National Parks

Best National Parks For Kids
Family Travel

The 10 Best National Parks to Visit With Kids

If your ideal Summer travel plans involve breaking free from the lines, gift shops, and gimmicks of many tourist destinations, then a trip to one of the country's 58 national parks may be just what the doctor ordered.
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If your ideal Summer travel plans involve breaking free from the lines, gift shops, and gimmicks of many tourist destinations, then a trip to one of the country's 58 national parks may be just what the doctor ordered. The fresh air, natural beauty, and opportunity for adventure are what draw many families to visit the parks, and from coast to coast, there's truly something for everyone.

Before making your travel arrangements, however, consider the reality of taking your family on this kind of vacation: it's probably best suited to kids who can walk a decent distance on their own, have some interest in the outdoors, and aren't yet old enough to whine about boredom or missing their computer and iPhone access. Nothing ruins a great vacation like an unhappy camper, so really think it through before making plans.

Once you've determined that a national park vacation is the right fit for your family, check out our favorite kid-friendly destinations across the country, grab your hiking shoes, and go!

Before You Go . . . Grand Canyon National Park: Arizona Rocky Mountain National Park: Colorado Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Hawaii Mount Rushmore National Memorial: South Dakota Zion National Park: Utah Biscayne National Park: Florida
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A National Parks Baby Shower
Editor's Pick

Lil Community: Adventure Hits Close to Home With a National Park Baby Shower

The following post was shared in our Baby Showers Tips and Pics group by jdeer from Egg2Cake.
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A National Parks Baby Shower

The following post was shared in our Baby Showers Tips and Pics group by jdeer from Egg2Cake.

What kind of a shower do you throw in November for someone who'd rather be outside than inside and who hiked in Alaska when she was pregnant? None other than a National Park Baby Shower! Guests were advised of the theme well in advance, when they received their passport invites that included a shower itinerary, arrival logistics (comfortable shoes, water and bear bells are recommended, and use caution if packing in edibles), an equipment/survival gear list (a.k.a. registry info) and GPS coordinates.

Upon arrival, trail markers directed the guests down the long driveway to the private setting and lodge-like destination. Once inside, guests were heartily refreshed and a wild time was had by all as we celebrated my brother and sister-in-law's journey into the unmarked territory known as parenthood! (p.s. No humans or animals were harmed in the celebration of this event and all activities were in keeping with the guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Recreation and Procreation.)

Check out all our other showers and share your ideas in our Showers Tips and Pics group in the LilSugar Community.

The National Park "passport" invite NP: From national parks to new parents The itinerary The equipment list (aka registry) Driveway signage Notice to backcountry users
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National Trails Day Is Saturday, June 5, 2010
Fitness

Today Is National Trails Day — Get Out There and Hike!

Lace up your hiking boots because June 5 is National Trails Day — the American Hiking Society's (AHS) "signature trail awareness program."
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Lace up your hiking boots because June 5 is National Trails Day — the American Hiking Society's (AHS) "signature trail awareness program." Regardless of where you live, finding a trail shouldn't be a problem: national, state, and local parks are full of great hikes, and there is even privately-owned land that houses great walks that are open to the public.

To celebrate the day, the AHS and other recreational groups are hosting events all over the country that include educational exhibits, trail dedications, gear demonstrations, instructional workshops, and more. For instance, in San Francisco where I live, there will be three events going on including short hikes and clean-up programs in the Presidio and Mt. Sutro. Attending one of these events is a great way to meet like-minded individuals, get in some fitness, and help maintain the quality of a trail by being a part of a clean-up group. The AHS has a handy clickable map that should make it really easy to find an event in your area.

If attending an event is not your thing, just hit the trail on your own or with friends. And since all national parks are offering free admission this weekend, there's no excuse to not get outside!

Free National Park Weekend
summer

National Parks Offer Free Admission This Weekend

To celebrate the Summer, the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees at more than 100 parks this weekend, June 5-6.
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To celebrate the Summer, the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees at more than 100 parks this weekend, June 5-6. National parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon will be free, along with national monuments and historical sites like Natural Bridges in Utah or the Aztec ruins monument in New Mexico. Admission to these areas usually cost between $3 to $25, and chances are you live within hours of one (if not several) area that will be free this weekend.

National parks allow you to see nature in a way that isn't possible anywhere else, and besides breathtaking views there are also a lot of fun activities to do: visiting the birding caravan in Acadia, taking a canoe through the Everglades, or exploring the lava tube caves at the Craters of the Moon preserve are just a few of the amazing experiences you can participate in. I'll be heading to Joshua Tree or Yosemite this weekend — how about you?