey Historical Adventurers, After teaching a photography workshop in Delaware, I had a morning to do some exploring. Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania was nearby and I was excited to visit this famous site from the U.S. Revolutionary War. It was a cold winter day. The falling snow of January made my tour […]
Hey everyone! It’s Kimberly with Get Away Today, back to talk with you about The Happiest Place on Earth. As you may have heard, there are some exciting happening at the Disneyland Resort in 2018. With various festivals, celebrations and grand-openings, this year will be one to remember forever. Two of the most anticipated events […]
One of the great things about our nation's capital is all the free activities for families. However, there are a few top activities that will cost you money. The good news is that you don't have to pay full price for these. You can save up to 47% on 20+ fun activities with the Go […]
Hey there! It’s Cathy from My Book a Day. I’m super excited to tell you all about the time we spent in Victoria, British Columbia last summer! Victoria was probably our family’s favorite stop on our trip and everyone would be thrilled to go back. Such a fun place! This list is “10 More Fun […]
Hello Fellow Adventurer! Planning a trip to New Mexico? My family took a long road trip through New Mexico and were amazed at how much there is to do in this desert state. You can read all about our trip at Utah's Adventure Family. We explored lots of National Parks and Monuments, but our favorite […]
Washington DC is home to 19 free Smithsonian museums as well as hundreds of other excellent museums. As a local, my favorite time to visit Washington D.C. museums is in January and February. The winter months are the calmest time in this busy city that is often filled with tourists and tour groups. Here are […]
Interested in a less expensive and less crowded family resort? I recommend Beaver Mountain in Northern Utah. Admittedly, I am not a big skier. I have a large family, so the cost of lift tickets, equipment rental and lessons adds up fast. Since I don't ski often, hitting the slopes after a long break can […]
Hey There! Wow, we just got back from a fun-filled day at LEGOLAND Florida. Living in South Florida, I take the kids at least once a year to this unique theme park located in Central Florida. I get a lot of questions about the price, day trip from Disney and age recommendations. So I am […]
Hello! Do you love the Olympics? Summer or Winter, I'm a fan. I was a volunteer at the Salt Lake Ice Center in downtown Salt Lake City when the Winter Olympic Games came to Utah in 2002. I saw Sarah Hughes and Apollo Ohno win gold. When the pairs' figure skating scandal happened, I was […]
Hello! Last fall, I had the opportunity to take a trip to Washington D.C. with my husband. He is a principal and his school received a national award, which was very exciting! We left the kids at home for this trip, and took the opportunity to try a few new activities. We, with another couple, […]
Hello Harry Potter fans! Do you remember when you discovered Harry Potter? I was boarding a plane the day Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was released. My friends and I spotted a little girl reading that big book. A week later, we had a long layover on the way home. I bought Harry Potter and […]
Hey everyone! It's Kimberly with Get Away Today. It's nearly Spring Break season and for many families, that means a trip to Disneyland. I've put together some of my top tips for Spring Break at Disneyland. Arrive early or stay late Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure normally open earlier and stay open later during busy […]
Do you see a three-day weekend in your future? It's a great opportunity to hit the road and see some pretty amazing things throughout Utah and Arizona. My wife and I spent a three-day weekend visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, the sites around Page, Arizona, Monument Valley, Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. It's […]
Hey there! It’s Cathy from My Book A Day. Our family loves to travel together! It's a time when we make family memories we can talk about for years to come. It's such bonding experience for us. We probably travel a bit differently from most people. That’s partly because we have a crazy age range […]
Hello Fellow Adventurer! Are you planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park? We love Yellowstone! Every other year, we take a 3-4 day trip to Yellowstone as a family, and we love every second of it. We love the scenery, the animals, the hiking trails, and the geysers. There is so much to see and […]
Hello! Are you hoping to travel more this year? Who isn't? That can be tough when your travel budget is tiny. Lodging, transportation, admission fees and other travel basics cost money. There are ways to minimize expenses and save money for travel, and I share some of my favorites in my 7 Ways to Save […]
Hi there, It’s Kimberly with Get Away Today, here to talk about all things Disneyland. Disneyland Resort will be bigger and better than ever in 2018 and I'm so excited! In addition to the classic magic we know and love, Disneyland will debut all-new entertainment, attractions and so much more. I’ve created a 2018 guide […]
Hello! Have you heard about Volcano Bay? It's the new water park at Universal Orlando Resort. My family had the opportunity to spend time at Volcano Bay when we visited Universal last October. It was by far the most thrilling water park we have ever visited. Universal has introduced some innovative ideas to keep you […]
We've all heard stories of killer airfare deals, but unless you work for an airline, it can be tricky to fly for little or nothing. Airfares can be so unpredictable. This year, I happened upon a Frontier Airline deal and my family of four flew round trip from Salt Lake City to Orlando for about […]
This post was sponsored by the St. George Area Tourism Office. All content and opinions are my own. Merry Christmas! Looking for a fun winter getaway? How about St. George, Utah? We were invited to visit Tuacahn during the Christmas season, and found that it is a great time to visit sunny St. George. My […]
Hello! Are your airline miles adding up? I love getting free airfare when my frequent flyer miles or loyalty points pay off. However, I don't fly frequently enough on every airline to earn rewards from all of them. So I have points sitting around in several programs that I probably won't be able to use. […]
Hello! Planning an Orlando vacation? SeaWorld Orlando is one of the area's top theme parks, and we had a great time there on our last Orlando trip. SeaWorld Orlando is not quite as crowded as some of Orlando's other parks, and it offers a fun balance of entertaining shows, thrill rides, and educational animal experiences. […]
Hey there! Want something that will make packing easier? Who doesn't? Several years ago, I purchased four sets of eBags Packing Cubes in different colors – one for each member of my family. I've used them on many trips since then, and they have been a great way to organize our stuff for a trip. […]
Nordic Valley was one of the resorts I visited most often when I was learning to ski, so I was excited to have the chance to return with my 9-year-old son last year. The resort was a lot like I remembered. We played hooky on a gorgeous Wednesday after a long holiday weekend, and we practically […]
Hello! Are you planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort? Wondering if Express Pass is worth the money? My family recently tried the Express Pass ticket add-on at Universal Orlando Resort. We all love Harry Potter, and my kids (ages 10 and 13) are old enough to get excited about big thrill rides, so we used […]
Hey there! Wondering if ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a good option for your family? Want to know what to expect and how to get started? We have used both Uber and Lyft several times in Washington D.C., Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles. We are headed to Orlando this week and expect […]
Planning a ski trip? Snowbasin Resort is a great choice for families. Snowbasin is the Utah resort that is closest to my home, and it is one of my favorites. It is located just a few minutes drive from Ogden, and it is absolutely beautiful. Did you know that it was an Olympic venue in […]
Hey there! If you travel a lot, or even once in awhile, you probably know how hard it is to leave your pets behind. Your animals are members of your family, and you obviously want them to be comfortable and safe when you travel without them. Our family travels a lot, and with two dogs […]
It is a tradition of ours to go to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World each year. This is an annual event held on select dates in September and October. General park admission to the Magic Kingdom will not gain you access to this seasonal event, so be sure to pre-purchase tickets for […]
Hello! Does your family enjoy visiting zoos when you travel? The Denver Zoo is a great choice. We first visited the Denver Zoo when our kids were little. It's a large zoo that features many of our favorite animals. It also has a train and carousel, which my young children loved. My kids are older […]
Hello! Are you planning a cruise? One of my favorite parts of any cruise is the food. Cruise dining is different from the typical home or restaurant experience, so this post is all about helping you navigate your options and make the most of them. Most of today's big cruise ships give you a variety […]
Hey there! Isn't it funny what ideas stick from childhood? I remember reading about the La Brea Tar Pits in elementary school and I have been curious about them ever since. My husband felt the same way, so when we planned our family trip to Hollywood last June, we took the opportunity to visit this […]
Did you know that the Finger Lakes region of New York is just four hours drive from Manhattan? It's a beautiful destination for families. Featuring incredibly diverse landscapes, fascinating history, and some pretty cool towns, the Finger Lakes area has all the ingredients for a perfect family road trip destination. The Finger Lakes are less […]
Hello! Want to visit Universal Studios Hollywood with your family? It's a real working movie studio and theme park. My family loved it. Universal Studios Hollywood is a world-class theme park vacation that's fun for families. We thought it was especially good for families like ours who love movies and who have older kids that […]
It doesn't take much to get me excited about a historical site, and the Fortress of Louisbourg in Nova Scotia is an especially good one. The Fortress of Louisbourg is a reconstructed fort dating back to the 1700's when France owned this part of Nova Scotia. The fort was taken by the British in battle […]
This post is brought to you by Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. While this was a sponsored opportunity, all content and opinions expressed here are my own. I love to take my family to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. I live in Florida and have two young children and this is one of our favorite theme parks. […]
Do you love national parks, but get tired of the crowds? Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a spectacular uncrowded gem that we visited this summer. We passed through Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park on a road trip through Colorado on Highway 50. We visited on a weekday morning in the […]
Hey there! Need some ideas for your next road-trip? Electronic devices like DVD Players, tablets and smart phones can be lifesavers on long travel days. My family owns our share of these devices and they keep us entertained on the road. However, we don't like to use them non-stop to pacify our children on long […]
Hello! Need a great family hotel in Fort Lauderdale? Fort Lauderdale Beach offers a lot of beautiful hotels. However, finding a family friendly beachfront hotel may be more difficult. I recently stayed at the Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club. I can tell you that your entire family will enjoy this Fort Lauderdale hotel. I […]
Howdy! Do you have a hankering for a Wild West vacation? We visited the Boot Hill Museum with my sister and her kids as part of a road trip to Dodge City, Kansas. I'd heard good things about the museum before our visit, but was pleasantly surprised to find that in addition to interesting historical […]
Hello! Are you looking for an affordable family hotel near the Southern California theme parks? I've got a recommendation. When my husband and I visited Knott's Berry Farm, we asked Get Away Today to help us with a hotel nearby. Holiday Inn in Buena Park is the hotel they recommended. It's just down the street […]
Hello! Are you planning a trip through Bowling Green, Kentucky? I had never visited Kentucky, so I jumped at the chance when I was invited by the Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau. I don't pursue or accept many press trips, but this one was too good to pass up. This thriving college town […]
Hey everyone! It’s Kimberly with Get Away Today, here to talk about my favorite place… Disneyland! I work for Get Away Today and am lucky that I get to visit my favorite place often. On my last trip to Disneyland, I just happened to be there the very first day that the new Digital FASTPASS System […]
Hello! Want to visit someplace REALLY cool? I never knew that the Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world until my husband and I started planning a trip to Nova Scotia to celebrate 15 years of marriage. I still didn't really get what that meant or whether it would be worth seeing […]
A friend from California asked me a few years ago if it is a good idea to swim in the Great Salt Lake. Having lived just a few miles from the Great Salt Lake for most of my life, my initial response was, “You can, but why would you want to?” Many Salt Lake City […]
I recently returned from St. Augustine, Florida with my two young kids. This Florida destination is known as the Historic Florida Coast because St. Augustine is one of the oldest cities in the US. My kids enjoy learning new things through travel, but explaining history to a six year old is often a challenge. St. […]
