Tag: Family Adventure

Up to the North Dakota State Capitol Observation Deck, and back down again! A view of the Capitol Grounds as well as the city of Bismarck from the 18th floor! North Dakota State Capitol Building in Bismarck, North Dakota

Inside the North Dakota House of Representatives in the North Dakota State Capitol Building in Bismarck, North Dakota

The Theodore Roosevelt Rough Riders North Dakota Hall of Fame Inside the North Dakota State Capitol Building in Bismarck, North Dakota

The Flags of North Dakota on display in the North Dakota State Capitol Building in Bismarck, North Dakota. The American Flag Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Spirit Lake Nation Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate The North Dakota State Flag To Check Out More Cool Things to Do in North Dakota with Kids CLICK HERE! To See Everything Our Family Has Done in North DakotaRIDE WITH US HERE! To Learn More About the Indigenous Tribes of North DakotaCLICK HERE or on Any Photo in the Album Below!

Interior elements of the North Dakota State Capitol Building in Bismarck, North Dakota

Capitol Grounds and Exterior Architecture of the North Dakota State Capitol Building in Bismarck, North Dakota

22 State Parks • 3 Historical State Parks • 4 State Forests • 30 State Wildlife Management Areas4 National Forests • 2 National Historic Sites • 1 National Historic Park • 9 National Wildlife Refuges Alabama State Park Educational Resources Cheaha State Park Leave No Trace Explorer’s Club – Delta, AL DeSoto State Park Junior Ranger Book – Fort Payne, AL DeSoto State Park – Legends on the Lookout – Fort Payne, AL Historic Blakeley State Park Junior Ranger Program – Spanish Fort, AL Alabama Forestry Commission Educational Resources US Forest Service – Junior Forest Ranger Program Smoky Bear Educational Resources Alabama State Parks Park Name Location Bladon Springs State Park Bladon Springs, AL Blue Springs State Park Clio, AL Buck’s Pocket State Park Grove Oak,…

Alaska State Park Planning Tools Fees by Park Facility Annual Parking Passes Trail Maps and Guides Alaska State Parks By Region Chugach Region Chugach State Park – Anchorage, AK Kenai Peninsula / Prince William Sound Region Anchor River State Recreation Area – Homer, AK Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site – Valdez, AK Caines Head State Recreation Area – Access via Seward, AK Captain Cook State Recreation Area – Nikiski, AK Clam Gulch State Recreation Area – Clam Gulch, AK Crooked Creek State Recreation Site – Kasilof, AK Deep Creek State Recreation Area – Ninilchik, AK Eveline State Recreation Site –…

Arizona State Park Planning Tools Arizona State Park Fee Schedule Arizona State Park Annual Pass Arizona State Parks and Trails Oh, Ranger Guide Arizona State Park Educational Resources (See More Below!) Junior Buddy Program – Arizona Statewide Edition Arizona State Parks & Trails Coloring Fun with Rocky Arizona Junior Ranger Downloadable Activity Sheets Arizona Animal Babies I Love to Go Boating! A Wear it Arizona Boating Safety Coloring Book Kartchner Caverns State Park Natural History Curriculum Pack Kartchner Caverns State Park Discovery Center Scavenger Hunt Riordan Mansion State Historic Park – A Family and a Forest Curriculum Guide Arizona State…

Arkansas State Park Planning Tools FAQ: Arkansas State Parks are FREE! Arkansas State Park Maps Arkansas State Park Educational Resources Arkansas Butterfly Checklist Arkansas State Park Explorer Program Arkansas State Parks Park Name Location Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources Smackover, AR Arkansas Post Museum Gillett, AR Bull Shoals-White River State Park Bull Shoals, AR  Cane Creek State Park Star City, AR Conway Cemetery State Park Little Rock, AR Cossatot River State Park – Natural Area Wickes, AR Crater of Diamonds State Park Murfreesboro, AR Crowley’s Ridge State Park Paragould, AR Daisy State Park Kirby, AR Davidsonville Historic State Park Pocahontas,…

California State Park Planning Tools Maps of California State Parks California State Park Day Use Fees California State Park Annual Passes California State Park Educational Resources California State Parks Adventure Pass Program – FREE Park Admission at 19 California State Parks for Fourth Graders! List of California State Parks that Accept the Fourth Grade Adventure Pass California State Parks Junior Ranger Programs List of California State Parks With Junior Ranger Programs California State Parks Junior Ranger Adventure Guide Guia de Aventuras del Guardabosque Juvenil California State Parks Kids in Parks California State Parks Take-a-Hike: Mojave Desert Explorer Program California State…

