KUHL Freeflex Rollup Pant Review

by Outdoor Fam Fun | Mar 13, 2023 | Featured Posts, Gear, Hiking, Tips

KUHL Freeflex Rollup Pant Review

The KUHL FREEFLEX ROLL-UP pant is a versatile, light-weight and comfortable women’s hiking pant that is well-suited for the trail and everyday wear.

SIZING & FIT

Rating 4/5

The KUHL Freeflex Rollup Pant comes in waist sizes 0 to 16 and inseam sizes 30, 32, and 34. I love the versatility of the sizing options at Kuhl.

The sizes are very true to size. I usually wear a size 4 to 6 pant, weigh 125 lbs, and am 5’5”. I chose a size 6 with an inseam of 30 inches.

My only complaint about the fit of these pants is the waist height. I prefer higher rise waist pants because they keep my love handles and mom belly tucked in as much as possible. These pants sit lower around my waist, and I feel like they sag a bit at times because of that. Luckily, there is a drawstring that prevents actual sagging. If you do not mind lower rise pants, then these pants deserve a 5/5 for size and fit.

COMFORT

Rating 4/5

These women’s hiking pants are extremely comfortable, soft, flexible, and light weight. This is my favorite material out of any of pants that I hike in. They adapt to my every move. The material is 50% polyester and 50% new polyester. They remain comfortable and flexible even when I use leggings under them in colder weather.

My only complaint about the comfort is the low rise, which I explained in the sizing and fit section. I would wear these pants more often for day-to-day wear if they were a bit higher rise. I wonder if I had an inseam of 32 inches instead of 30 if would have helped with this.

DURABILITY

Rating 5/5

The KUHL Freeflex Rollup Pant are holding up great so far for me. A lot of my hiking consists of red rocks, along with climbing up whatever rock looks fun with my kids, which means I am consistently maneuvering over rough surfaces. Although breathable and thin feeling, these pants are proving themselves in durability as well. They also provide SPF 50+ protection and water resistance.

I tested the water resistance by letting almost a cup of water sit on the pants for 20 minutes. There wasn’t any moisture that leaked through until I scrunched the pants with my hand in a fist at the end of the trial.

POCKETS

Rating 4/5

There are six awesome pockets on the Kuhl Freeflex Rollup Pant. My kids are constantly asking me to hold their rocks they find on hikes so the many pockets help me carry them all.

The side and back pockets have a snap to keep items secure and are barely large enough to fit my Samsung Galaxy S22. Larger phones probably won’t fit which is the reason I ranked the pockets as a 4/5 instead of a 5/5.

There are also two front pockets without snaps that are medium depth.

COLOR

Rating 4/5

The Freeflex Roll-up Pant come in nine earthy colors, which is a good variety of colors to choose from. I have the antique gold pants. In the photos online the color looks mustard-like. However, I feel like they are more brown than yellow in real life, which was a little disappointing. However, I think that most outdoorsy people would like this color. Honestly, I feel like a park ranger when I wear them, which is fine, but I probably would prefer the Ganache or Rainstorm colors.

SEASON

Rating 5/5

Because these hiking pants are light, breathable, and loose they can be used for layering in cold temperatures and worn alone in the heat because of the option to roll the pants into capris. They are a great all season hiking pant.

Winter: We visited Moab, Utah on a cold weekend when the temperature was only 25 degrees. I wore some leggings under these pants and I was comfortable and warm the entire hike. Since the material is flexible and breathable, they worked great over a tight warm legging and added extra breathability that helped keep me warm and comfortable.

Summer: These pants are great in the summer because they are comfortable and breathable and keep the legs protected from the sun, bites, and brushing up against plants. You can also roll these up into a capri-style pant if you choose.

Fall/Spring: Great full-length hiking pant for spring and fall hiking. Waterproofing will keep you protected in the rain.

PROS vs. CONS

Pros

Super comfortable and flexible material
Light-weight and breathable
Water resistant
Lots of pockets
Can layer with leggings in colder weather
Can change to capri length in hot weather

Neutral

Lower-rise waist

Cons

Larger phones may not fit in pockets

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

My goal is to inspire you to get outside and create your own amazing memories as a family. Life is precious and there are too many adventures to be had to spend life on the couch or in front of a screen.