Hey there! Planning a Universal Studios Hollywood trip? We recently visited Universal Studios Hollywood with our two children (ages 12 and 10) and we had such a great day. It was the first time my kids had visited Universal Studios Hollywood and it had been 15+ years for me and my husband. The park has changed […]
Did you know that only 10% of Grand Canyon visitors see the North Rim? We are among that group, and I am sharing all my tips for planning a trip to the Grand Canyon North Rim. When I was about 14 years old, my dad loaded our family of six, four cousins and both my […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Southern California? When I was growing up, my closest cousins seemed to go to Knott's Berry Farm in Southern California all the time. They told me all about the thrilling coasters and fun things they did there, and I have long wanted to go. My husband felt the same way. There's […]
Howdy! Western North Dakota is wild and rugged, with few trees, free-roaming horses, and a gem of a national park. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the only national park in North Dakota, and it’s one the most underappreciated parks in the country. While plenty of visitors head out to see the iconic Mt. Rushmore and […]
Hey there! You know my family loves to travel, but did you know that we're kind of geeky about movies too? We have movie night every Friday and the drive-in is a summer tradition. Date night usually means dinner and a movie. We're fans of the classics as well as the newest blockbusters. So, we […]
This post is sponsored by My Cooling Store and The Warming Store. I received product samples for the purpose of review and all opinions are my own. I received no additional compensation, but I will receive a small sales commission if you choose to purchase products after clicking links in this post. Thank you for your […]
Hello! Who doesn't love a beach vacation? I recently returned from a fun and adventurous few days in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, often referred to as the Alabama Beaches. The coast of Alabama is lined with 32 miles of soft white sandy beaches and it's a vacation treasure of the South. After you've spent some […]
Does anyone in your family LOVE fossils? My preschooler was crazy about them, and I had read so many books with him about prehistoric animals that I was hooked too. That's why we had to stop at the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota during our Black Hills road trip. The Mammoth Site was […]
Is Labadee, Haiti on your Royal Caribbean cruise itinerary? You're in for a treat. 🙂 Labadee is a small peninsula on the northern coast of Haiti. It is a private beach leased to Royal Caribbean and you can only get there on a Royal Caribbean cruise. All of the beaches and activities at Labadee are located […]
Yaquina Head Lighthouse (pronounced ya-QUIN-uh) is a top destination for families on the Oregon Coast. Yaquina Head is Oregon's tallest lighthouse, but there are a lot of other fun things to do here too, including tide pools, whale watching, hiking, and a museum. The lighthouse and surrounding area are known as Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural […]
Do you like cave tours? Or, would you like to try a cave tour for the first time? Either way, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is a great option. I was invited on a press trip to Bowling Green, Kentucky and I admit that getting the chance to visit Mammoth Cave was the main […]
Hello! Looking for something fun and free to do in Salt Lake City in July? One of our favorite events at Salt Lake City's annual Days of '47 celebration is the Float Preview Party. It will be held on July 17 and 18, 2017 at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy, Utah from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. It […]
Hey There! Southwestern Vermont is characterized by rolling hills, fertile farmlands, and deep valleys, nestled between two mountain ranges — the Taconics to the east and the Green Mountains to the west. My family and I have lived and played in Southern Vermont for the past 10 years. We were initially drawn to its natural […]
Hello! Are you thinking about spending the 4th of July in Washington D.C.? It's a Bucket List experience. Spending the 4th of July in Washington D.C. was a dream come true for me. I've been a history nerd my whole life and Washington D.C. is one of my favorite places. My kids were ages 12 and […]
Hello! Planning a trip to New York City? On a budget? Our first trip to New York City wouldn't have been complete without visiting the Statue of Liberty, American Museum of Natural History, 9/11 Memorial Museum and more. However, those admission costs add up quickly for my family of four. Here's where CityPASS saved us […]
Hello! I just took a mother-daughter road trip to Palm Beach. Most people don't think of Palm Beach as a destination for young children, but my preschooler and I found lots of great ways to stay not only entertained, but learning through the unique attractions that this beautiful Florida destination offers. Loggerhead Marinelife Center Loggerhead Marinelife […]
This post is dedicated to the rugged, windswept coastline and green hills of Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia, Canada. Whether you visit with your children or without, it may be hard not to be drawn in by the dramatic and romantic beauty of Cape Breton Highlands' landscape. I visited Cape Breton Highlands […]
Use coupon code TIPS20 to save 20% on your Del Sol online order! “Mom, it's here! IT'S HERE!!! Can I open it now?” That was the excited phone call I got from my 11-year-old daughter the first time a package from Del Sol arrived on our door step. She had previously spent at least an hour happily […]
Hey there! Hiking with kids really can be an enjoyable experience, I promise. Here are 6 tips on how to help both your kids and you enjoy your next family hiking outing. Expectations This is the biggest one. As parents your expectations need to be set right before you head out on a hike with […]
LEGOLAND California Resort is a favorite Southern California attraction for many families. SEA LIFE Aquarium is located next to the theme park and visitors can enter from inside or outside LEGOLAND. This fun and educational attraction is included with many LEGOLAND California Hopper tickets. My family visited SEA LIFE Aquarium during our first trip to LEGOLAND […]
Hello! Are you cruising to Ocho Rios or Falmouth, Jamaica? We just returned from our Spring Break cruise and it was wonderful. It was my kids' first cruise, my first time sailing with Royal Caribbean, and my first visit to Jamaica. Our other port was Royal Caribbean's private beach in Labadee, Haiti, so Falmouth, Jamaica was […]
Unless you visit Disneyland frequently, there’s a chance you could be making some big mistakes on your Disneyland vacation. I work for Get Away Today and one of my favorite perks is visiting Disneyland often. I go at least once a year and I love it! I’ve put together five of the most common mistakes […]
Hey there! Virginia Beach, Virginia is a vibrant coastal city on the Atlantic Ocean, and one the most popular beach destinations on the east coast. With miles of sandy beaches, cool cultural attractions, incredible natural areas, and amazing adventure opportunities, it’s no wonder this is a favorite spot for vacationing families. My family and I […]
Hi! We just returned from a wonderful vacation in Orlando with our three-year-old and five-year-old. Though we have visited Orlando many times, I am always discovering new ways to make the trip more memorable for the entire family. Here are my top tips for taking a toddler (or any young child) to Orlando. Check out […]
Every time we go to LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, California, there is something new to try. LEGOLAND Water Park was something we missed on our first couple of visits and my 9-year-old son BEGGED us to plan another San Diego trip so he could try it. We made it happen last October while we were there for Brick-or-Treat. […]
We recently visited San Diego, California for the first time and one our favorite things to do was watch the seals and sea lions. So today I'm going to share with you our tips on the best places and ways to view them while you are in San Diego, including tips for the San Diego […]
Hey there! Planning a trip to Berlin? We have lived in Germany off and on for 5 years. We also have kids ranging from 16 years down to a 1 year old. It's challenging to find something for everyone to engage in and enjoy. Luckily, Berlin has it all, and is one of our favorite […]
Hello! Do you want an extraordinary trip through Southern Utah? Something that most people haven't done? We took this road trip for Spring Break in 2016. We had visited Southern Utah and Zion National Park many times, so this trip was dedicated to all the cool, less-visited places I had been wanting to visit for years. This was […]
Hey everyone! I am so excited to be a regular contributor for Tips for Family Trips. One of my favorite destinations for family travel is Disneyland Resort. I truly believe there is something for everyone. It is full of fun for every age and I love their attention to detail. Since I work for Get […]
Hey there! We owe our thanks to Franklin D. Roosevelt for having the foresight to see the beauty in a vast desert landscape that most considered to be harsh and inhospitable. In 1936, he created Joshua Tree National Monument in Southern California, protecting nearly 800,000 acres of Mojave and Colorado desert ecosystems. In 1994, Joshua […]
Hey there! Do you need a rental car for your next trip? The good news is, there are lots of ways to avoid paying too much. In this post, I'm sharing my top tips for finding the BEST rental car prices and deals. Do you REALLY need a rental car? There are some places where you need your […]
Hello! Are you planning a cruise? My family LOVES cruises. One reason we love to cruise is the unique opportunities at each cruise port. If you are like me, there is one special vacation experience you love to talk about. Mine is the Dragon's Breath Flight zip line in Labadee, Haiti. Dragon's Breath is the world's longest over […]
Welcome! Are you planning a trip to Washington D.C.? The Smithsonian's National Zoo is a great option for families. We have visited the San Diego Zoo and other major zoos in the U.S., and the National Zoo is on par with the better ones. For my animal-loving son, this was one of the highlights of our […]
Hey There! Let me tell you, I have heard some horror stories from parents about how miserable their time at the Roman Colosseum was. I have visited the Colosseum several times with my children and have picked up a few tips for making it fun and easy. Here is my list of MUST HAVE tips you […]
Visiting the National Archives was one of the highlights of my family's Washington D.C. trip last summer. We were there on Independence Day and figured that there was no better way to celebrate our nation's independence than by showing our kids the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. The National Archives is within a short […]
Hello! Do you love history? Do you also love visiting cool places most people haven't seen? As a history nerd and native Utahn, Topaz Internment Camp had been on my list for years. My family finally planned a spring break road trip through Southern Utah in 2016 that included a lot of smaller parks and […]
You haven't really been to Disneyland unless you've experienced at least a few of the best rides at Disneyland. All the attractions at Disneyland are great, but there are a few that so exceptional, they have earned a permanent place in our cultural heritage. Their creativity and attention to detail is unparalleled. Most have been at Disneyland […]
Hello! My family and I have visited Oklahoma City several times, but had never visited the Conservatory before. I have to admit that we probably liked it more than ever, going on a cold day in January. It felt like an escape to a warm tropical place, and we really enjoyed ourselves. The facilities include […]
Hello! We were excited for the opportunity to return to the Museum of Natural Curiosity during Christmas break. My sister was in town with her four children and THIS was one of the activities they specifically requested. We arrived right at opening time with six kids, ages 7 to 15. The Museum of Natural Curiosity […]
Thank you to Visit Ogden for sponsoring this post. I was compensated for writing this post, but was not hosted by any of the restaurants on this list. Hello! Do you know Ogden, Utah? If not, you're missing something good. Ogden is practically my hometown. I've lived about 15 minutes from downtown Ogden most of my life and […]
Happy New Year! It's hard to believe that 2016 is already ticking to a close. My family's year was filled with happy family memories, and I hope yours was too. Sure, not every day was sunshine and roses, but it's mostly the highlights we remember. I announced a few weeks ago in the email newsletter […]
Hello! Need some sunshine? Phoenix is the place to find it year-round. Phoenix is among the Top 10 largest cities in the U.S., so it is loaded with activities and amenities. It is a sprawling oasis in the desert. Temperatures are sunny and mild in the winter and incredibly HOT in the summer. When you're in […]
Hey there! Ford's Theatre is one of those gold-star destinations for history lovers. It's the place where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, which changed the course of American history. Ford's Theatre is located in the heart of downtown Washington D.C., just a few blocks from the most popular monuments and museums. Ford's […]
Hi there! Planning a trip to San Diego? SeaWorld San Diego has been one of San Diego's top attractions for families for 50 years. I have visited SeaWorld San Diego with my family several times in recent years, including a behind-the-scenes tour. Here are my favorite attractions, along with all my tips for making the […]