Colorado State Park Planning Tools Brochure Guide to Colorado State Parks Interactive Map Park Finder Colorado Parks & Wildlife Annual Pass State Wildlife Area Pass Colorado State Park Educational Resources (See More Below!) Colorado State Parks & Hatcheries Passport Program Colorado State Parks Park Name Location Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Salida, CO Barr Lake State Park Brighton, CO Boyd Lake State Park Loveland, CO Castlewood Canyon State Park Franktown, CO Chatfield State Park Littleton, CO Cherry Creek State Park Aurora, CO Cheyenne Mountain State Park Colorado Springs, CO Crawford State Park Crawford, CO El Dorado Canyon State Park Eldorado Springs,…

Connecticut State Park Planning Tools Find-a-Park Interactive Map Season Passes for Out-of-State Visitors Connecticut Resident Passport to the Parks Connecticut State Park Educational Resources (See More Below!) Letterboxing in Connecticut State Parks Explore Connecticut’s Wildlife Activity Book Connecticut State Park Educational Games and Activities Wildlife Fact Sheets Wildlife Habitat Fact Sheets 25 Wildlife Activities You Can Do at Home Dinosaur State Park Virtual Activities I Spy in Connecticut State Parks Activities I Spy! Connecticut State Symbols I Spy! Connecticut Wildlife I Spy! Connecticut State Parks Connecticut State Parks Park Name Location Above All State Park Warren, CTLitchfield, CT Air Line…

Delaware State Park Planning Tools Delaware State Park Map Delaware State Park Educational Resources Marshall Mansion at Auburn Valley State Park Coloring Page Bellevue Hall at Bellevue State Park Coloring Page Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse at Cape Henlopen State Park Coloring Page Blue Ball Barn at Alapocas Run State Park Coloring Page Brandywine Park Rose Garden at Wilmington State Parks Coloring Page Brandywine Park Zoo at Wilmington State Parks Coloring Page Kayaks on the Shore at Lums Pond State Park Coloring Page Delaware State Parks Park Name Location Alapocas Run State Park Wilmington, DE Auburn Valley State Park Yorklyn, DE…

Florida State Park Planning Tools Florida State Park Fee Information Florida State Park Annual Pass Florida State Park Educational Resources Florida State Park Junior Ranger Program Florida State Park Junior Ranger Program – Map of Participating Parks Florida State Park Junior Ranger Passport Book Florida State Park Junior Ranger CORE Activities Florida State Parks Park Name Location Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park Ormond Beach, FL Alafia River State Park Lithia, FL Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park Tallahassee, FL Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Haines City, FL Amelia Island State Park Jacksonville, FL Anastasia State Park St….

Georgia State Park Planning Tools Georgia State Parks Map Georgia State Park Annual Passes Georgia State Historic Site Annual Passes Senior, Military, and Disabled Veteran Discounted Pass Programs Library Loaner Annual Pass Program Georgia State Park Rewards Program Georgia State Park Educational Resources Georgia State Park Junior Ranger Program! Collect all 59 Badges! Georgia State Park E-Ranger At Home Activities! Spring Scavenger Hunt Colors in Nature Scavenger Hunt Arbor Day Scavenger Hunt Nature BINGO Georgia Parks and Natural Resources: A Guide For Educators Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites Guide Georgia State Historic Sites by Subject Georgia State Parks Park…

Idaho State Park Planning Tools Idaho State Parks Annual Pass Idaho State Park Educational Resources Idaho PBS Science Trek Idaho State Park Teacher Resources Idaho State Park Mascot Scout the Fox Idaho State Park Junior Ranger Program Idaho State Parks Online Junior Ranger Program Idaho State Parks Junior Ranger Videos and Resources Idaho State Park Experience Idaho Loaner Backpack Program Be Outside, Idaho Program Idaho State Parks Park Name Location Ashton to Tetonia Trail Ashton, ID Bear Lake State Park St. Charles, ID Bruneau Dunes State Park Bruneau, ID Castle Rocks State Park Almo, ID City of Rocks National Reserve…