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KUHL WEEKENDR Tight Review

by Outdoor Fam Fun | Mar 12, 2023 | Featured Posts, Gear, Reviews, Tips

KUHL WEEKENDR Tight Review

KUHL WEEKENDR Tight is a durable yet comfortable and lightweight skinny-pant style alternative to traditional women’s hiking pants that will hold up on your toughest hikes. The

SIZING & FIT

Rating 5/5

Sizing options range from XS to XL with a 29-inch inseam. I am 5’5” and 125 lbs. I got a size S. My pair fit perfect. The skinny pant style is form fitting enough without showing too much.

COMFORT

Rating 4/5

The material of the KUHL Weekendr Tight is flexible and comfortable and adapts to your movement. The material is breathable and moisture wicking. They are great for hiking or everyday wear.

When I initially tried the pants on, I could feel the inseams on the inside. These inseams bothered me for a few minutes, and I worried about it, but I did not notice them at all while hiking. However, if you are one who is bothered with feeling internal seams these might not be the pants for you. There are several areas of breathable material sewn in which creates breathability.

DURABILITY

Rating 5/5

The Weekendr Tight is made of a durable material that is also water resistant. The main fabric is 76% Nylon, 9% Polyester, 15% Spandex and the breathable areas are 96% Polyester and 4% Spandex. These pants are holding up well for me. They have rubbed against jagged rocky surfaces without any resulting blemish or compromise in material.

I ran water in a sink over the main fabric for about 20 seconds and moisture did not penetrate the inside of the pant. The breathable area does allow water in. The breathable areas of the pants are built in both outer legs and run the entire length of the pant. There are two other smaller areas above and below each knee, and around the waist.

POCKETS

Rating 4/5

There are two back open pockets with no zippers that hold my Samsung Galaxy S22. About an inch of the phone sticks out from my back pockets. The back pockets are tight enrough that I haven’t been worried about it falling out while hiking. There are two front smaller pockets with zippers that are not big enough for a smart phone. There are no side pockets.

COLOR OPTIONS

Rating 3/5

The KUHL Weekendr Tight only comes in two color options: Carbon (gray) and black. I have the carbon color which I like a lot because of the versatility. I would love to see these pants in additional colors.

SEASON

Rating 4/5

These are great hiking pants to wear in during the spring and the fall, between 40 to 75 degrees F, according to my temperature liking. I wore them while hunting for a Christmas tree in 30-degree F weather and I was a bit cold. Conversely, I think they might be a little too heavy for hiking in the heat of summer months with anything over 80 degrees F.

PROS vs. CONS

Pros

Zipper front pockets
Comfortable with breathable mesh-like material
Water resistant
Durable
Legging style does not get snag on trees/bushes/plants while hiking

Cons

Inner seams are felt when wearing initially (for me)
No side pockets
Phone sticks out of back pockets

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

Rocky Mouth Waterfall Hike: Sandy, Utah

by Outdoor Fam Fun | Jun 17, 2021 | Hiking, Mountains, Utah, Water

Rocky Mouth Waterfall Hike: Sandy, Utah

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy EASY Moderate Hard Very Hard

KEY FEATURES

Hiking Distance: 0.8 miles round trip
Hiking Elevation Gain: 240 ft
Terrain: Wood steps, sidewalk, dirt and rock trail, wet rocks by the falls
Time Needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour
When to Go: Spring, Summer, Fall

COST

Free

AMENITIES

No bathrooms or water at trailhead. However, this hike is in Sandy, Utah where there are nearby gas stations and grocery stores.

THINGS TO BRING

Water
Snacks
Good walking/hiking sandals or shoes
DO NOT BRING DOGS – Not allowed here due to watershed

DETAILS

Rocky Mouth Waterfall hike is a short, heavily used trail. This is a great hike for people who don’t like to hike much, but still want to enjoy a beautiful and brief hike. It took us only 30 minutes, including the time we took to explore a little at the top. Since the waterfall is small and the trail is crowded, this is probably not the best for avid hikers.

The water level does fluctuate throughout the year and we visited the waterfall when the water volume was relatively low. I rated this as a 3 star hike for our family. I think we would have enjoyed this hike more if we would have visited when it was less crowded and when the water level was higher.