Hello! We recently returned from a fall trip to LEGOLAND California in the beautiful seaside community of Carlsbad. We were excited to check out Brick-or-Treat, LEGOLAND's Halloween celebration! SeaWorld and a day at the beach were also on our list. This trip was especially fun because my sister recently moved to Southern California and she visited […]
Does your family love movies? So do we! We have Family Movie Night every Friday. Drive-in movies are a summer tradition. Dinner and a movie is our go-to date night. We travel with movies. That's how much we love a good movie. We were so excited to work with the Sundance Film Festival last winter. […]
Happy Halloween! We just returned from a Fall Break trip to LEGOLAND California! Even though my kids are older now (ages 9 and 12), they were really excited to return to this fun family park. We made sure to visit LEGOLAND on a Saturday so that we could attend its special Halloween event, Brick-or-Treat. Brick-or-Treat is […]
Hello! A few newsletters ago, I invited our subscribers to send me their book recommendations. Lindsay Nieminen quickly stepped up with a list of her favorite books! It's a fun and diverse list full of page turners for adults and children. There are a few on this list that are new to me. I look […]
Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? You will definitely want to know about FastPass+. FastPass+ is the name of the game at Walt Disney World. If you haven't visited Walt Disney World since 2014, FastPass+ is all new. It's also completely different from the Disneyland FastPass system. If you can master the […]
Are you planning your first trip to Walt Disney World trip? Congratulations! It's such a magical vacation. Walt Disney World is an incredible destination, but it's not the kind of place where you'll want to show up without a plan. It pays to learn about When to go Top attractions in each park Ticket options […]
Hi there! What do you do when you NEED a sunny getaway, but the budget is tight? For many Utahns like myself, the answer is Casablanca Resort in Mesquite, Nevada. Mesquite is a small border town in southeast Nevada. It's about 30 minutes from St. George, Utah and 2 hours from Las Vegas. It is home to […]
Are you looking for a hotel for your next vacation? There are a few easy ways to narrow down the hotels that really love families. Hotels that truly cater to families offer amenities that make the family vacation better – preferably for no extra charge. How do you recognize a hotel that really wants your business? Search for these family-friendly […]
Coral Pink Sand Dunes was the place we nearly skipped on our Spring Break in Southern Utah, but it turned out to be one of our favorite parts of the trip. We had already been driving for hours, and despite the signs, we missed the turnoff to Coral Pink Sand Dunes near Kanab, Utah. We […]
Hello! We really wanted something fun to do on Labor Day. When I thought of all the fun things to do at Utah Olympic Park in Park City, I knew it would be perfect. I love that we live so close to these Olympic venues! It was even better than expected. Colorful fall leaves had begun to […]
Welcome! Camping is a FUN way to get close to nature and strengthen family bonds. Once you buy the essential gear, it can last for years. This makes camping a great, inexpensive alternative to hotels and vacation rentals. You can find family-friendly campgrounds in the mountains, on the beach and even at theme parks! There are several ways […]
Thanks to Galveston Island for sponsoring this post! Hello! I visited Galveston, Texas when my first child was young. One of my school friends lived there and we had a great time exploring this fun beach city together. Now that we are living in the Midwest and my family is older, we are plotting our […]
Hello! When our oldest child was a newborn, we attended a family reunion in Washington State and planned to drive through North Cascades National Park on our way home. Unfortunately, she became ill and we changed our route to stay closer to cities and get home quickly. Fast forward eleven years and our family had […]
Have you heard about National Harbor? I hadn't until my husband attended a professional conference there last July. We made a family vacation of it, and had a wonderful time! National Harbor, Maryland is a new planned community and conference venue. It is located about 10 miles from downtown Washington D.C. We loved relaxing by the pool and […]
A trip to the nation’s capital should definitely include a visit to George Washington’s estate, which is why I take all my out-of-town guests to tour Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon gets a shout-out for being one of the most family-friendly historical sites you can enjoy with children of any age. My two-year-old loves running around […]
Need a hotel in Washington D.C.? We landed at Hotel Madera for the last four nights of our Washington D.C. vacation. It was a great hotel for my family. Hotel Madera is a boutique hotel in Washington D.C.'s historic and stylish Dupont Circle neighborhood. It's located just a few blocks from downtown, but this hotel was the […]
Hello! When I told friends that my husband and I were headed to Nova Scotia, Canada, I got a lot of oohs and ahhs, but few of my friends had ever been there. I'm hoping to change that! Nova Scotia is a dreamy destination, as well as accessible and affordable – especially in the summer when […]
Thanks to Allianz Global Assistance for sponsoring this post about providing travel coverage for the unexpected. I received financial compensation from Allianz Global Assistance (AGA Service Company). #TravelHappy Hello! I'm so excited! We just booked our first family cruise for Spring Break 2017. This will be our kids' first cruise and we are looking forward to seeing […]
This is a sponsored post for the trekaroo Influencer Network. Our trip was not sponsored and all opinions are my own. Some moments are irreplaceable. A few of our best happened a few years ago near Henrys Lake State Park in Idaho. My extended family jumped at the chance to spend the long Independence Day weekend at a friend's cabin […]
Hey! You have to see this… Rafting the tidal bore was something I'd never heard of until a couple of weeks before our Nova Scotia trip. I still didn't quite understand what it was until we arrived at Wild Waters Rafting, but it turned out to be one of the highlights of an already amazing […]
When my family visited Bear Lake on the Utah-Idaho border last summer, I was excited to take them to Minnetonka Cave, just a few miles away. I had toured this cave before, when I visited Bear Lake with friends in my early 20's. I have toured several impressive caves since then, including Timpanogos Cave, Wind […]
Who else LOVES children's books? I don't mean books that you read to your children. I'm talking about children's books you read on your own, just for fun. I've found over and over that there are lots of “children's” books that are sophisticated enough to appeal to intelligent readers of all ages. Children's novels are perfect for reading on […]
This post was sponsored by Heber Valley. Ready to unplug? I understand where you’re coming from. Family life gets crazy and even the time honored family vacation is too often interrupted by phone calls, email, texting and altogether too much screen time. It's time to take a REAL vacation! Have you considered Heber Valley in Utah? It’s a […]
Hi there! Planning a trip to San Juan Island in Washington? Lime Kiln Point was irresistible when we planned our trip to the San Juan Islands last summer. This state park is known for its whale watching, historic lighthouse and rugged beauty. I'm a sucker for all three. Here's what you need to know before […]
Hooray! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has arrived at Universal Studios Hollywood. West coast muggles rejoice! Harry Potter fans will feel like they've stepped into the books and movies. The new Wizarding World in California is just like Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando Resort. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is included with every Universal […]
We'd like to welcome Sandy as a guest contributor to Tips for Family Trips! Sandy grew up in Virginia and lived in 10 places before landing in Minnesota, USA with her husband and three children. There is nothing she loves more than planning a trip and exploring somewhere new with her family. We are excited to […]
When you travel, do you enjoy sprinkling a little education into your entertainment? If so, the Kennedy Space Center is the perfect Florida destination for you. The Space Center is the perfect blend of learning in a fun environment. My kids knew we were there to learn about space travel, but we had so much fun playing […]
Wondering what there is to do in Victoria, British Columbia with kids? We've got a list of fun local activities that the whole family will love. We planned for one day in Victoria, British Columbia to our Pacific Northwest road trip last summer and it didn't take long to figure out that we needed more time to […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Southern Utah? My family has visited Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah three times. The first time was three years ago when I visited Zion National Park with my kids. We loved it so much that we planned a second visit with my husband during our last Spring Break […]
Howdy! You can never go wrong taking kids to a science center and Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City is no exception. We have visited it several times on our trips to Oklahoma City and our kids have a great time every time. We have four children, ages 6-14 and it’s getting harder to find activities […]
Getting there is truly half the fun on the Washington ferries. If you're planning a trip to Seattle, Whidbey Island, the San Juan Islands, Victoria B.C. or other parts of the Puget Sound, then taking a ferry may be your most direct route. Ferries are fun for families because they are a novel experience for […]
Between Star Wars, holiday events and anniversary celebrations, there are fewer and fewer weeks of the year when you can visit Disneyland and not worry about long lines and crowds. The good news is that when Disney parks are busier, they offer longer hours and more fun events. That means more parades, fireworks, shows, character greetings and celebrations! There are […]
If you’re like us, you’re wondering what on earth is a museum of osteology—and the answer is… BONES! One of only two museums about bones in the United States (the other located in Orlando, Florida), the Museum of Osteology is a surprisingly fascinating and educational museum in Oklahoma City. We are glad we went! From their […]
Hey there! Planning a cruise? One of my favorite things about a cruise are the ports. It's so fun to explore a new destination. Because our time in port is always too short, we've found that it pays to plan our shore excursions before our trip. There are three good reasons to plan ahead. Saves […]
Hello! Over the Christmas break, after several days at home enjoying movies and hot chocolate, I piled the family in the car and headed out on a small road trip to Luray Caverns. It was one of the highlights of our Christmas vacation and a perfect stop in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Luray […]
If you're planning a trip to LEGOLAND, you're in for a treat! We visited LEGOLAND California twice in the same year because our LEGO loving son loved it so much. We've picked up a few LEGOLAND tips to help you make the most of your day. Wondering what you need to know to make your […]
Hi! Are you considering a new Kindle ereader? Kindle is a great choice, but there are so many options! We have tried various Kindle models at my house and recently purchased new Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Fire models. Which is the best Kindle for you? That really depends on what you want it to do. […]
Hi! Looking for a hotel in Oklahoma City? The Hampton Inn and Suites Oklahoma City-Bricktown did not disappoint. We stayed in a double king suite, a room I previously did not know existed in the Hampton Inn chain. It was spacious, with plenty of room for my family of six. The family-sized room wasn't the […]
Hello! You must love nature, beaches, and adventures like I do. One of my favorite places is La Jolla cove in Southern California, so I was excited to try an ocean kayak tour to the La Jolla caves. I went with Bike and Kayak Tours. They offer a half-day bike and kayak package that I wish I'd had […]
One of the best things to do in the winter is ice skate outdoors. The Devon Ice Rink in downtown Oklahoma City is a great place to do this. It is centrally located and fun for the whole family. My family recently spent a weekend in Oklahoma City and our night at the Devon Ice […]
Hello! Are you drooling over gorgeous Norwegian fjord photos and trying to figure out if you can afford to take the Norway in a Nutshell tour? I was doing the same thing last year, but after doing some sleuthing I found that I could save hundreds of dollars and see the fjords just how I […]
Do you love baseball? If so, Spring Training in Phoenix, Arizona is the place to be for Spring Break! Teams from all over the U.S. come to Phoenix during the month of March to get ready for the regular season. They play each other all month long in 10 stadiums throughout the city. It's a […]
We'd like to welcome Robyn back to Tips for Family Trips! Robyn and her family were recently hosted by Oklahoma City so that we could share travel tips and inspiration for this great family destination in the Midwest United States. We begin her series with one of the best known and most important destinations in Oklahoma […]
Ice skating is a classic winter sport, and it doesn't get much better than ice skating outdoors in a place as charming as Midway, Utah. Midway is arguably the most delightful small town in Utah. Its abundance of fun activities and cozy resorts make it an ideal winter getaway for families, or for romance. My daughter […]
Hey there! We're going to Disneyland again! As we plan our trip, it's helpful to already know how Disneyland and Anaheim are laid out, and to be aware of some of the options and tools that can help us make the most of our trip and save money. So, today I'm sharing some of my Disneyland […]