Illinois State Park Planning Tools The Illinois Department of Natural Resources does not charge an Entrance Fee to any state owned or operated land with the exception of Wildlife Prairie Park and sites with beaches. Beaches charge a $1 a day per person for beach use only. Illinois State Park Educational Resources Illinois Wildlife Activity Books! (Highly Recommended! These are AWESOME!) A Year with Wildlife Un Año con la Vida Silvestre Aquatic Resources of Illinois Recursos Acuáticos de Illinois Creatures of the Night Criaturas de la Noche Forest Ecology Illinois Common Birds Aves Comunes de Illinois Illinois Forest Facts (Grades…

Indiana State Park Planning Tools Indiana DNR Entrance Fees & Annual Passes Interpretive Center Hours and Locations Map of Interpretive Centers Indiana State Park Educational Resources Hoosier Discover Patch Program Hoosier Challenge Patch Program Hoosier Quest Pin Program – (PINS) Arts In Indiana State Parks Program Schedule Get Outdoors! Checklist and Hoosier Child! Certificate Hoosier History Curriculum Pack Cultural Resources & History at Indiana State Parks Indiana State Parks and Recreation Areas Park Name Location Brookville Lake Brookville, IN Brown County State Park Nashville, IN Cagles Mill Lake Cloverdale, IN Cataract Falls State Recreation Area Spencer, IN Cecil M. Harden…

Iowa State Park Planning Tools Resident Fees: Iowa State Parks do not charge entrance fees except at Lake Manawa and Waubonsie State Parks. Non-Resident Annual Pass Available Campsites Iowa State Park Passport Program Iowa State Park Educational Resources Teacher Resources Iowa State Parks Ambrose A. Call State Park Algona, IA Backbone State Park Dundee, IA Badger Creek State Recreation Area Van Meter, IA Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park Carlisle, IA Beeds Lake State Park Hampton, IA Bellevue State Park Bellevue, IA Big Creek State Park Polk City, IA Black Hawk State Park Lake View, IA Blackburn State Park / Waubonsie State Park Thurman,…

Kansas State Park Planning Tools Kansas State Park Fees Kansas State Park Passport for Residents Kansas State Park Educational Resources Kansas Wildlife Educational Resources Nature’s Notebook! 327 page Wildlife Exploration Guide! Something Wild! 110 page Wildlife Guide Wildlife Education Teacher’s Guide Grades 1-3 Wildlife Education Teacher’s Guide Grades 4-6 Kansas On T.R.A.C.K.S Materials Kansas Museums and Nature Centers Southeast Kansas Nature Center Pratt Education Center Olathe Prairie Center Milford Nature Center Kansas Wetlands Education Center Great Plains Nature Center Kansas State Parks Park Name Location Cedar Bluff State Park Ellis, KS Cheney State Park Cheney, KS Clinton State Park Lawrence,…

Kentucky State Park Planning Tools Kentucky State Park Maps Kentucky State Park units DO NOT charge general admission fees. However, there may be additional fees for camping, lodging, and other activities. Kentucky State Historic Sites DO charge per person entrance fees, and the fees are listed on the bottom of each site’s individual page. Kentucky State Parks Park Name Location Carr Creek State Park Sassafras, KY Columbus-Belmont State Park Columbus, KY Dawkins Line Rail Trail Swamp Branch, KY E. P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park Louisville, KY Fort Boonesborough State Park Richmond, KY General Burnside Island State Park Burnside, KY Grayson Lake State Park Olive…

Louisiana State Park Planning Tools Louisiana State Park Fees Louisiana State Educational Resources Louisiana State Parks Junior Ranger Program Booklet Louisiana State Parks Junior Ranger Program Punch Card Uniquely Louisiana Educational Resources Adventures in Classroom Archaeology Grades K-12 Classroom Archaeology for Middle Grades Louisiana Native American Resources Poverty Point Expeditions Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Educational Resources Volume I  Waterways and Structures Volume II  Natural Resources/Habitat and Environment Volume III  History and Culture/Regions and Parishes Louisiana State Parks Park Name Location Bayou Segnette State Park Westwego, LA Bogue Chitto State Park Franklinton, LA Chemin-A-Haut State Park Bastrop, LA Chicot State Park…

