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Family Vacations in Utah: Best Places to Visit + Must-Do Experiences
If you’re dreaming up your next big adventure, family vacations in Utah deserve a spot at the very top of your list. This is one of those rare destinations where you can hike through red rock canyons, splash in lakes and rivers, ride roller coasters, and stargaze under some of the darkest skies in the country—all in one trip. We’ve traveled through Utah with kids, and it’s one of those places that truly works for everyone. Whether your crew loves national parks, outdoor adventures, or a little theme park fun mixed in, Utah delivers. Why Utah is Perfect for a Family Vacation Utah is practically built for family travel. The…
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Camping in Malibu: A Guide to Coastal Adventures
Because we have a big summer vacation planned for this year, we wanted a bit more low-key of a spring break trip. We decided to visit some of the popular campgrounds along California’s coast and we were blown away by some of the campgrounds in Malibu, California. I knew Malibu was home to some of the best beaches in Los Angeles, but I didn’t realize how much wide-open space there is there. Just up the coast from Los Angeles, this stretch of shoreline offers a surprisingly diverse mix of campgrounds—from rugged, oceanfront sites to shaded canyon escapes that feel worlds away from the city. We were able to do a…
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Summer Vacation Ideas for Families (2026 Guide)
I’m a teacher, so I pretty much live for summer break if I’m being honest. Eight weeks of an almost wide-open calendar (I mean, we still have sports to work around) for me to plan travel adventures. We’ve made good use of our summer vacations so far. I know not everyone has the luxury of having the summer off. So whether you have three days to spare or ten, this guide will help you find the right summer vacation ideas for families of every size and style. Here are some of our favorite tried-and-true summer vacation ideas for families looking to make some magical summer memories in 2026. What makes…
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Camping at Leo Carrillo State Park: Beach Meets Mountains
We honestly couldn’t decide what to do for spring break this year. I booked a big summer trip for us, so we didn’t want to do a huge trip. But we wanted to do something. So, we decided to hit up a few different spots along the California coast, and our first stop at Leo Carrillo campground set the bar high for the rest of the trip. If you’re looking for that perfect Southern California camping experience—where you can fall asleep under shady trees and wake up to the sound of crashing waves—Leo Carrillo State Park Campground absolutely delivers. Tucked just off the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, this spot…
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Best National Parks For Kids
The Best National Parks to Visit with Kids: Nature’s Playground When it comes to travel, I truly don’t discriminate. You’ll find me sipping margaritas at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun or hiking in Grand Teton National Park. I love it all. We spent a lot of time over the past year visiting national parks with the whole family, which made me start thinking about which parks are the best national parks for kids. Exploring national parks with your kids is a fantastic way to create lifelong memories while introducing them to the beauty of the great outdoors. The U.S. is home to over 400 national park sites, each offering unique…
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Exploring Hurkey Creek Campground: A Family-Friendly Getaway
We wanted to try camping somewhere new over Memorial Day weekend. We looked at lots of fun options, but we knew we’d want some water near by to let the kids splash around in–especially knowing it could be hot. I came across the Hurkey Creek campground online, and it sounded like it was just what we were looking for. (P.S. Here are some other vacation ideas for Memorial Day weekend!) The Hurkey Creek campground is located in Mountain Center, CA–just across from the Lake Hemet campground and about 15 minutes away from Idyllwild. This is one of the best Riverside County Park campgrounds, in my opinion. Amenities at Hurkey Creek…
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Sequoia National Park Guide: Best Hikes, Things to Do & Travel Tips
If you’re planning a trip to Sequoia National Park, you’re in for a real treat. From towering giant sequoias to scenic hikes and unforgettable viewpoints, this park is packed with incredible things to do for families and outdoor lovers alike. There’s a lot you can see simply by driving or parking and taking a short walk, but there are also some excellent hikes in the park. I’ve put together a list of the Sequoia National Park best hikes & attractions that you won’t want to miss on your visit. In this guide to the best things to do in Sequoia National Park, we’re sharing must-see attractions, the best hikes for…
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Memorial Day Weekend Getaway Ideas
Memorial Day weekend always feels like the unofficial kickoff to summer. Pools reopen. Amusement parks fire up their roller coasters. Beach towns dust off their boardwalks. And suddenly, everyone is ready to get outside again. Even better, it’s a 3-day weekend, so it’s a great opportunity to travel. And I’ve got a lot of good vacation ideas for Memorial Day weekend. Whether you want thrill rides, mountain air, beach sunsets, or small-town charm, here are some creative and totally doable ideas for the long weekend. Last year, we spent the long weekend in Palm Springs–one of my favorite getaways when I want sunshine and relaxation. I love staying at one…
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Best Campgrounds in Yosemite Valley
Getting campsites in Yosemite Valley is so difficult, most people are happy with anything they can get. And understandably so because camping in Yosemite Valley is amazing no matter where you stay. You’ll find some of the best campgrounds in Northern California here. But if you want to have a shot at securing a campsite, you need to be totally prepared. That means knowing the best campgrounds in Yosemite so you know which campground you want to book your site at. Let me paint you a picture real quick: It’s 6:50 in the morning on February 15. You log into recreation.gov and you wait until 6:59 staring at a list…
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Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds
Yellowstone is one of those parks that you can spend a week in and still leave feeling like you didn’t have enough time in it. But when you choose to camp in Yellowstone, you can cut out some of the driving time and really spend your days exploring the park to its fullest. There are many Yellowstone National Park campgrounds to choose from, and each offers a unique charm and amenities. Yellowstone National Park campgrounds are very popular and should be booked far in advance to give you the best chance at securing a spot. Some of the campgrounds can be booked a year in advance. If camping isn’t your…