Trailhead

The trailhead is accessed from a small parking lot off of Wasatch Blvd in Sandy Utah. There is some street parking available, but watch signs for the allowed areas of street parking. Dogs are NOT allowed due to the watershed in the area.

The Hike

The trail begins right off the parking lot, is well marked and starts with a series of large wood steps. After the wood steps you will come to a neighborhood and sidewalk.

Follow the signs upward through the neighborhood about another 0.1 miles to a dirt/rock path and more wood stairs in between two fences.

After another 0.1 miles, you will come to a fork in the path where the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) connects in. Do not follow BST, but take the trail upward to the left, which leads to the waterfall.

Rocky Mouth Waterfall

The waterfall is small, but really pretty. The area around the waterfall has several rock faces and boulders my kids enjoyed climbing on. The small stream coming from the waterfall is a fun place for kids to wade and play in if desired.

The waterfall area got more crowded after we got there, and social distancing guidelines were still in place from COVID-19, so we did not take the time to enjoy the area around the waterfall as much as we might have liked. Going back, the trail was a bit more crowded as well.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Easy for kids and non-hikers
Fun rocks for kids to climb on
Well shaded

CONS

Crowded
Waterfall is smaller than we expected
Have to walk through a neighborhood

NEUTRAL

Short

DIRECTIONS

Rocky Mouth Waterfall trailhead is on the east side of Sandy Utah on the east side of Wasatch Blvd and is located at 11248 Wasatch Blvd, Sandy, UT 84092. You can search the address or Rocky Mouth Waterfall Trailhead to get to the right location. DO NOT put Rocky Mouth Waterfall into your maps app–it will lead you up a private road, which is what happened to us. You must include the word “trailhead” to get to the right location.

MAPS

MORE INFO

All Trails

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Draper Suspension Bridge (10 minutes)

Horsetail Falls (35 minutes)

Alien Tower hike (20 minutes)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

10 Tips for Hiking with Kids

by Outdoor Fam Fun | Jun 7, 2021 | Featured Posts, Hiking, Tips

10 Tips for Hiking with Kids

Over the years hiking with kids, I have learned a few things that make hiking easier and more enjoyable. We value hiking because it gives us time away from the normal distractions at home, which allows us to bond and help our kids learn that they can do hard things. Here are 10 tips for hiking with kids to help get your family OFF the couch and on a great hike!

1. START WITH EASY HIKES

Start out with some easy, super fun hikes to get your kids use to hiking. You don’t want to ruin their perception of hiking by taking them on a hard and discouraging hike the first try. Build up to harder and more adventurous hikes over time.

2. HAVE A FUN DESTINATION

Kids need something to look forward to while hiking. Whether it is a stream or waterfall to play in, rocks to climb, caves to explore, or even several cool things along the way, kids are far more motivated when they have something to get excited about or captivates their attention during the hike.

3. LET YOUR KIDS GET DIRTY

Please, let your kids just have fun and get dirty and wet. They will love this! If there is a small stream let them wade. If there is a sand pile, let them play in it.

4. BE EXCITED & ENCOURAGING

Your excitement will wear off on your kids. Find things that excite your family about hiking and find your own traditions and the types of hikes that your family loves to do.

Our family loves rocks. When hiking we are constantly finding cool rocks and showing each other. My husband and I genuinely get super excited about the cool rocks that we find and that the kids find. I often come back from hikes with my pockets full of rocks my kids want to keep.

We also love to tell our kids, “look at that mountain you just climbed!” or “You must be a super hiker to have done all that!” Be super excited about where you are hiking to and what you see along the way.

5. PLAY GAMES & ACTIVITIES ALONG THE WAY

This was a game-changer for us and helped us through a couple of hard long hikes. It is amazing how much more your body can do when you are distracted. The purpose of games or activities is to keep the kids distracted so they don’t think about how tired they are or how much further there is to go.

6. KEEP THEM TALKING

Hiking creates a great opportunity to ask your kids questions about friends, school, extracurricular activities, etc. It has been a really great bonding time for our family to let the kids just tell us all about their experiences. And once they start, it just seems to keep coming. This also helps to keep them distracted similar to the games helping them to hike further.