Maine State Park Planning Tools Maine State Park Day Use Fees Maine State Park Annual Passes Maine State Park Special Events Maine State Park Map Maine State Park Campgrounds Map Maine State Park Educational Resources Maine State Park Passport Program Maine State Park Geocaching Challenge Maine State Park Educational Resources Maine Agriculture in the Classroom Lesson Plans Maine State Park Kids Activity Pages Seashore Bingo Seashore Search Crossword Puzzle Seashore Journal Maine State Park Nature Notes Activity Sheets Frogs Are Calling Bloodroot – Spring Woodlander Gray Jay – Northern Forest Mascot Ruby-throated Hummingbird – Flying Jewel Star and Angel Wings…

Maryland State Park Planning Tools Maryland State Park Map Maryland State Park Annual Passes Maryland State Park Educational Resources Maryland State Park Discovery Packs Maryland State Park Virtual Ranger Video Collection Western Maryland Rail Trail and Woodmont Natural Resources Management Area Activity Booklet Maryland State Park Park Quest Program Park Quest Printable Passport Book Western Maryland Fort Frederick – The Baltimore Bird (this same Quest is also available at the Western Maryland Rail Trail and Woodmont) Fort Frederick – Women in Conservation (BONUS QUEST) Gambrill – Send Me On My Way​ Gathland – Walking In The Footsteps Of Civil War…

Massachusetts State Park Planning Tools Massachusetts State Park Maps Massachusetts State Park Trail Maps Massachusetts State Park Camping Information Massachusetts State Park Parking Fees Massachusetts Resident Annual State Park Pass Massachusetts State Park Educational Resources StoryWalk Adventures Coastal Scavenger Hunt Fun in Nature Senses Scavenger Hunt Fun in Nature Conversation Cards Fun in Nature Story Cubes Massachusetts State Parks Park Name By Location Alewife Brook Reservation Cambridge, MA Ames Nowell State Park Abington, MA Ashland State Park Ashland, MA Bash Bish Falls State Park Mount Washington, MA Beartown State Forest Monterey, MA Beaver Brook Reservation Belmont, MA Belle Isle Marsh…

Michigan State Park Planning Tools Michigan Recreation Passport – Annual Pass for State Parks, State Recreation Areas, State Trails, State Forests, State Campgrounds, and State Boat Launches Michigan State Trail Guide Michigan Department of Natural Resources Maps Outdoor Adventure Center Michigan State Forests Michigan State Forest Campground Basic Information Michigan State Forest Campgrounds Michigan State Forest Campground Amenities Michigan State Forest Campground Maps Michigan State Forest Roads & Maps Michigan State Forest Backcountry Camping Michigan State Park Educational Resources Michigan State Park Junior Nature Explorer Junior Ranger Program Michigan History Center Michiganology Website Michigan State Park Online Nature Videos and…

If you’re looking for BIG adventure on your way to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, be sure to truck it on over to Digger’s Dungeon in Poplar Branch, NC! Here, you’ll find an entire playground for ALL THINGS Grave Digger, THE premier Monster Truck on the Monster Jam Circuit! Grab all kinds of merch in the Grave Digger Fan Shop, take photos with the trucks, and get a taste of garage life at Digger’s Racing Shop! But, wait, you can also grab a bite at Digger’s Diner or Lil Digger Snack Shack! Get up close and personal with animals…

One great set of destinations to consider as you travel near or far, is visiting State Capitol Buildings in each state! History, culture, government, and gorgeous architectural elements await your enjoyment! Many State Capitols also have museums and exhibits that further detail everything from a state’s Native People, to its Geology, Wildlife, and more! You can also find monuments, memorials, statues, and gardens throughout most Capitol Grounds. Will the State Legislature be in session? Find out! Explore State Senate Floors, House Chambers, or maybe even meet Senators or Representatives in person! You could easily spend a morning, afternoon, or entire…

Along the natural beaches of Cedar Key, Florida, you can experience an abundance of marine animals in their natural Gulf habitats. Sand, surf, and the everchanging tides make way for starfish, shells, crabs, jellyfish, barnacles, seaweeds, and more! I took a few hundred photos, so I broke them down into a few albums: Album One: Starfish of Cedar Key! Album Two: Shells of Cedar Key! Album Three: Sisters Walking on Cedar Key Beach! Album Four: Random Shots on Cedar Key Beach! To learn more about anything you see, just click a photo! CLICK HERE for Florida Shell Guides! To explore…