Mummies are fascinating! They conjure up romantic and exciting images of ancient Egypt and monster movies. BONUS: They are also educational. So, I was excited to see Mummies of the World when it first came to Salt Lake City in 2013, and then again when it returned last month for a limited engagement at The Leonardo. […]
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? On a budget? I hear you! Many families dream of planning a Disney vacation, but sometimes it can feel cost prohibitive. Multi-day theme park tickets for a family of four can quickly cost over $1,000, before transportation, lodging, or food expenses. Is it possible to have a magical Disney […]
Hello! Lodging can be one of the biggest expenses of a family vacation, and we like finding a good budget hotel where we can afford to stay longer and travel more often. When I learned that Extended Stay America offers complimentary full kitchens, breakfast, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and more, I was eager to try it […]
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling , ring-ting-tingling too Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling “You Hoo” Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you Most of us are familiar with this classic holiday song, but have […]
Looking for a luxury resort in Park City that is fun for families? We recommend Montage Deer Valley. Montage Deer Valley in Park City, Utah sets a high standard as both a luxury resort and a family resort. My family spent a weekend here and we were impressed with the comfortable accommodations and excellent service. […]
Hello! Looking for something new to do in D.C.? Or someplace uncrowded, but fun? The National Postal Museum might be the best-kept secret in Washington D.C. It's conveniently located next to Union Station, it is free, and seldom crowded. The up-to-date, hands-on exhibits are fun for families. The National Postal Museum is one of 17 […]
Glad you're here! My husband and I love snorkeling in the Caribbean, so that was a top priority when we visited Turks and Caicos on a romantic getaway. Smith's Reef in Turks and Caicos is teeming with sea life just yards from the shore, making it a great destination for snorkelers of all abilities to […]
Hello! Winter may not be a great time to visit the zoo in most places, but in Phoenix, it's one of the best times of the year to go. My family visited the Phoenix Zoo earlier this year with my husband's brother, who lives in the area. We all loved spending time with him and seeing […]
Meadowlark Gardens Winter Walk of Light is an annual tradition for many families in the greater Washington D.C. area. This festive holiday display is found in Vienna, Virginia, just 30 minutes from downtown Washington D.C. If you are looking for a high-quality lights display, here is everything you need to know about Meadowlark Gardens Winter […]
Hello! If you're headed to Disneyland this year, Star Wars fans in your family will find a lot of fun changes. Star Wars has taken over Tomorrowland, and we were invited to check it out before it opened to the public. Want to know what to expect? Here is what you need to know to make […]
Seasons Greetings! I love to snuggle with a good book by the fireplace from Thanksgiving through the Christmas holidays, but after a few days at home, we get a little stir crazy during weekends and school breaks. When it is time to get out of the house, I choose holiday-themed destinations I know my kids will […]
Winter is almost here! Ski season will start soon, as my kids remind me with giddy anticipation. They both tried skiing for the first time last year, and after a single lesson, they were hooked. After three ski days they're already better than me, but let's be honest – it was a low bar. My daughter was […]
Why stay at the Anaheim Hilton Garden Inn? For many families the reason is just one word: Disneyland! Anaheim Hilton Garden Inn is just one mile from Disneyland and it offers plenty of family-friendly amenities. My family stayed here during a fantastic Halloween-themed Disneyland trip. Here's what you can expect at the Hilton Garden Inn in Anaheim/Garden Grove: Rooms We […]
After watching Disney's Frozen, I couldn't wait to visit Bergen, Norway, the city that Arendelle is based on. Beautiful Bergen with its busy harbor was everything I had dreamed it would be. Bergen is a popular stop for Scandinavian cruise ships, but it is also a great place to relax for a few days. If you have only […]
Hey There! I was sorting photos with my kids this weekend and we came across photos from our visit to Philadelphia's Please Touch Museum. My kids went crazy, begging me to take them back to Philadelphia so they could go again. Not deterred by the 3-hour drive to Philly, they agreed we must go back immediately. […]
Hey there! Love a good zoo? Wildlife World Zoo in Litchfield Park – just west of Phoenix – was our first stop on our Arizona Spring Break itinerary. My family loves visiting zoos, and we had a great time together here. Wildlife World Zoo began in 1975 as a breeding facility for rare wildlife. It […]
UPDATE: Disneyland has announced big changes to Mickey's Halloween Party in 2019! The party is now the Oogie Boogie Bash and it will be held in Disney California Adventure Park. Tickets go on sale to the general public on April 30, 2019. My strategies for Mickey's Halloween Party will still work for the Oogie Boogie […]
Hello! Planning to visit New York City with kids? I was in New York City for just one day with my 13-year-old daughter, and her only goal was to visit all the best Times Square candy shops. She was not looking for the small, unique chocolate shops (there are many of those as well). She wanted […]
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City holds the treasures of the world. I was thrilled to see the art and artifacts from ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt and Asia in person, as well as famous paintings by American artists like Gilbert Stuart. Beautiful jewelry, fashion, furniture and much more can be found throughout this great museum. […]
Brrr! Winter in Chicago is freezing cold. But the magic of this beautiful city comes alive during the holidays, and with world-class museums and a beautiful city skyline, Chicago is a wonderful big-city destination, even in the winter. I lived in Chicago when my two oldest daughters were preschoolers, and I fell in love with […]
Hello! Looking for something fun to do indoors in Phoenix? The Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix, Arizona is the type of museum my family loves. It's an exciting place that encourages children and adults to touch, try and learn something new at every turn. It was a welcome diversion on an unseasonably warm spring day […]
Hello! Though we travel frequently, we do not often travel internationally, so my children just got their first passports last summer. Passports for kids expire every 5 years, so there was no reason to start the clock until we had an international trip on the horizon. I started at the U.S. State Department's official website, travel.state.gov, and read through […]
You simply must make time to drive the Sognefjell Mountain Road if you are visiting Norway in the summer. This surreal road trip over the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe will make you wonder if you have landed on another planet. The Sognefjell Mountain Road takes you from the town of Lom through the Sognefjell mountain […]
Hello! Looking for a great hotel in Victoria, British Columbia? After a whirlwind trip through the beautiful San Juan Islands, we were excited to land at Parkside Hotel and Spa in Victoria, British Columbia for three nights. We had slept in a different place nearly every night for the previous week – usually in the same […]
Hey there! Duchesne County is not Utah's best known or most visited destination, but that hardly means that there is nothing fun to do there. In fact, Duchesne (pronounced doo-SHAYN) County has a lot to offer fun-loving families. Duchesne County is located less than two hours' drive from Salt Lake City, and less than one hour from […]
Hello! The Outer Banks of North Carolina are a popular summer beach vacation destination, and many families return year after year. When we go, we love to spend as much time as possible in the ocean swimming, body boarding, and surfing. However, on a week-long vacation, there are times when even the most avid beach […]
Hello! Facebook is full of fun back-to-school photos of all my friends' children this month. This seems like the perfect time to recommend The Graduate Hotel in Tempe, Arizona. This hip, moderately priced hotel is located across the street from Arizona State University and is fun for families. It would be an especially good choice for a […]
Hello! One night at North Beach Inn on Orcas Island was just not enough. We visited earlier this summer on a whirlwind tour of the beautiful San Juan Islands. We figured out a little late that we should have planned our itinerary around the ferry schedule, and were only able to enjoy one evening on Orcas […]
Hello! Are you planning a trip through Wyoming? Our family loved this hands-on historic stop. Westward expansion took many groups of people West in the late 1840s and 1850s. They traveled for different reasons: land, gold, religious freedom. An ill-fated group of Mormon pioneers left late in the summer of 1856 pushing handcarts. They ran […]
When our San Juan Islands whale watching tour was changed from Monday to Tuesday on short notice, we had a free afternoon on our hands. So, Crystal Seas Kayaking, a partner of our whale watching tour operator, suggested that we try a 3-hour family kayak tour. We own a couple of kayaks and use them […]
Need a place to stay at Utah's Bear Lake? We tried Conestoga Ranch and it was a lot of fun. Here is our family-tested Conestoga Ranch review. Bear Lake is a family tradition for many in my Northern Utah neighborhood. This beautiful turquoise lake straddles the Utah-Idaho border and is a popular place for boating, […]
Poet Dylan Thomas's memorable poem ends Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. While his poem focuses in living well before we die, for some reason I always think of this poem when I start seeing “Back to School” sales at Target. I want to rage against the […]
August is a great month to start planning next year's family reunion. When getting a large group together, agreeing on a location and finding lodging works best if you start one year in advance. I know it can be hard to nail down dates, but you will have the most options for lodging if you […]
Hello! Planning a trip to the San Juan Islands in Washington? This is one of those posts where I feel like I'm giving away one of travel's best kept secrets. We had no idea what to expect when my San Juan Island contact suggested that we visit Roche Harbor for lunch or dinner, and knowing […]
Hey there! When Utah State Parks contacted me about a stay at Palisade State Park, I confess that I had to look it up. I am a fan of state parks, and have visited many both inside and outside my home state of Utah, so I was excited to learn more about this fun family park that […]
On a recent trip to New York City with my 13-year-old daughter, I wanted to find somewhere fun to eat and I stumbled across Ellen's Stardust Diner. I can't believe I didn't know about this place before because we will definitely be returning and I would love to bring my whole family here. Ellen's Stardust […]
Hello! Planning a trip to San Diego? San Diego has over 70 miles of coastline and boasts some amazing beaches. How do you decide which San Diego beaches are best for families? Many beaches have a little different flavor, depending on what types of activities you are looking for. Do you want to play in […]
Looking for some fun things to do in Queens? When we planned our first family trip to New York City last year, we wanted to see the Statue of Liberty, Broadway, Central Park and all the other iconic attractions. However, we felt serious sticker shock when we saw rates for Manhattan hotels and started searching […]
Hey there! Have you heard of “glamping?” Glamping is a hot trend in family vacations right now. My family tried it for the first time a few weeks ago during our trip to the wild and beautiful San Juan Islands in Washington State. We stayed at Lakedale Resort – a fun, family-oriented resort just a […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Victoria? The Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria, British Columbia is a place of discovery. It's a fun place to learn about the adventurous spirit and unique history and culture of British Columbia. Both adults and children are likely to enjoy this museum. The Royal BC Museum is located one […]
Hello! Assateague Island National Seashore, a 37-mile long island along the coast of Virigina and Maryland, boasts some of the best beaches on the East Coast. Assateague Island is known for its wild ponies, excellent surf, and popular beach camping. Families will enjoy the nature center and lifeguarded beach. Bird watchers can enjoy over 320 […]
Hello! Can I be honest? As much as my family loves to travel, my kids prefer beaches and amusement parks to historical sights. However, I love history and want to share it with my kids. I feel strongly that my kids need to see important historical sites to better understand our history. With that goal in […]
Whale watching was a top priority on my bucket list for a long time. Tours can be hit or miss, but we could not have chosen a better day for our tour with San Juan Excursions. The weather was perfect and the whales and other wildlife were abundant. We experienced the best case scenario, and finally checked […]
Hello! Big cities can be notoriously expensive, but Washington D.C. offers so many free museums and tours that it is a great destination for families looking for an affordable big-city experience. Here are 25 of my favorite free things to do in Washington D.C. with kids. Museums and Buildings Smithsonian Museums – Washington D.C. is […]
Oslo, Norway, is a great place to begin or end a trip to Norway and the fjords. This mid-sized city is built up around Oslo fjord and has beautiful harbor views. Oslo is easy to navigate, with great public transportations options. Norway's independence from Sweden is recent history (1905), and the pride Norwegians feel in […]