7. TAKE LOTS OF SNACKS

Kid metabolism is so much faster than adults. My kids need a snack about every 30 to 45 minutes when hiking to keep everyone happy and blood sugar up. I also use snacks as motivation. For example, I might tell my kids that if they hike for 5 more minutes then we can stop and have another snack. It works. Kids will hike for more snack time.

8. HAVE WATER ACCESSIBLE

Hiking became so much easier for our family when we got small hiking backpacks with water bladders in them for each of our kids. Each kid can just grab a drink real quick without all of us having to stop, take a break and pull water bottles out of the back packs each time someone gets thirsty. It is also important to keep these kiddos hydrated. Kids dehydrate so much faster than adults.

9. PREPARE FOR WEATHER

Do not take your kids for a hike in 90 degree weather and expect them to have fun. Plan for the weather you will be hiking in. If it’s going to be hot, start early in the day, or if it’s going to be colder, bundle up. You can ruin a hike that would have been amazing by not preparing for weather — believe me, its happened to us.

10. TAKE BREAKS ALONG THE WAY

Kids need more breaks than adults….this is hard for me….I am a go-getter and just want to keep hiking. However, to make the entire experience more enjoyable you must take breaks. And to be honest, breaks really can help re-energize, as long as you don’t overdo it. Take breaks in the shade or somewhere good to sit and don’t be afraid to let the kids know that you’re tired too.

I hope these 10 tips for hiking with kids will help you and your kids enjoy hiking together. I would love your hear what tips you have for hiking with your kids. Please comment below! Happy Trails!

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

7 Life Lessons the Outdoors Teach Kids

by Outdoor Fam Fun | Jun 7, 2021 | Tips

7 Life Lessons the Outdoors Teach Kids

The benefits that come from spending time outdoors as a family are countless! The most important benefits are the life lessons the outdoors teach kids. My goal in sharing the seven lessons below, along with each blog post, is to encourage, inspire and provide ideas to help you find your own outdoor family fun.

1. PREPARE

Being in the outdoors requires preparation. It requires you to ahead think about what you will need to bring on a hike, camping or even just to walk the dog down the road. Weather, time of day, length, type of activity, elevation and more all influence your preparation for the outdoors.

My oldest recently started creating a list of things she needs to bring each time we go camping, without any prompting from me. She is learning ways to be prepared that work for her. I am fairly confident she could get us all ready for a camping trip without help.

Teaching kids how to prepare for the outdoors helps them learn how to think ahead and prepare in other ways, like schoolwork, clothes for next week, sports, college, and more.

Bristlecone Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

2. HOW TO DO HARD THINGS

The outdoors can provide a healthy and safe way for kids to overcome challenges. I will be the first to admit that camping, hiking and other outdoor activities aren’t always easy. However, as we work together as a family to overcome any obstacle my kids learn they can do hard things.

We celebrate their successes and accomplishments with high fives and hugs and a big “you did it”. While hiking I will tell me kids to look behind them on a mountainside they just climbed to see how far they have come.

Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier National Park

There are times we celebrate with a fun treat at the end, but this is not a standard for us. I want my kids to learn that they can do something hard and not necessarily get a “prize” at the end. I want them to learn that they can do something hard and the satisfaction that they accomplished it be enough.

3. FIND HEALTHY OUTLETS

Given the increasing numbers of children reported with anxiety, depression and mental illness, it is more important than ever to find healthy outlets for them.

One of our daughters goes through phases of anxiety since a young age. In the beginning, the pediatrician wanted to immediately prescribe medication. However, I wanted to try other means to help her cope. This is not to say that medication is not necessary for some children, but I didn’t want to jump straight to medication. To be honest, we were not sure how it would go.

Anna Maria Island, Florida

To start, we taught her how to recognize her stress and breathe. We also found that our adventures each week to the beach, wildlife reserve, Bok Gardens and eventually camping and hiking helped her find relief.

Although her anxiety still comes in waves, and can be frustrating for her and us, it is manageable without medication. Most importantly, she is slowly learning how to manage her own stress.