Cedar Key is a quaint, but spirited, old fishing village nestled in a series of islands of the northwestern Gulf Coast of Florida. In town, you will find waterfront seafood shacks, old fashioned ice cream parlors, and and unique shopping opportunities. Along the natural beaches, you can experience an abundance of marinelife in their natural Gulf habitats. Sand, surf, and the everchanging tides make way for starfish, shells, crabs, jellyfish, barnacles, seaweeds, and more! I took a few hundred photos, so I broke them down into a few albums: Album One: Starfish of Cedar Key! Album Two: Shells of Cedar…

We spent a lovely evening exploring Cedar Key, Florida. Cedar Key is a quaint, but spirited, old fishing village nestled in a series of islands of the northwestern Gulf Coast of Florida. In town, you will find waterfront seafood shacks, old fashioned ice cream parlors, and and unique shopping opportunities. Along the natural beaches, you can experience an abundance of marinelife in their natural Gulf habitats. Sand, surf, and the everchanging tides make way for starfish, shells, crabs, jellyfish, barnacles, seaweeds, and more! Be sure to look closely at the photos below to see how the starfish move their little…

Downloadable Junior Ranger Programs and Educational Activities US Forest Service Junior Forest Ranger US Forest Service Junior Forest Ranger en Espanol US Forest Service Junior Snow Ranger US Forest Service Coloring Pages Be Sure to Check Out Our Family’s National Forest Adventures! Waterfall Scrambling at Berthoud Falls – Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests – Berthoud Falls, Colorado National Forests Allegheny Pennsylvania41°39′N 79°01′W Angeles California34°24′N 118°10′W Angelina Texas31°13′N 94°17′W Apache-Sitgreaves Arizona, New Mexico33°44′N 109°05′W Apalachicola Florida30°11′N 84°41′W Arapaho Colorado39°41′N 105°56′W Ashley Utah, Wyoming40°38′N 110°06′W Beaverhead-Deerlodge Montana45°30′N 113°00′W Bienville Mississippi32°16′N 89°30′W Bighorn Wyoming44°32′N 107°21′W Bitterroot Montana, Idaho45°46′N 114°17′W Black Hills South Dakota, Wyoming44°00′N 103°47′W Boise Idaho44°07′N 115°34′W Bridger-Teton Wyoming42°45′N 110°45′W Caribou-Targhee Idaho, Wyoming41°57′N 112°08′W Carson New Mexico36°30′N 106°04′W Chattahoochee-Oconee Georgia34°45′N 84°07′W Chequamegon-Nicolet Wisconsin46°02′N 90°48′W Cherokee…

Whether you are a newly-inducted Junior Ranger, or a seasoned National Park Enthusiast, coloring books are a great way to bring the love of our National Parks into YOUR home! Are you planning an NPS visit? Or commemorating a past Park trip? These coloring books will enhance your National Park experiences for years to come! Just click on any image to learn more about the product! And enjoy! CLICK HERE FOR MORE GREAT IDEAS!Page 1 of National Park Coloring Books!

Whether your Junior Ranger is new to the game, or you are all seasoned National Park Enthusiasts… Or maybe even if you are a Not-So-Junior-Ranger, but still LOVE our National Park System… We’ve got a list of the COOLEST Junior Ranger Supplies that every National Park Adventurer needs for YOUR next trip! From board games and card games, to vests and hats; as well as books, activity books, notebooks, tools, and toys! Learn more about any product by clicking on the images below! And, Let YOUR journey into our National Treasures begin! CLICK HERE for 350+ FREE Junior Ranger Books…

Frist Museum of Art – Nashville, TN Another well-rounded collection of museums that offer each other’s members the benefits of reciprocal admission, is that of ROAM – The Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums. Many of these museums fall into the Art, History, and Culture categories, and there is a bit of overlap with the NARM Reciprocal Program; but I do see some locations on here that are unique to this ROAM Program. Typically, your membership card from a participating location will enable you to receive FREE, but sometimes discounted, admission to any of the other participating locations. But, as with…

Chancing across the Bonneville Salt Flats and the Bonneville Salt Flats International Speedway was another unexpectedly awesome gem of a find on the slow but lovely ride back East! Over 30,000 acres of wide open salt fields surround Interstate 80, just East of the Nevada / Utah Border. Remnants of Pleistocene-Era Lake Bonneville, this is the largest area of salt flats west of the Great Salt Lake. And it definitely looks and feels like you are traversing ancient lands, or even the alien surfaces of distant planets! The area is open to the public for general frolicking and enjoyment. There…