Hello! Are you considering a trip to Friday Harbor? Earthbox Inn and Spa is a stylish motor inn located in Friday Harbor, Washington. It's a friendly place, and fun for families. Here's a list of what to expect at Earthbox Inn, plus extra tips for planning your trip. Conveniently located Earthbox Inn is located a […]
When we told people we were going to Victoria, British Columbia, nearly everyone asked, “Are you going to The Butchart Gardens?” Indeed, it's hard to say that you've really visited Victoria if you haven't seen its world-famous Gardens. But, is it a good choice for families? The Butchart Gardens has nearly one million visitors each year, and summer […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Philadelphia? Most big cities have double-decker bus tours, but the Big Bus Tour in Philadelphia was my first. I'm so glad we did it and will definitely check out Big Bus Tours in other big cities that I visit. Big Bus Tours of Philadelphia was a great way for our family of seven […]
Norway is the most beautiful country I’ve ever visited. The land of the Vikings is filled with majestic glacier-formed mountains and deep fjords. Hundreds of giant waterfalls cascade down the steep mountains into the fjords. The rain makes Norway lush and green, and picturesque Norwegian villages with white farmhouses and red barns will make you […]
Capitol Reef National Park in Utah is often overshadowed by it's showier neighbors, but there are a lot of fun things for families to do here. Last fall, my family returned to Capitol Reef for a multi-generation weekend with my husband's parents and sister, and her two children. The kids loved playing together, and I enjoyed […]
I just returned from a magical week in Norway with my husband and my parents. We wanted to see the land of our ancestors. My 3rd great-grandparents left Norway in the 1870s to start a new life in America. I didn't realize I would fall in love with this beautiful country and feel such national pride […]
My 13-year-old daughter and I just rode the Bolt Bus from Washington D.C. to New York City. After checking prices on Amtrak and Bolt Bus, I found that two round-trip tickets on Bolt Bus were $100 compared with $276 on Amtrak for our travel dates, so we opted to save money and try out the […]
Hello! Love National Parks? Badlands is a wild and exciting park located not too far from the Black Hills of South Dakota. Badlands National Park defies the imagination. Rising eerily out of the green prairies of South Dakota, the painted hills of Badlands could not be more different than the Black Hills a few miles to […]
Planning a trip to New York City? Families might recognize the American Museum of Natural History as the setting for the Night at the Museum movies. I admit that was one of the reasons my children (ages 7 and 10) were excited to visit this world-famous science museum. It turns out that a lot […]
The Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District hotel in downtown Philadelphia is an ideal location for families visiting historic Philadelphia. Located on the same block as the Christ Church Burial Ground and Benjamin Franklin's grave, this section of Philadelphia is teeming with history. You can stay right in the heart of it all at the beautiful Wyndham […]
Salt Lake City is my hometown and we spend many of our weekends and school breaks exploring all the free ways to enjoy Salt Lake City with kids. Whether you're vacationing in Utah, or you're a local family looking for ways to get out of the house, we have a list of ideas. Keep reading for descriptions […]
Hey there! Does anyone in your family love dinosaurs? Are you considering a trip to Dinosaur National Monument? The Utah Field House of Natural History in Vernal exceeded my family's expectations. I had visited this museum years before as a teen, and remembered a dusty, old-fashioned museum full of dusty old dinosaur bones. On our last trip, […]
Hey there! I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Turkey Hill mint chocolate chip ice cream is a staple in our house. So when I told the kids we were visiting the Turkey Hill Experience as part of our spring break trip to Pennsylvania, there was much screaming for ice cream. The idea of all-you-can-eat […]
Hello! We asked our subscribers to share their best Disney tips with us, and now we're sharing their tips with you, plus a few of our own. Planning 1. Always check for specials, even after you have booked your vacation. We saved 25% by calling Disney Travel months after we initially booked. They were more […]
Taking the family to New York City? Are you nervous about navigating the subway system? We were. Riding the New York City subway can be intimidating for first-timers. On our family's first subway ride, we were late, we were disoriented, and when we stepped on to the train for the first time with our two […]
Hey there! My family stayed at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix during spring break, and its' now one of my kids' favorite hotels EVER. The Arizona Grand Resort and Spa in Phoenix is a luxury resort, but it's friendly, unpretentious and fun for families. The resort offers a lot of activities to keep you from […]
Hey there! When my family was invited to try Rustler's Rooste in Phoenix, Arizona, we thought we knew what to expect. I envisioned steaks, western decor and maybe some peanut shells on the floor. Rustler's Rooste turned out to be one of my kids' favorite restaurant experiences of all time. For starters, Rustler's Rooste can […]
On a recent trip to New York City, my daughter and I had the pleasure of staying at the Wellington Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. This 113-year-old hotel exudes the charm of Old New York and is central to everything in Midtown. The Wellington Hotel is within easy walking distance of Carnegie Hall, Central Park, Broadway, Times […]
The weather is getting warmer, the daffodils and tulips are popping up in our yard and the hopefulness of spring is stirring in my soul. It is a perfect time to visit Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City. The gardens are a peaceful urban retreat that offers lots of room for exploration. Red Butte Garden is a […]
When you visit beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, you will most likely see an Amish buggy or two as you drive through town. The Amish Village is a great introduction to the Amish way of life. The Pennsylvania Amish have lived in Lancaster County for nearly 300 years. Their way of life focuses on service to God, family […]
I love to find ancient rock art in our travels, and feel lucky to live in Utah where we have a lot of good sites. Seeing a figure that was painstakingly chipped into a rock face and has been preserved for a thousand years or more inspires my imagination. Petroglyphs help me to feel connected […]
Hello! The Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa was the first stop on our recent spring break vacation in Phoenix. I was instantly impressed by the beautiful grounds, historic character, and authentic Southwestern attitude. We loved this laid-back historic property, which opened 85 years ago as a retreat for Goodyear executives. The Wigwam Resort is a modern […]
Did you know? The only warm water SCUBA diving destination in the continental United States is in… Utah. The Homestead Crater is a geothermically heated pool inside a limestone dome on the property of the Homestead Resort. The pool is 35 feet deep, and the water is 90-96 degrees Fahrenheit, year-round. Visitors are invited to […]
Hello! It's surreal to stand on a sandbar in waist-deep water in the middle of the ocean, but I did it at Stingray City Sandbar. Add 30 stingrays to the experience, and it was the highlight of our trip to the Cayman Islands. A visit to Stingray City is a must if you visit Grand Cayman. Stingray City […]
The National Building Museum may not be as popular as some Washington D.C. museums, but the indoor play areas at this museum are the best I've seen in Washington D.C. I cannot believe I only discovered this museum after four of my five children started school, because it is a great place to bring toddlers. If […]
What kid doesn't love to go camping? Part of the magic of camping with kids can be helping them cook their own food. While I often resort to the easy hot dog over the fire, kid-friendly campfire cooking can be delicious and adventurous. Here are several tried and true recipes that my family loves. Campfire Cooking: […]
Hey there! If anyone in your family loves dinosaurs, then it's hard to ignore the appeal of Dinosaur National Monument near Vernal, Utah. I have been to Dinosaur National Monument a few times, but my kids had never seen it until we visited last summer. At ages 10 and 7, they were the perfect ages […]
Hello! The more I experience modern art with my family, the more I like it. How about you? Sure, there were some works at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City that I really didn't understand. Like the snow shovel hanging from the ceiling. Or the potato house. Or A wall pitted by […]
Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, was ranked the 2nd best beach in the world by TripAdvisor in 2015. My husband and I just returned from five days in the lovely Atlantic Ocean Beach Villas located right on Grace Bay, and these affordable villas would be an excellent choice for a family vacation. We […]
The snow is finally melting in Virginia, which means it is almost time for spring hiking. Great Falls Park is one of my favorite places to hike in Northern Virginia. Great Falls Park is only 15 miles outside of Washington D.C., which makes a great day trip if you want to get out of the city. […]
Trying to decide which island to visit? Each island I've visited has a bit of a different personality, so if you are trying to decide if Bermuda is for you, here are 11 things to do in Bermuda that will make you wish you could be there tomorrow. Beautiful Beaches Elbow Beach and Horseshoe Bay […]
Vernal is the heart of Utah's Dinosaurland, which has one of Utah's best family destinations for decades. Last summer, my family returned to Vernal for the first time in ten years and I was surprised to find how much the city had changed since our last visit. We found new playgrounds, museums, restaurants, shopping and hotels […]
Hello! Planning a trip to San Diego? Balboa Park is one of my family's favorite destinations. On two different trips, we have reserved two full days for Balboa Park – one day for the San Diego Zoo and another to roam the museums, gardens and playgrounds. Our two visits were several years apart, and my kids […]
Lake Placid is a resort town nestled in New York's massive Adirondack Park, and it is a fun year-round destination for families. In the winter, this two-time Olympic host city is a great place to find world-class skiing and other winter sports. In the summer, those mountains turn a rich green and welcome hikers, bikers and […]
Hey there! Are you looking for a vacation destination that will keep toddlers, teens and adults happy? There are so many fun things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia that there is something for everyone in the family. We've been with babies, with teens, and with grandparents and think anyone could easily enjoy a week here. […]
Hey there! Who's ready for a beach vacation? Whether you're planning a winter getaway, Spring Break or beyond, Clearwater Beach, Florida is a great beach town for families. We loved the famous white sugar beaches, free family events, places to get away from the crowd, educational attractions, fun local food and lots more. Here are my family's top picks […]
Hey there! Looking for tips for the most popular museum in Washington D.C.? I took my 3-year-old son to the National Air and Space Museum last week. I wanted to check out the Spirit of St. Louis since I just read Bill Bryson’s One Summer: America, 1927. This book details Charles Lindbergh’s historical flight in May 1927 when […]
Spending a week in St. Lucia or just stopping for a day on a Caribbean cruise? If you want to experience the beautiful rainforests of St. Lucia, make Treetop Adventure Park one of your St. Lucia excursions. My husband and I visited St. Lucia on a scuba diving trip without the kids, but the day we […]
Hello! Looking for an exciting family adventure? Utah's Heber Valley is home to a long list of fun winter activities for families, but snow tubing at Soldier Hollow was one of our favorites. This was my family's first experience on a commercial tubing hill, and it was even more fun than I expected. Soldier Hollow was an Olympic […]
Hey there! Make-A-Wish families receive a one-day pass to SeaWorld Orlando, in addition to three days at Walt Disney World and two days at Universal Orlando. We found that SeaWorld is the park that best adapts to the busy schedule of a Make-A-Wish trip. It can be high-adrenaline or easy-going – whatever works best for […]
Hello! Looking for a family-friendly hotel in San Diego with a great pool and convenient location? I had the opportunity to spend a couple of nights at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay in San Diego last November. It was cold and snowy at home, but I enjoyed warm sunshine, swaying palms and morning walks by […]
Planning a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park? There are a lot of fun things to do in this beautiful Utah national park. When I was growing up, I visited Bryce Canyon National Park every year, because we often visited family in Southern Utah. I have returned to Bryce Canyon with my own children several […]
Hey there! I'm a fan of museums, landmarks, historical sights, and great beaches on vacation, but sometimes, vacation is all about good food. On our recent family trip to Chicago, we decided to do the pizza challenge with our kids and search for the best deep dish pizza. Unfortunately, we were only in town a […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Chicago? The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the finest museums in the world. In fact, TripAdvisor awarded it the #1 museum in the world in 2014. While showcasing beautiful works of art, the Art Institute of Chicago does an exceptional job of making its collections family-friendly. I especially […]