4. PROBLEM SOLVE

My goal as a parent is not to eliminate all problems for my children, but instead to teach them how to successfully work through the problems that confront them.

Spooky Slot Canyon, Utah

When outside camping or hiking a lot of creativity is required to problem solve. Google often isn’t available. Tent poles will break. The can opener will be left at home. Someone will trip on a hike.

These are real examples. At times, we have pulled out real maps. Our oldest loves to navigate. My husband had the kids help get spare first aid tape and electrical tape to patch a tent pole. We used a multi-tool pocket knife when we forgot a can opener, even though we eventually bugged a neighboring camper the kids were playing with to borrow theirs (hey, it’s still problem solving). Bandannas always comes in handy when someone gets hurt.

We have to use our brains to work through problems as individuals and as families. There will always be trial and error, but as kids learn how to problem solve in the outdoors they will also learn skills to problem solve on a bigger scale throughout their life

5. BOND AS A FAMILY

When we are out in nature hiking, camping or simply enjoying walk, many distractions are eliminated that often prevent us from being present with our families. There isn’t a TV, video games, Alexa or music on in the background. The people we love are in front of us are there to connect with, instead of connecting with our electronics or friends in distant lands.

On a family hike recently, my two oldest daughters who sometimes clash at home spent a two miles (about an hour) just chatting together. I listened to them talk about school, friends and whatever other random subjects came up. This provided a bonding time for my daughters that wouldn’t have happened if we were at home with other distractions.

Kodachrome Basin State Park, Utah

6. APPRECIATE NATURE

The more we are in the beauty of nature the more we come to appreciate and marvel in it.

As a family we try to notice details small and large. Whether it’s a cool rock in our back yard, a swamp in Florida, a beautiful mountain landscape, a sunset driving home from grandma’s house, or grand waterfall, we try to soak it all in.

Circle B Bar Nature Reserve

Some of the games we play help us better appreciate nature. We love to see how many different colored flowers we can find on a hike, count the number of animals we spot on a trip, or hunt for rocks with a solid white strip that we like to call “wishing rocks.”

By simply getting outside and observing together, my children have learned to appreciate the natural wonders around us on their own. In fact, we chuckle each time they get upset when they find litter on a trail or graffiti on a rock surface. It shows us that they value nature and want to care for it properly.

7. BE ACTIVE

With increasing rates of childhood obesity, teaching our children how to live healthy active lifestyles is essential. Being outdoors frequently will teach your kids how to be active in a fun way. We hope these healthy habits will continue into adulthood.

Second Beach, Olympic National Park

When my kids spend more than an hour in front of screen they become crabby and short tempered. However, when my kids are outdoors they are happier and kinder. The life lessons the outdoors teach kids can’t be replaced by watching a documentary. They need to see, feel, hear, smell and even taste nature.

Life is precious and there are far too many adventures to be had to spend the majority of your spare time on electronics or in front of a screen. With the increasing amounts of screen time at our finger tips, the world needs more voices encouraging and inspiring our kids and their families to get outside and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors.

I started this blog to help be that voice. So join me for adventures off the couch and some outdoor fam fun!

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

Grand Teton National Park with Kids

by Outdoor Fam Fun | Jun 3, 2021 | Featured Posts, Hiking, Mountains, National Parks, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park with Kids

Create memories that will last a lifetime in Grand Teton National Park with kids. This incredible national park in Wyoming features majestic views, hiking for all ages and abilities, wildlife viewing and water adventures. This family guide to Grand Teton National Park will help make your trip with kids a success.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy Easy Moderate Hard Very Hard
(Activities range from very easy to hard depending on what you are doing)

KEY FEATURES

Hiking Distance: Short to long depending on the trail, many trail options for all skill levels
Elevation Change: Flat to steep depending on trail

Terrain: Mountains, rocks, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, dirt trails
Time Needed: A few hours to several days (I recommend at least 2 days, we spent a week)

WHEN TO VISIT GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK WITH KIDS

I recommend visiting Grand Teton National Park with kids in late spring, summer or early fall. The summer is busiest so be prepared for crowds. We spent a week in the park near the end of July. If you decide to visit in the summer plan ahead and visit the busy areas such as Jenny and String Lake in the early evening, late afternoon or morning before 10am.