Oh, there are SO many wonderful waterfalls to explore in the Valdez area of Alaska! Where the Chugach Mountain Range meets the Prince William Sound is BREATHTAKINGLY GORGEOUS! As I put our notes together, I hope you will see why Valdez was OUR favorite stop in Alaska. So many people are quick to add Anchorage, Fairbanks, Denali, Seward, Kenai, and Homer to their To-Do Lists, and rightfully so, but we talked to so many families that weren’t sure Valdez was worth the time. Let me promise you, Valdez IS incredible!! And SO very worth your time! If you are planning…

This kid loves him some fishing, but hasn’t had a lot of opportunity to spend time with someone to help show him the ropes. I used to fish with my PaPaw growing up, but I’ve never really had the patience to learn the ins and outs of specific methods. In a strange stroke of luck, though, we happened across some fellow Full Time Families in Hope, Alaska; and Trent was kind enough to take some time to show Logan how to catch this beauty, as well as a few others! Our other friends, Doug and Harmony, cooked up the day’s…

Grizzly’s is the “True Alaska Curiosity Shop” and worth a look while enjoying Downtown Anchorage! They boast a huge selection of T-Shirts, Ulus, Smoked Salmon, Chocolates, Post Cards, Totems, Jewelry, Soaps, Made in Alaska, Books, Gifts, Alaska Souvenirs… And so much more! Check it out! How could you say no to this adorable gang?!

Billed as Alaska’s Biggest Gift Shop, we definitely appreciated their low prices on souvenirs. We always do our best to support small businesses as we adventure, and Polar Bear Gifts is an Alaskan-owned business with prices even lower than Wal-Mart in most instances. So, we figured we’d give it a shot. And, of course, I spent too much. But, I always do! We stocked up on magnets, license plates, stickers, and a few of the other goodies we add to our collections as often as we can. And, if nothing else, you definitely need a photo with the giant bear…

Garden Safari Gifts – Como Park Zoo & Conservatory – St. Paul, Minnesota Garden Safari Gifts at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is actually one of the best zoo gift shops I’ve visited thus far. They have such a bright, colorful selection of unique souvenirs, as well as an impressive array of high quality gift ideas. A rotating selection of items corresponds with special exhibits in the zoo. If I lived in this area, I’d probably do most of my holiday shopping here! Mother’s Day, Birthdays, Christmas Presents… I’d be thrilled to give or get so many of the lovely…

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory – St. Paul, Minnesota After a lovely morning in the Como Park Conservatory, we headed into the zoo itself. I took so many photos of the beautiful flowers, my phone died before we made it all the way through the collection of animals. We were mesmerized with the polar bears, especially since we’re ultimately headed to Territorial Canada and Alaska on this trip. But, we also got a kick out of the gorilla’s ear! I mean, it’s not every day you’re inches away from the backside of a gorilla with nothing but a single sheet…

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory – St. Paul, Minnesota There are so many GORGEOUS plants and flowers in the beautiful glass conservatories of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul, Minnesota. Some of my favorite flowers ever include lilies and orchids, and they have each in a beautiful abundance. I am also fascinated with ferns, and they have some of the lushest fern plants I have yet seen. We learned about spices and other tropical foods and flavorings. And the bonsai exhibit was intriguing. I always thought of bonsai as being a particularly plant species, but I suppose it’s…

After an early afternoon flying kites at Cumberland Mountain State Park’s Kite Day Event, we spent some time hanging out on their playground with some of our new friends. Cumberland Mountain State Park maintains a regular schedule of fun events throughout the year for families. It is also a lovely destination for camping, hiking, biking, and paddling. If you find yourself in or around the Crossville or Middle Tennessee area, be sure to check them out. Over the years, we’ve attended Easter Egg Hunts, Birds of Prey Shows, Kite Day, and more! It’s always a great time in a gorgeous…

After a busy day Exploring Rock Island State Park in Rock Island, Tennessee, we spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach, building a driftwood fort along the banks of the Caney Fork River! The kids gathered wood, constructed a fort, and then pretended to be a wild family; hunting their food, planting their gardens, cooking their meals, and tending to their daily homesteading duties. Some of my most precious moments as a mother are watching my kids engaged so deeply in creative, imaginative, cooperative play that lasts for hours! I love witnessing their imaginative wheels turning; listening to…