Hi there! Planning a family cruise? Good call! A cruise is a great way to vacation with a large family. Once you get there, the itinerary, dining and entertainment are all taken care of, so you can just enjoy time with the family. I have taken two cruises to the Bahamas with my entire family in […]
It is common knowledge that Utah is one of the best places to ski or snowboard. However, Utah's not-too-cold winters and outdoorsy attitude mean that there are many fun ways to play in – and out of – the snow. Here are a few fun things (other than skiing and snowboarding) to do in Utah this […]
Hello! Ready for a relaxing, family-friendly getaway? Omni La Costa Resort and Spa is a luxury resort in sunny Carlsbad, California. It is one of the best-rated family resorts in the U.S. and is a top golf and spa destination as well. I stayed at Omni La Costa for a family travel conference, and was […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Chicago? The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is my all-time favorite museum. Ten years ago I lived in a suburb of Chicago, and I took advantage of the free museum days for Illinois residents and visited as many museums as I could. When we returned to Chicago for […]
January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month and I recently decided that since we live in Utah, it was time that my children learned to ski. I skied nearly every winter through my teen years, and though I am not an avid skier, I felt that it was important that my kids experience the favorite local sport. I chose […]
I see trees of green, red roses too I see them bloom, for me and you And I think to myself, what a wonderful world. I hear babies cry, I watch them grow They’ll learn much more, than I’ll never know And I think to myself, what a wonderful world Yes I think to myself, […]
Interested in an extraordinary museum experience? The International Spy Museum is one of the best museums for families in Washington DC. I knew my teenagers would love the International Spy Museum, but I was worried about keeping my 3-year-old happy. I shouldn't have. As we left the museum he yelled, “That was awesome! I love […]
Updates for 2015 The exhibit, titled Pollination Station, will be open Nov. 26, 2015-Jan. 3, 2016 and will feature oversized bees, flowers, and butterflies in a winter wonderland setting. Can you think of anything more festive than greenery and poinsettias? I had heard for years that my kids would love the model train exhibit at the […]
Does your family have travel plans this holiday season? If you will be flying, chances are good that you'll have a layover. If it's a long layover, have you considered adding a fun side trip into the city? When my family flew from Salt Lake City to New York City last summer, we had a six-hour […]
Hello! Do you love history? Step back in time with a visit to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia. Situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, the quaint town of Harpers Ferry is rich in history and natural beauty. I knew Harpers Ferry was the location of John Brown's fort, but […]
The mountains outside my windows are dusted with snow, and within a few weeks, Utah's ski season will be in full swing. If you're planning a ski vacation, Cliff Lodge at Snowbird offers family-friendly luxury lodging at one of Utah's top ski resorts. Snowbird hosted my family earlier this year, and we had a great weekend. However, I […]
The National Museum of Bermuda, formerly known as the Bermuda Maritime Museum, is a fascinating place to discover the interesting history of Bermuda. Spread over several acres and many buildings, the National Museum of Bermuda is located in a fort at the old Royal Naval Dockyards. This unique layout makes the museum ideal for families. The grounds have […]
Hello! Are you willing to leave the tourist trail for one of NYC's best museums? New York City has a lot of great museums, but the Museum of the Moving Image is the only museum in New York City that my 7-year-old son enthusiastically recommends. We took him to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, and […]
Fort McHenry, famously known as the inspiration for the Star Spangled Banner, is a historic fort in Baltimore, Maryland. In September 1814, the British navy needed to control Fort McHenry to invade Baltimore. The brutal attack lasted 25 hours. Francis Scott Key, an attorney attempting to negotiate with the British to free a prisoner of war, observed the battle from […]
Welcome! I'm pleased to announce that Tips for Family Trips has partnered with Get Away Today Vacations. I was excited about this opportunity because I was already a satisfied customer of this family-focused travel agency. Get Away Today bundled our Disneyland hotel and theme park tickets for a competitive price, so planning my daughter's 6th birthday at Disneyland could […]
Cunningham Falls State Park, nestled in the picturesque Catoctin Mountains of Maryland, will appeal to families of all ages. Just a little over an hour outside of Washington D.C., Cunningham Falls State Park is a nice escape from the city. Cunningham Falls State Park is divided into the William Houck area and the Manor […]
Hey there! Does the idea of booking a family-friendly hotel in New York City feel overwhelming? It did to us. There are so many choices, and if you're not familiar with the city, it can be difficult to narrow them down. The other challenge to booking a New York City hotel is price. A hotel that might […]
Calling all art lovers! On our family vacation in New York City, we took time to explore The Noguchi Museum and Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens. If you like modern art, these family-friendly gems are worth a visit. Here's what to expect at the Noguchi Museum and Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens, with tips for […]
Renting a Boston whaler from Somerset Bridge Watersports was the perfect active adventure on our recent romantic getaway to Bermuda. When I travel, I prefer to get away from busy tourist attractions and experience a destination in a more personal way. I cannot imagine a better way to see Bermuda than by renting a motorboat from Somerset Bridge […]
Our world changed on 9/11. I didn't know any of the victims or heroes personally, but September 11, 2001 remains an important date in my memory. The new 9/11 Memorial and Museum opened just a couple of weeks before our family trip to New York City, and for my husband and me, it was a […]
Bermuda is a dreamy, carefree island destination. But before you take off with nothing more than your flip flops and a swimming suit, here are a three tips for planning a trip to Bermuda. Transportation Rental cars are not allowed in Bermuda. Tourists can travel by scooter, bus, ferry, or taxi. The bus system appears to work […]
Does your family love history? Or do you have a train lover? Golden Spike National Historical Park is a monument to an event that changed American history in a big way. In a day when cars or airplanes can travel anywhere, anytime, it can be difficult to appreciate just how momentous the completion of the transcontinental railroad was […]
I had a hard time figuring out exactly what the Wild Center was until we tried it for ourselves. I had visited its attractive website, and read some impressive reviews, but I was still not quite sure what we had signed up for. Indoors or outdoors? Museum or outdoor exploration? How big was it? Was it […]
Elbow Beach, Bermuda was our resort of choice on a recent romantic getaway I took with my husband. We only had a few days, and the short, direct flight to Bermuda from Washington D.C., along with Bermuda's pink sand beaches and lush vegetation, made it the perfect place to unwind. Bermuda is an excellent vacation destination for couples […]
Hello! For many visitors to New York City, the trip is not complete without seeing the city from the top of the Empire State Building. Did you know that you can do the same thing from the top of Rockefeller Center for less money and often with smaller crowds? It's called Top of the Rock. Top […]
I was a volunteer at the Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games in 2002, and have enjoyed visiting the Olympic venues in my own back yard. When we visited Lake Placid, New York, I was excited to see how Lake Placid's venues would compare. We visited on a weekday early in the summer season, so […]
I love a relaxing beach vacation, but when we visited the Outer Banks of North Carolina, my family enjoyed learning some important aviation history by visiting the Wright Brothers National Memorial. In 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright made history by completing four brief flights in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. When you visit the Wright Brothers Memorial, you […]
When I told my children we were going to visit Starvation State Park (now Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation), they were not sure they liked the idea. They were completely confused when I told them we'd have a picnic at Starvation. Even I was not sure what to expect at this reservoir with a […]
Hello! Need a place to stay in New York City? This Wyndham hotel is a good option. On our family vacation to New York City last June, we avoided high Manhattan hotel prices by staying in Queens. The Long Island City neighborhood of Queens is just one subway stop from midtown Manhattan and many of […]
The rotating exhibits at the National Geographic Museum in Washington D.C. ensure that this museum is always fresh. Washington D.C. is filled with excellent museums, but this often-overlooked gem is worth carving out an hour or two enjoy. The National Geographic Museum has two large exhibit spaces that change every few months. You could visit often and […]
Hey there! What do you get when you ask 15 food, craft, travel and lifestyle bloggers their for summer reading recommendations? A diverse list of great books that will keep you busy all summer long. 1. The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley ~ “This book was not what I expected…it surpassed what I was hoping […]
Whitewater rafting is a FUN summer adventure for families. We recently joined Adrift Adventures for a one-day Green River rafting trip through Dinosaur National Monument in eastern Utah. We rafted nine miles through Split Mountain Gorge. Here is what you can expect when you raft Dinosaur National Monument with Adrift Adventures. Fun for families Children as […]
Hey there! Ready for some excited screams and shouts from your kids on vacation? Spend an evening ghost crab hunting for an experience you will never forget. A trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina would not be complete for my family without a late-night trip to the beach to hunt ghost crabs. What are […]
Is the Statue of Liberty at the top of your family's list when you visit New York City? It took me 40 years to finally get to New York City for the first time and you better believe the Statue of Liberty was a must-see for my family. The Statue of Liberty is one of the great […]
Hello! Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort in Lake Placid, New York was the second leg of our recent New York vacation. We spent nearly a week in New York City and when we were offered the opportunity to visit the family-owned Golden Arrow, it seemed like the perfect place to unwind and recharge for the last few days […]
Hey there! I consider myself a fairly savvy traveler, but to save a few bucks, I made a rookie mistake with my airfare over spring break. In the interest of saving you the hassle I experienced, I encourage you to always book your airline travel direct through the airline instead of through a third-party discount website. […]
Hello! Planning a trip to the Adirondacks or Vermont? I'm pretty geeky about American history, so Fort Ticonderoga was a must-see for me on our Adirondacks road trip. It's right on the New York-Vermont border. Fort Ticonderoga is a place where history comes to life. Located in New York's beautiful Adirondack Park, Fort Ticonderoga has […]
On a recent family vacation to New York City, we had the opportunity to spend a night at Courtyard Marriott LaGuardia Airport Hotel in Queens. Here's what you need to know to decide if this hotel is right for your family. Rooms Our room at Courtyard Marriott LaGuardia was clean, comfortable and modern. Like most […]
My two youngest kids and I went to play at Brownie's Beach, Maryland. My little ones loved digging in the sand, but I was most excited to look for shark's teeth. Our fossil-finding mission was successful! The fossils we found were very small, but they were easy to find as we sifted through the rocks […]
We took a road trip to Myrtle Beach over Memorial Day weekend to kick off summer with some sun, sand, and surf. We were fortunate enough to stay with family so we wanted to explore some beach options outside of the traditional Myrtle Beach hotel area. We visited both Myrtle Beach State Park and the the […]
It's not too late to plan a family reunion in Park City, Utah this summer. It's also not too early to start planning for next year. Park City is one of the best places in Utah to find lodging and activities for everyone in your family or group. I recently had the opportunity to sit […]
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in tune once more.”~John Burroughs When I want to get my kids outdoors and in tune with nature, my first-choice destination is Shenandoah National Park. Towering trees, stunning waterfalls, abundant wildlife, wonderful hikes, and excellent camping options make this park an outstanding destination […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Disneyland, Walt Disney World or a Disney cruise? One fun way to make the most of a Disney vacation is to pack a costume for your children to wear in the parks or at sea. It makes the trip extra special, ensures fun photos, and sparks fun memories every time […]