You also need to plan your lodging ahead of time if you plan to visit in the summer – I recommend six months in advance.

If you are visiting Grand Teton National Park in the spring or fall be prepared for all weather including possibility of snow. Bring coats for those kiddos!

COST

$35 per vehicle for a 7 day pass

Free if you have a 4th grader with Every Kid Outdoors program

AMENITIES

Campgrounds
Cabins
Hotels, restaurants and grocery stores in Jackson, Wyoming nearby
Bathrooms at visitor’s centers and most trailheads
Convenient stores and gas stations scattered throughout Grand Teton National Park

THINGS TO BRING

Camping gear if camping
Hiking gear (water, snacks, sturdy shoes)
Hiking carrier for young kids
Bear Spray! A must! We almost ran into a bear while hiking.
Water gear if desired (kayaks, paddle-boards, water shoes, googles, life jackets)
Sunscreen
Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Jackets (weather can turn quickly) or coats (if visiting in spring/fall)
Water bottles/water packs

OVERVIEW

We absolutely love Grand Teton National Park. It has everything – Mountains for hiking and exploring, water for paddling, swimming and boating and excellent wildlife viewing. The views are absolutely stunning no matter what viewpoint you are looking from. We spent a week in Grand Teton National Park with kids and we were not ready to go home. There are so many adventures to go on in this 300,000+ acre park.

THINGS TO DO AT GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK WITH KIDS

Hiking

There are endless hiking opportunities ranging from very easy to very hard within Grand Teton National Park with kids. We hiked trails that were very easy to moderate. Here are a few we did with an 11, 10, 7 and 3 year old.

String Lake Loop: 4.4 miles, 400 ft. elevation gain – Gorgeous views of Tetons up close and lakes below.

String Lake

Moose Ponds: 2 to 3.2 miles, 150ft elevation gain: Complete the loop or hike an-out-and back to the moose pond. Keep your eye out for animals near the ponds. Hike earlier morning or evening to avoid crowds around Jenny Lake and to see more wildlife.

Moose Pond

Hidden Falls Trail: 4.9 miles or 1 mile (if you take the boat), 600 ft elevation gain: Popular hike half way around Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls. You can opt to take a paid boat ride across the lake making the total hike only 1 mile to the falls. Will be crowded in the summer months.

Hidden Falls

Jackson Lake Shoreline Trail from Signal Mountain Marina: 0.25 to unknown miles, rolling hills:

I can’t find this hike on All Trails or Google, but it was my favorite in The Tetons. It feels like you are walking the ocean shoreline in Oregon with incredible mountain views of The Tetons in the distance. It starts from the south side of Signal Mountain Marina near the beach and heads south. I’m not sure how far you can follow this trail, but we did about 2 miles total.

String to Leigh Lake: 2 miles, flat: Easy, very family friendly hike next to that follows String Lake to Leigh Lake. We started at the north end of the String Lake parking lot, but you can make this longer by starting at the south parking lot or continuing further around Leigh Lake. Great views of Tetons and String Lake. Take a few minutes to wade in String Lake. Great for all ages and abilities.

Heron Pond-Swan Lake Loop: 3.2 miles, 150 ft elevation gain: Flat and easier hike for kids that begins on the south side of Colter Bay. Views of Jackson Lake in beginning followed by hike through forest trees. Beautiful swans in Swan Lake.

Schwabacher’s Landing: 1.8 miles, flat: Drive the the end of Schwabacher’s Landing Road off Highway 89 and walk along the trail near the calm river for spectacular views of all the Tetons and wildlife. Keep your eyes out for beavers at the beaver dam. Perfect hike/walk for all ages and abilities. Our toddler just wanted to throw rocks in the water the entire hike. Its an out-and-back trail so go as far or as little as you want.

Swimming and Floating

From the larger Jackson Lake to small streams, you can find a water adventure that suits you and your family at Grand Teton National Park. Boat permits are required for motorized boats and non-motorized boats such as kayaks. Permits can be purchased at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center and the Colter Bay Visitor Center.