There are so many waterfalls to explore in Rock Island State Park! And one is even more beautiful than the next! Walking, hiking, scrambling… Even just breathtaking vistas from the parking lot overlooks! The Caney Fork River Gorge is a stretch of rugged, rocky river bed like you’ve never experienced before! Trust me, my photos don’t do it justice! All levels of ability can enjoy nature, geology, science, natural history, and human history in this stunning unit of the Tennessee State Park System. Check out ALL of Our Family’s Adventures in Rock Island State Park! We’ve been working our way…

My little monkeys… They almost got the See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil Monkeys down pat! Sometimes you’ve just to stop and be silly! See Silly, Hear Silly, Speak Silly! Oh, and something about The Falls City Cotton Mill and the gorgeous waterfalls below! Check out ALL our adventures in Rock Island State Park in Rock Island, Tennessee! We’ve been working our way through the beautiful units of the Tennessee State Park System. Today’s adventures took us climbing, hiking, scrambling, waterfalling, and playing on the beach at Rock Island State Park in Rock Island, Tennessee! What a…

In the heart of Rock Island State Park, Spring Castle is a quaint little late 19th century-era structure, that remains today, looking quite magical, and even fairy-like, upon the hill on which it towers! Back in the day, it’s much more practical purpose likely consisted of providing refrigeration for the workers of the adjacent Falls City Cotton Mill. But, for now, it is, indeed, a majestic Fairy Castle deep in the enchanted woods! We’ve been working our way through the beautiful units of the Tennessee State Park System. Today’s adventures took us climbing, hiking, scrambling, waterfalling, and playing on the…

We’ve been working our way through the beautiful units of the Tennessee State Park System. Today’s adventures took us climbing, hiking, scrambling, waterfalling, and playing on the beach at Rock Island State Park in Rock Island, Tennessee! What a wonderful collection of adventures, and the kids had such a great time enjoying their hands-on fun in The Great Outdoors! I think we could all use a little more unstructured time outside, just playing, exploring, digging, building, pretending… Just living naturally…

Tennessee is full of beautiful State Parks, and so many of them are very close to us. Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is right down the street, as a matter of fact! We’ve spent so much time here over the years. They recently added a new nature-themed play structure specifically for younger kids, and we had to check it out! I think it’s a hit! If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten path, absolutely gorgeous getaway, take a look at all that Pickett State Park has to offer. Hiking, camping, paddling, fishing, and more, all in the beautiful forested highlands of…

If you are looking for a unique, and absolutely unforgettable way to experience Zion National Park, consider doing so on horseback! Canyon Trail Rides takes you on a sightseeing excursion like no other!

We are frequently asked which National Park is our favorite. Out of the larger NPS Units, Zion, is, by far, my personal favorite. It is stunning. My heart is happiest amongst the Red Rocks… As the person who is always driving on our journeys, I especially enjoy being able to take advantage of the Shuttle Bus through Zion Canyon, so I can sit back, relax, enjoy the scenery, and snap some fun photos!

In Zion National Park, the Riverside Walk offers a pleasant stroll along the Virgin River, as it meanders through jaw-dropping red sandstone cliffs… You can walk along easy, well-maintained paths; and at any point, the kids can play in the shallow, bubbling river that parallels the trail. The trail starts at the Temple of Sinawava, which is the last Shuttle Bus Stop at the end of the road into Zion Canyon. For about 2 miles, things remain easily accessible. If you want to continue farther into the Narrows, make sure you do your homework on that, and come prepared with…

Weeping Rock is a lovely trail, with a magnificent destination! It is definitely a trail that I highly recommend to families visiting Zion National Park with kids of any age. It is uphill on the way to Weeping Rock, but it’s not unbearable. And then, it’s all downhill on the way back! But, the unique rock formation; the hanging gardens of moss and greenery; and the wildlife and wildflowers along the way, are well worth the time and effort! I also highly recommend the Emerald Pools Trail, and any length of distance you are up for on the Virgin River…

Of all the things we do, hiking volcanoes generally tops my list of absolute all-time favorites. And Snow Canyon State Park is my absolute all-time favorite State Park! Red Sandstone, Slot Canyons, Lava Fields… So much is happening here, and its all hands-on easily accessible fun for the kids! Going to be in or passing through Southern Utah in the vicinity of St. George, or Zion National Park? Definitely leave some time in your schedule to explore Snow Canyon State Park! It might just become YOUR favorite Utah State Park as well!