La Jolla Cove is a beautiful, small beach nestled between sandstone cliffs near San Diego. La Jolla Cove is part of a marine ecological reserve, making it one of the best places to snorkel or scuba dive in Southern California. We visited on a sunny day in August to check out the tide pools […]
Welcome! The amazing thing about Utah's national parks is that they are so near each other, yet so different. In Arches, you will spend most of your time looking up at the unique and beautiful rock formations. Just a few miles away in Canyonlands National park, you look down at endless canyons and plateaus carved […]
Thinking about Arches National Park? It's one of my favorite places. It's just a few hours from home, so we have been there with our kids, grandparents, and friends many times. On one President's Day weekend in Moab, Utah, we only had half a day to spend in Arches National Park, so we focused on our […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Washington D.C.? A tour of the U.S. Capitol Building is a must-see for visitors to Washington D.C. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your visit. There are two ways to schedule tours of the U.S. Capitol Building. The first is through the office of […]
Weekend getaways for couples with children may be hard to arrange, but a few days away with your spouse will pay dividends for months. Since I live 2000 miles away from both sets of grandparents, when we want to take a couples trip, we often have to get resourceful on who we ask to watch […]
Utah has a lot of good dinosaur museums, and my family has visited most of them. We think it's really cool that in parts of Utah, it's difficult to dig a hole without finding a dinosaur in it. Price, Utah is one of those places. We stopped to visit the USU-Eastern Prehistoric Museum in Price […]
It's not often that we post about Do-it-Yourself projects here at Tips for Family Trips, but when my sister told me about this easy, packable football toss game her sister-in-law made for a family reunion, I had to try it. In addition to family reunions, you could use this football toss on a camping trip, an […]
If you'd like to see what Florida's beaches looked like before hotels, restaurants and shops were built along the shores, plan a visit to Caladesi Island State Park. Caladesi Island, located a few miles north of Clearwater Beach, Florida, is a good place to escape the crowded and commercialized beaches, and collect shells, enjoy a […]
Hello! Are you planning to visit Universal Orlando through Make-A-Wish? My family had the opportunity to visit Universal Orlando Resort as part of my son's Make-A-Wish trip to Walt Disney World in June 2013. My son had Burkitt's Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. We took his Make-A-Wish trip after the end of […]
Hello! Planning a trip to San Diego? Last summer, my family set out to visit tide pools in the San Diego area and ended up at Cabrillo National Monument. We saw amazing scenery and learned that we should have planned a little better to enjoy the tide pools. If you want to visit the tide […]
UPDATED NOVEMBER 2014 Bistro West is one of two onsite restaurants at the top-rated West Inn and Suites in Carlsbad, California. I have had the opportunity to dine at Bistro West on two different trips to Carlsbad – with my children and without – and it is one of my favorite restaurants in the San Diego […]
The Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel is an excellent choice if you're planning a visit to Bryce Canyon National Park. My husband and I recently enjoyed a romantic winter getaway to Bryce Canyon and we were glad we chose the Bryce Canyon Grand. The hotel is situated near the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park, and […]
Hello! As the January cold and snow sets in, I always start dreaming of a beach vacation. My family's favorite summer beach vacation is the Outer Banks in North Carolina. If you want to rent a beach home in the Outer Banks this summer, now is the time to start planning for it! The Outer […]
Planning a winter trip? If it has been a while since you've driven in snow, or if you're a first timer, there are a few tricks you'll want to know that will help you and your family stay safe. I've lived most of my life near Salt Lake City, Utah. We have the Greatest Snow […]
Seeing the Temple Square Christmas lights in downtown Salt Lake City is a holiday tradition for many Utah families. The Temple Square Christmas lights are open to the public every day from the day after Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve. It's a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of Christ during this happy season. My […]
Make time this holiday season to see the Festival of Lights at the Washington DC Mormon temple. This stunning display of over 600,000 Christmas lights is open every night in December and is free to the public. Plan to take in a free, family-friendly Christmas concert at the Visitor's Center and enjoy the creche display […]
Looking for a hotel in Carlsbad, California? West Inn and Suites is one of my favorite hotels anywhere. Here's why. We stayed at the highly rated West Inn during a family trip to the San Diego area, and the comfort and service were indeed superior to comparable hotels we have visited. I especially liked the long list […]
Hello! The 13 presidential libraries in the United States are perfect for families interested in studying history, particularly political history. Presidential libraries are more museums and archives than actual libraries, housing important documents and paperwork as well as memorabilia and artifacts from a president's term of service. Presidential libraries originated when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt […]
Planning a trip to the San Diego Zoo? The world-famous San Diego Zoo is one of the top attractions for families in the San Diego area. It is conveniently located near downtown San Diego and offers visitors the chance to see exotic animals that are not commonly found in other zoos. Our family recently made […]
A Library of Congress tour may not be on the top of the list for first-time visitors to Washington D.C., but it should be. The Thomas Jefferson building, one of three Library of Congress buildings on Capitol Hill, is open for public tours and is well worth your time. Completed in 1897, this beautiful building […]
Every family vacation should have at least one perfect moment. Here's one of mine. I was relaxing in a beach chair next to my husband, our toes buried in the sand. Our children were building sand castles and collecting sea shells nearby under a rising full moon. We had a beautiful view of San Diego's […]
Hey there! Until I moved to Virginia, I dreamed of planning a fall trip to New England to see the fall foliage. Not anymore. Beautiful fall foliage can be found just about anywhere in Virginia. When is the best time to see fall leaves in Virginia? Mid-October to early November is usually peak season for […]
My husband and I recently enjoyed a one-night romantic getaway in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. For this visit, we chose the historic Peery Hotel. I like to stay at unique and historic places, and the Peery Hotel had been on my list for awhile. What we loved History – The building is on the National […]
Jamestown Settlement is a delightful living history museum that will interest people of all ages. At Jamestown Settlement, experience the history of the first permanent English colony in America. Jamestown was settled in 1607 when three ships sailed successfully from England to Virginia. As you tour Jamestown Settlement, you will learn about the voyage of the […]
Hello! Today I'm sharing a great hike in Sky Meadows State Park the kids and I took this summer that would be AMAZING in mid-October when the leaves change. And by the way, if you want to know when and where to find beautiful fall foliage in Virginia, check out the weekly fall foliage report from […]
The C&O canal offers visitors a chance to step back in time with two unique canal boat ride experiences. I took my youngest children to Great Falls Park in Potomac, Maryland, to ride a historic mule-drawn canal boat. We experienced riding a canal boat up and down the lock, and got a small glimpse of […]
Welcome! Arlington National Cemetery is the resting place of more than 400,000 veterans. A crisp fall day is my favorite time to visit this cemetery, since you will spend plenty of time walking outdoors. If you go when the leaves are changing in October, the sight is stunning when contrasted with the hundreds of thousands […]
Imagine stories of sword fighting, romance, wars, and intrigue, and you've got the makings for a dream vacation to Scotland to tour some of the hundreds of Scottish castles. We spent a few days in Scotland with my two oldest daughters in 2010 and toured Edinburgh castle, Stirling castle, and Tantallon castle. I fell in […]
Timpanogos Cave National Monument is a favorite destination for both locals and tourists. It offers visitors unforgettable views, both inside and outside the cave, and is conveniently located just 35 miles south of downtown Salt Lake City in American Fork Canyon. I recently visited Timpanogos Cave with a church group of 23 teenage girls, and […]
Sweet, dripping peaches fresh from the tree, delicious honeycrisp apples, and apple cider donuts are three great reasons to visit Marker Miller Orchard. Located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley just outside of Winchester, Virginia, Marker Miller Orchard is one of my favorite summer and fall outings with kids. Northern Virginia and Maryland have many orchards. […]
Our family had four weeks before school started with no plans. I wanted to make sure we did more than just sit around and play video games, so we made a list of active, outdoor activities we wanted to enjoy. The highlight of our month was a Harpers Ferry zip line excursion with Harpers Ferry Canopy […]
Our family stayed at Coral Springs Resort during a recent visit to the national parks in Southern Utah. We spent one day touring Bryce Canyon National Park and a second day hiking The Narrows in Zion National Park. At the end of those spectacular, but strenuous days, we loved relaxing in our spacious suite at […]
Hello! Planning a trip to San Diego? The USS Midway Museum is one of the most family-friendly museums I have ever visited. Young children are encouraged to climb in planes, push buttons, and pull levers. I visited with my five children – from teens to toddlers and we all had a great time. The USS […]
Have you ever wondered which wish the Make-a-Wish organization grants most often? Over 40% of wishes granted by Make-a-Wish are Disney related. Many of these, including my own son's wish, are to visit Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. For kids like my son, Disney World has it all – Mickey Mouse, Star Wars, […]
Deep Creek Lake State Park in Maryland is a beautiful family-friendly park for swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, camping and more. Lakefront beaches are the perfect place for families to entertain children of all ages. My children ages 2-13 all found something to enjoy at Deep Creek Lake State Park. The older kids spent the day […]
The Zion Narrows is an increasingly popular hike for families in Zion National Park, and for good reason. This walk through the Virgin River Gorge lets visitors see some of the most beautiful parts of the park – dramatic cliffs, hanging gardens and gorgeous colors. It is also a great hike during the summer months […]
Reston Zoo offers a unique experience that large zoos cannot compete with. My family was able to pet, feed, and play with goats, pigs, sheep, budgie birds, antelope, giraffes, and many more animals on our recent trip to the Reston Zoo, which is an experience we haven't had in all our years of visiting zoos […]
We have a few more weeks of summer vacation here in Utah. What to do with kids once the glow of long, lazy summer days has worn thin, the family vacations are past, and the temperatures soar? Take them to the library. Better yet, spend a whole day at an extraordinary library. For my children […]
Planning a trip to Washington D.C.? The monuments are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Washington D.C. In summer months when the city is warm and crowded, spend your days indoors and see the monuments at night. Monuments at Night Tips Wear good walking shoes because the best way to see the […]
Today I appeared on KSL's Studio 5 to talk about creative family reunion ideas. Family reunions are great opportunities to bring families together to create great memories, but planning them can be a lot of work. Many families have cherished reunion traditions, but there is usually room for some new activities too. If you […]
Renting a vacation home is a wonderful alternative to hotel rooms for a family who travels. I realized how much I hated sleeping in hotels with a family of five young children when I made a bed in the bathtub for my three-year-old to give her a quiet place to fall asleep. I have discovered […]
Hi! Have you seen the movie Dolphin Tale? This 2011 hit is the inspiring true story of a dolphin named Winter who washed up injured on a Florida beach and eventually lost her tail. She was rescued and fitted with a prosthetic tail by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and the technology that went into it helps […]
Hello! The afternoon we spent at Swallow Falls State Park, Maryland, in 2012 was such a hit with my kids that they begged to return in 2013. Swallow Falls State Park's short, easy hike can be done in under one hour, or it can take your entire afternoon if you stop to splash in the […]
Are you planning to stay at Give Kids the World Village as part of a Make-A-Wish trip to Orlando? Our family had the chance to stay at Give Kids the World for a week after my six-year-old son made a wish to visit Disney World through Make-a-Wish. He was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in November […]
If you are going to be anywhere near the Washington D.C. area this summer, make time to see a performance at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. This unique venue features concerts and plays nearly every night of the summer from May to September, as well as an amazing children's Theater in the […]
