Must See places for kids
There are so many places that I want to take my children, that there is no way I will be able to accomplish it all before they leave for college. Our oldest is 11 and with 1 or 2 big trips a year, I'd...
Forum Discussion
When I write responses to those with kids, I always try to put their interests first. And I disagree with the poster who said they won't remember the NP's but will remember an amusement park. I can honestly say my fondest and grandest memories are of the great tent camping trips we took to the NP's when we were growing up. We even took a trip to Banff and Jasper when I was 13 . . . probably about the 1500 mile limit you have imposed. I don't remember the long drive, but sure remember the mountains and glaciers and wildlife from that trip.
First, another vote for the NP's of Utah. The scenery is great for the adults, while the sand and rock formations will hold the kids' attention. For instance, Devil's Garden CG in Arches NP is a place where you can park for several days, never move the vehicle, and the kids will be in seventh heaven the whole time. Amazing rocks to climb on, sand dunes, and wildlife. There are several arches in easy walking distance from the CG. Kids love to climb on arches.
Another great CG for kids is either Watchman or South CG in Zion. The Virgin "River" is a gently flowing stream that goes right by the CG. Over the years, many kids have built many little wading pools with rocks. The shuttle bus system means going into the park or into town means riding the bus. Plenty of cool hikes, including the Zion Narrows if it's not during spring runoff. How much more interesting can it get for a kid than to wade up a stream in a canyon 25' wide and 1000'+ deep. I can still remember my first trip in there when I was 12.
I'm surprised there's been little mention of Colorado. Hiking into the ruins of Mesa Verde and imagining what it must have been like to live there will spark the interest of most kids. One place I highly recommend is the Arkansas River Valley including Leadville, Buena Vista, and Salida. Amazingly big mountains dominate the skyline, but there's so much to do. Many ghost towns and old mines to poke around in (don't miss St. Elmo). Some of the best river rafting in the country with something for all skill levels and ages. Mountain biking, fishing, hiking, jeeping, the list goes on and on. There's some nice restaurants in Salida, a nice park downtown, and wading or floating in tubes on the river through town. Our nieces are Colorado natives and we have been taking them to the Ark. River Valley since they were 6 & 9 and it's still one of their very favorite places in the state. We generally take them there for several days in summer and again in winter.
As was also noted above, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is an old mining line that goes right into the heart of some of the most rugged and beautiful scenery this country has to offer. This isn't some short little loop. It's an all day adventure to an old mining town where some of the streets are still dirt and most of the sidewalks are still made of wood. I first went when I was 7 or 8 and have been a number of times since (and we're not big on "tourist attractions").
First, another vote for the NP's of Utah. The scenery is great for the adults, while the sand and rock formations will hold the kids' attention. For instance, Devil's Garden CG in Arches NP is a place where you can park for several days, never move the vehicle, and the kids will be in seventh heaven the whole time. Amazing rocks to climb on, sand dunes, and wildlife. There are several arches in easy walking distance from the CG. Kids love to climb on arches.
Another great CG for kids is either Watchman or South CG in Zion. The Virgin "River" is a gently flowing stream that goes right by the CG. Over the years, many kids have built many little wading pools with rocks. The shuttle bus system means going into the park or into town means riding the bus. Plenty of cool hikes, including the Zion Narrows if it's not during spring runoff. How much more interesting can it get for a kid than to wade up a stream in a canyon 25' wide and 1000'+ deep. I can still remember my first trip in there when I was 12.
I'm surprised there's been little mention of Colorado. Hiking into the ruins of Mesa Verde and imagining what it must have been like to live there will spark the interest of most kids. One place I highly recommend is the Arkansas River Valley including Leadville, Buena Vista, and Salida. Amazingly big mountains dominate the skyline, but there's so much to do. Many ghost towns and old mines to poke around in (don't miss St. Elmo). Some of the best river rafting in the country with something for all skill levels and ages. Mountain biking, fishing, hiking, jeeping, the list goes on and on. There's some nice restaurants in Salida, a nice park downtown, and wading or floating in tubes on the river through town. Our nieces are Colorado natives and we have been taking them to the Ark. River Valley since they were 6 & 9 and it's still one of their very favorite places in the state. We generally take them there for several days in summer and again in winter.
As was also noted above, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is an old mining line that goes right into the heart of some of the most rugged and beautiful scenery this country has to offer. This isn't some short little loop. It's an all day adventure to an old mining town where some of the streets are still dirt and most of the sidewalks are still made of wood. I first went when I was 7 or 8 and have been a number of times since (and we're not big on "tourist attractions").