Jackson Lake

Jackson Lake is the largest lake in Grand Teton National Park. Motorized boats are allowed. Signal campground and Colter Bay both are next to Jackson Lake in different areas. We stayed at Signal Mountain campground and loved having close access to Jackson Lake. There is a large boat ramp and dock as well as beach area to swim in. We brought googles, paddle-boards and kayaks and spent hours enjoying the lake. The views are breathtaking.

Jenny Lake

The Jenny Lake area is a central hub for hiking and water craft of 10 horsepower max. Get here first thing in the morning or later afternoon in order to get a close parking spot and avoid the crowds.

String Lake

String Lake is narrow, shallow, clear lake that connects Leigh Lake and Jenny Lake. This was our favorite place to kayak because of the crystal clear water. Get here early or late afternoon to get a parking spot. There are a couple docking areas — One at the south end of the lake and another at the north end of the parking lot. There are also great swimming areas and a large rock to jump from.

Camping

As of January 26th, 2021 you can now book campsite on a six month rolling basis at reservations.gov. I saw fights break out over first-come, first-served camping spots our week at Signal Mountain. The reservation system was definitely needed. In 2020, we arrived at Jenny Lake at 5:45 A.M. with 4 kids to get a spot but we were too late. However, we were able to get a spot at Signal Mountain at 7 A.M. (which we absolutely loved) and stayed an entire week.

Plan ahead and book your site six months ahead of time if you would like to stay within Grand Teton National Park.

Campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park

Gros Ventre

Gros Ventre Campground is the furthest south campground within the park and allows for tents, trailers and RVs. It is has 300+ sites. It is near the Gros Ventre River and a bit further away from the major hiking and hub of The Tetons.

Signal Mountain Campground

I absolutely love Signal Mountain Campground! We stayed here for a week and absolutely loved the scenery as well as its central location. Signal Mountain sits on the south end of Jackson Lake. It is next to the Signal Mountain Marina allowing quick access from the campground to water recreation at Jackson Lake. It is only a 10 minute drive to the hiking hub of Jenny Lake.

It is a medium sized campground at 76 sites consisting of tent, RV and trailer sites. There is a gas station, convenient store, laundry facilities and pay showers. There are several camp sites close to the lake with gorgeous lake views. The sunsets are magical. Make sure to follow all the food regulations for bears. There is a bear box at every site. We had few bears walk through camp while we were there.

View of Jackson Lake from Signal Mountain Campground

Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake Campground sits right under The Grand Teton. It is central hub for hiking. This is a smaller campground that is tent only. It is probably the most sought after campground within the park due to its location and atmosphere.

Colter Bay

Colter Bay is a larger campground with 300+sites for tents, RVS and trailers. It is closer to Yellowstone so if you are hitting both parks this might be a good campground for you. It is also a great place if you are bringing a motorized boat due to the large docking area and bay. Colter bay has a larger gift shop/convenient store, gas station, laundry and pay showers. There are a several great hiking trails from Colter Bay.

Lizard Creek

Lizard campground is on the North end of Jackson Lake and is only 11 miles south of the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It is further away from the central hub of the Tetons which gives it a more secluded and rustic feel. Great place to stay if you want a quieter location close to Yellowstone.

Headwaters

Headwaters Campground is the furthest North campground and is only a couple miles from the south entrance to Yellowstone. It offers 100+ camping sites plus an additional 40 camper cabins. Showers are available to every camper.

Wildlife Viewing

We saw more wildlife in at Teton National Park than we did in Yellowstone – yep, it’s true. Bears, moose, elk, deer, bison, swans, squirrels, and a variety of birds. I don’t know that there is really a special spot to see wildlife – we saw wildlife wherever we went. I just suggest keeping your eyes peeled and look around while driving and hiking. Bringing binoculars would be a plus.

Visit Mormon Row Historic District

Mormon Row contains old homes and barns from around 1900 of the early settlers of the area from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This area offers incredible views of The Tetons that many photographers seek. It is also fun to explore the area and look into the old buildings and imagine how life was 100+ years ago.

Scenic Drive to Signal Mountain Viewpoint

Signal Mountain Viewpoint is just off Teton Park Road just south of Signal Mountain Campground. Follow Signal Mountain road for 5 miles for an elevation gain of about 1000 feet. No trailers or RVs allowed. At the top you will see panoramic vistas of the valley below.