Hello! When we pulled into Frenchy's Oasis Motel in Clearwater, Florida, we needed a vacation from our vacation. We had just visited seven Orlando theme parks in six days and we were looking forward to a couple of relaxing days on the beach. Frenchy's Oasis Hotel was just what we were looking for. Everything about […]
It is no picnic to pack up the camping gear for seven of us and wedge it into and on top of my minivan. But my children find our annual camping trip the highlight of their summer vacation, and I have yet to find another family vacation that brings my family together as much as […]
Hello! Considering a trip to Canyons of the Ancients? It is an amazing place. We drove through this National Monument with our kids, and the archaeological sites are amazing. The museum is quite good too. Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is a relatively new addition to the National Park Service roster. It is located […]
Are you headed to the Black Hills with young children? You'll want to know about Storybook Island in Rapid City. Storybook Island in Rapid City, South Dakota is one of the best parks for families I've ever seen. If your family is planning a trip to Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills, consider making time […]
Hey there! Planning an airplane trip with a little one? Feeling nervous? I've been there. As much as I love to travel with my family, flying with a toddler is enough to make me break out in a cold sweat. After flying frequently with my five kids for the past 13 years, I have learned […]
True Confession: I am afraid of fish. Okay, so I'm not really afraid of them, but the thought of touching a fish makes me squeamish. It's unreasonable, but avoiding fish on a day-to-day basis is not difficult, so this fear has not generally been a big problem for me. Until recently. We were offered the chance […]
APRIL 2018 UPDATE: It's been a few years since Katie personally hiked Gros Piton, but we've recently been in touch with the Gros Piton Trail Office in St. Lucia to answer reader questions and ensure that this post is up to date. Here is Katie's experience with updated pricing and tour information. Hello! Do you […]
I'd like to welcome Katie Baird as a new author at Tips for Family Trips! Katie and I have been friends for a long time, and we share a love of travel. Katie is the mother of five children, from teens to toddlers, and if anyone has tips for traveling families, she does. I was […]
Looking for a place to stay near Zion National Park? Zion Ponderosa Ranch and Resort, which borders the less-visited east side of Zion National Park in Southern Utah. Here is our Zion Ponderosa review. We have visited Zion National Park many times, but I saw right away that our experience at the Zion Ponderosa would […]
Planning a trip to San Diego? The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is different from any other zoo my family has visited. We made a special trip for it – along with LEGOLAND California and plenty of beach time – right after my son successfully completed cancer treatment. It was a much-needed vacation for our […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Mesa Verde National Park? On our visit to Mesa Verde National Park, our family had the opportunity to take the 700 Years Tour. It is a four-hour guided bus tour of the fantastic Ancestral Puebloan ruins found throughout this unique national park. Our tour began bright and early at the […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Mesa Verde National Park? The Far View Lodge was our lodging of choice when we visited Mesa Verde National Park. We do recommend this hotel to other families visiting this national park, but this lodge may not be right for all families. Here's what we loved and what we didn't […]
Do you need a great hotel in a great location in Salt Lake City? We tried the University Guest House at the University of Utah and we would happily stay again. My husband and I stayed at the University Guest House for an overnight romantic getaway. We chose this hotel for its location, and I […]
The Hill Aerospace Museum at Utah's Hill Air Force Base has been my go-to destination to beat boredom since my children were very young. It is a unique and interesting attraction for visitors to the area, and it holds up to repeat visits from locals like us. The museum consists of two climate-controlled hangars and a large […]
Winter is a great time to visit the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our family made a winter visit to the zoo a few years ago, and have looked forward to a winter trip to the zoo every year since. Winters in Utah are known to be snowy and cold, but on a […]
Our family's travel plans may be on hold due to my son's recent cancer diagnosis, but Tips for Family Trips lives on. I still have great local places to recommend and lots of reviews to write from trips past. We have reason to hope that we will be adventuring again by this summer. This post […]
Hello! Shore excursions are the best part of any cruise, and my favorite excursion so far has been our trip to the Mayan ruins of Lamanai in Belize. It was part of a Western Caribbean cruise itinerary that also included Cozumel and Honduras. Our tour began with a van trip through Belize City, which brought […]
If visiting the ancient ruins of Mesa Verde National Park is not on your bucket list, I suggest you reconsider. The mysterious and photogenic Anasazi cliff dwellings preserved there are perhaps the most impressive archaeological sites in the United States. We visited during the month of October. The weather was perfect and the park was […]
Hello! Brimstone Hill Fortress was at the top of our list when my husband and I stopped at St. Kitts on an anniversary cruise vacation to the Eastern Caribbean in 2011. It's not every day that we have a chance to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On our cruises to Alaska and the Western […]
UPDATED FEBRUARY 2014 The Leonardo in Salt Lake City, Utah is a museum that many local families have not yet discovered, but they should. The Leonardo is “a contemporary museum that explores the unexpected ways that science, technology, art, and creativity connect.” Our children were not enthusiastic when we first told them about it, and my […]
The Temple Quarry Trail at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon near Salt Lake City is a great short trail for families. This flat, paved loop trail is less than half a mile long and is wheelchair and stroller accessible. It's a fun little nature walk with historical features. Signs describing both the natural and […]
The size of Maddox Ranch House restaurant makes no sense in a small town like Perry, Utah, until you realize how many people travel to eat there. Our family is among that number. Maddox Ranch House first opened in a small log cabin in 1949 and has since grown into a large, two-story restaurant flanked […]
Hey there! Last weekend, we took our first family camping trip. Growing up in the wide open spaces of Utah, my husband and I both went camping every summer as kids. When we married, we assumed that we would go camping with our children. We bought a tent and acquired an air mattress and sleeping bags along the […]
Hello! Welcome to my first Disneyland post! These are solid tips that we still rely on after several more trips to Disneyland 🙂 When we visited Disneyland with our children and my mom in 2010, it was not my first time to Disneyland, nor my husband's. However, it was the first time we visited Disneyland […]
Near the junction of Interstate 15 and Interstate 70 in Utah (AKA the middle of nowhere) sits Cove Fort. This historic fort was a stopping place for frontier travelers from 1867 to about 1890. It is now a fun and educational rest stop for modern travelers. Cove Fort is owned and maintained by the Church of Jesus […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park? When we visited Yellowstone National Park over the 4th of July in 2008, I was astonished by two things. First, that Yellowstone is big enough to comfortably accommodate large summer holiday crowds. Second, the park is full of wildlife that can be seen readily from the main […]
Gilgal Sculpture Garden is one of those places you'll never find unless you know where to look. It would be possible to walk past the entrance without noticing or dine at the Chuck-a-Rama buffet restaurant on the opposite side of the block without realizing that one of Salt Lake City's treasures is tucked between a Wonder Bread […]
Hey there! In a state with the “Greatest Snow on Earth” it's ironic that snow rarely falls in Utah's Snow Canyon State Park. Named after Mormon pioneers Lorenzo and Erastus Snow, this state park is located in Utah's warm southwest corner. It is a great place to find sunshine during the dark days of winter. Snow Canyon State […]
Welcome! Temple Square has long been one of Salt Lake City's most popular tourist attractions. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) have become prominent in politics, entertainment, sports and even on Broadway, this attraction is more interesting and relevant than ever. It's not only a religious site. It's an integral part […]
Hello! Looking for a fun, active, all-weather activity? Trampoline parks seem to be everywhere these days, and my kids love them. These springy playgrounds are a great way for families to have fun and burn calories, regardless of the weather outside. Our family visited Get Air in Kaysville, Utah. Here's what you need to know before you […]
It's fun and easy it is for families to ride Utah's Frontrunner commuter train and Trax light rail system. Here are three fun Frontrunner day trips for families: Ogden Ogden was once a major railroad hub, so riding Frontrunner is a good way to begin a day of train-themed fun. The Frontrunner station is located […]
UPDATED APRIL 2015 Public transportation is a good way for visitors and locals to reach major attractions in Salt Lake City without the hassle and expense of renting a car or finding parking. The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) manages light rail, commuter trains and buses from Brigham City to Payson. For families, the most convenient public […]
Our day in the High Meadows area at Park City Mountain Resort had a rough start. My daughter complained that her boot hurt. My son whined that he didn't want to be there. Both kids were impatient as we waited to pick up our passes and it all made me feel grouchy. I was tempted to get back in […]
A trip on the Heber Valley Railroad, known to longtime locals as the Heber Creeper, takes passengers back in time. The station has a historic look and feel, the train cars are original, and there is no air conditioning or Wifi. It's an excursion to a different time, when people opened the windows on a summer […]
Hello! Planning a trip to South Dakota? You probably won't be able to miss signs for Wall Drug. It's one of the kitschiest road trip attractions in the U.S.A., and it's a must if you visit Badlands National Park nearby. Wall Drug is a gift shop, restaurant, pharmacy, photo op and free family attraction all […]
I always feel a little anxious when we leave home for a vacation. What if something happens while we're gone? Our home could be burglarized. It might catch fire. The apocalypse could occur. None of these things are probable, but there some home security tips we use every time we take a vacation that makes the […]
Utah is chock-full of dinosaur museums, and that's good news for my five-year-old dinosaur lover. What makes the Eccles Dinosaur Park in Ogden different? First, there is a lot more to it than a museum full of bones. Second, it's the only major dinosaur attraction north of Salt Lake City. Our family enjoys the Ogden Dinosaur […]
Who loves travel deals? I do! Those Groupon Getaways deals are tempting, but are they really a good deal? We tried it and found out that they can be if you're smart about it. We recently bought a Groupon for three nights in a one-bedroom condo from Key to the Rockies in Keystone, Colorado. We took the […]
We took a side trip to historic Deadwood, South Dakota during our family vacation to the Black Hills. Deadwood is famous for its legends as much as its actual history as a 19th century Old West mining town. Today, visitors flock to Deadwood to connect with history and try their luck in one of Deadwood's gambling halls just […]
Hello! Are you stopping at St. Croix on a Caribbean cruise? Rainbow Beach is close to the cruise port in Frederiksted. Rainbow Beach in St. Croix, U.S.V.I., is the beach you are thinking of at 5:00 PM every day. Its clean sand, blue-green water, and swaying palms attract both tourists and locals, and being near […]
Hello! Planning a trip to Salt Lake City? Tracy Aviary is the oldest aviary in the United States and it's one of my family's favorite downtown activities. This “bird zoo” is located in Liberty Park – one of Salt Lake City's largest public parks. Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City, Utah is the sort of […]
Hello! Looking for a cruise excursion or day trip in Grenada? Grenada's Seven Sisters Waterfall is located inside Grand Etang National Park, a short drive from the cruise ship dock in the city of St. Georges. We hiked to the Seven Sisters Falls during an anniversary cruise without our children and it was one of the […]
Hello! Looking for a hotel in Rapid City, South Dakota? After looking at many (I mean MANY) hotels in Rapid City and the surrounding area, we chose the Howard Johnson Inn and Suites in Rapid City for our first Black Hills vacation. There are many comparable chain hotels in Rapid City, but ultimately, we chose this […]
Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park sprawl for miles beneath the Black Hills of South Dakota. Though within a few miles of each other, they are different experiences. One or both caves are a great addition to any Black Hills itinerary. Do you love caves? If so, there's an easy answer: SEE […]
Bear Country U.S.A. offers a driving tour where you're guaranteed to see loads of black bears roaming through wide open spaces like they would in the wild. If that's not a slam dunk, I don't know what is. It's also located on the same road that you'll drive from Rapid City to Mount Rushmore. The Black […]