Snow Canyon State Park is our all-time FAVORITE State Park in the entire United States! Just west of St. George, Utah, you’ll find everything from Red Rock Slot Canyons, to Sandstone Cliffs, Fields of Ancient Lava Formations, Pioneer Writing, and tons of desert plants and wildlife! If you are passing through Southern Utah, perhaps heading to our from Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park, be sure to add Snow Canyon State Park to your itinerary!

Ah, Snow Canyon State Park in St. George, Utah. Truly one of our favorite places on this planet. Most people come through this area headed for Zion National Park. But, I always urge them to consider some time in St. George to check out the awesomeness that Snow Canyon has to offer! This particular hike to Jenny’s Canyon is a short walk to a petite slot canyon. Hiking, rock climbing, and just hanging out in the desert amidst the glorious grandeur of all the red rock formations! Life doesn’t get much better in my book!

The reflective properties of the heavily salinated water of the Great Salt Lake make for some FABULOUS sunset views and photos! This truly is one of the more stunning spots I have ever watched the sun sink into the horizon below. Do you try to catch sunrises and sunsets on your vacations? The other-worldly ambiance of watching such a brilliantly hued celestial event right before your very eyes is the stuff of which family memories are made! And sunsets at Antelope Island State Park are some of the most magical, indeed! Check out ALL of Our Adventures on Antelope Island!…

After a day of hiking, rock scrambling, birding, wildlife viewing, and Junior Rangering throughout Antelope Island State Park, we’re finally here, along the sandy shores of the Great Salt Lake! If you know anything about the Great Salt Lake, I’m not going to sugarcoat it and tell you it’s a lovely day at the beach. Because, well, it might LOOK absolutely stunning…. But, the “noseeums” are a rather pesky species of insect that resides in the sand, thus making your time on the beach more of a wild safari experience, instead of a quaint time to relax and unwind. And,…

Bison, Coyotes, Antelope, and Mule Deer, oh my! Wildlife is everywhere on Antelope Island! And Buffalo Point Trail is an excellent choice to see it all! Check out ALL of Our Adventures on Antelope Island! Or, better yet, check out Everything We’ve Done in the Gorgeous State of Utah! Looking for travel inspiration for your own vacation planning? Check out our Utah QUIKLISTS! If you need Utah travel books, CLICK HERE, or on any photo below!

Even to the day you are reading this post, rock scrambling along Lady Finger Point Trail at Antelope Island State Park remains one of our favorite things we have ever done together as a family. My kids absolutely LOVED every second of climbing, scrambling, scooting, and hiking through these fun rock formations along the coast of the Great Salt Lake. If your kids love to rock climb, consider a trip to Antelope Island State Park, and take some time to play along the Lady Finger Point Trail! I hope you love it as much as my crew did! Lady Finger…

The Utah State Park System has a great Junior Ranger Program, just like those in the National Park System, that allows the kids to explore each park, and earn a REAL badge when they complete a book of awesome activities! Antelope Island State Park has a beautiful, state-of-the-art Visitor Center, full of hands-on exhibits and unique learning opportunities. And the park itself is loaded with plants, wildlife, birding, hiking, rock scrambling, and beach exploration along the shores of the Great Salt Lake! After you arrive at Antelope Island State Park, make sure you grab a Junior Ranger Book for each…

Hopefully you saw the post on Berthoud Falls itself! It truly is stunning! If and when you check out the Falls, be sure to enjoy some of the trails in that area! Here we are, just wandering through the forest, right around Sub-Alpine Level altitude! Rich in flora and fauna, the Rocky Mountains are just incredible!

Located along Highway 40, just north-ish of Empire, Colorado, and only about 8 miles off of Interstate 70, Berthoud Falls in the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests is INCREDIBLE! An absolutely beautiful set of cascades, rolling down the rocky mountainside, and so easily accessible by all ages and abilities! Parking is just beneath the falls, and you really could spend some time hiking, scrambling, enjoying the flowers and leaves, and just taking in the absolute awe of Rocky Mountain Life at 9,800 feet elevation! Even if you are just passing through on Interstate 70, do yourself this favor! Take Exit 232, and…