Explore Cunnigham Cabin

John Cunningham built this cabin in the 1880s and was a rancher/farmer in the area until around 1930. He played an essential role in the preservation of the the Teton area. We had fun exploring the cabin and finding prairie dogs.

Visitor’s Center and Junior Ranger Program

We love going through National Park visitor’s centers for learning opportunities and to get Junior Ranger books. The Junior Ranger program keeps the kids busy while we drive and helps them learn about each park and how to preserve it. Grand Teton National Park has four visitor centers: Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center, Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center, Jenny Lake and Colter Bay. Junior Ranger books can be picked up at any visitor center location.

Star Gazing

Grand Teton National Park has an incredible night sky where you can easily see the Milky Way. We were lucky enough to visit when we could see the comet NEOWISE. Check the Visitor’s Center for ranger led astronomy programs.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Beautiful scenery
All ages will enjoy
Variety of activities: Hiking, water fun, scenic drives, ranger programs, wildlife viewing etc.
Mild temperatures in the summer
Near Yellowstone National Park
Great opportunities to see wildlife
Many hiking options from short to long

CONS

Popular areas within the park can become overcrowded (if visiting the Jenny Lake area, arrive before 10am or after 4 pm)
Campgrounds fill quickly

DIRECTIONS

Grand Teton National Park is located in the north-western corner of Wyoming, just below Yellowstone National Park. There is a north, south, and east entrance into the park. Put your desired location within the park in your GPS to get to the right location. At the park entrance you will receive a map of the park which is great to have in areas where there isn’t great cell phone reception.

MAPS

MORE INFO

Grand Teton National Park

Boating and floating park regulations

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Yellowstone National Park

Town of Jackson

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

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by Outdoor Fam Fun | Jun 2, 2021 | Desert, Nevada, Slot Canyons

Devil’s Gate Slot Canyon, Nevada

Devil’s Gate Slot Canyon is a small marble canyon for all ages to explore just beyond the Utah border in Nevada. Its’ smooth tall marble walls offer a cool and fun place to explore in the desert heat.

KID RATINGS

Fun:⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy EASY Moderate Hard Very Hard

KEY FEATURES

Distance: 1 mile round-trip, out-and-back
Elevation Change: Around 50 ft

Terrain: Marble, dirt, rocks, desert terrain
Time Needed: 1 hour
When to Go: Anytime of the year when there is not rain or snow

COST

Free

AMENITIES

No amenities at Devil’s Gate Slot Canyon.

Closest public amenities are at a gas station on the Utah/Nevada border 45 minutes away on U.S. 50. If you go on a tour of the Crystal Ball Cave there are bathrooms at the Bates Family Ranch which is about 20 minutes from Devil’s Gate Slot Canyon.

THINGS TO BRING

Water
Hiking shoes with good grip (the marble is slick and it is helpful to have shoes with good grip)
Snacks for kids (and adults 🙂
Full tank of gas
Vehicle that can drive well on dirt roads, 4×4 not required

DETAILS

Devil’s Gate Slot Canyon is a small slot canyon located just beyond the Utah border in Nevada. This is a fun adventure to couple with Gandy Warm Springs and Crystal Ball Cave. It is also within an hour of Great Basin National Park.

Devils Gate Slot Canyon Trailhead

This remote slot canyon is accessed via a series of dirt roads off of Highway 50. Follow my map below. Below is a picture of the view of Devil’s Gate Slot Canyon from the dirt road above. Follow this dirt road downward and then take your left and park your vehicle. After reaching the trailhead you will walk west about 0.25 miles to the beginning of the slot canyon.

View of Devil’s Gate Slot Canyon From Above

After reaching the trailhead you will walk west about 0.25 miles to the beginning of the slot canyon.

Beginning of Devil’s Gate Slot Canyon Hike

Devil’s Gate Slot Canyon

After walking about a quarter mile you will drop down into the slot as pictured below.

Then you will come to a 15 ft drop that can be slick due to the marble surface. There are plenty of foot and hand holds but I do recommend having an adult at the top and then one in the middle of the drop to help the kids down. Shoes will good grip help a lot in this area of the canyon.

We used the same system to scramble up the 15 ft drop with an adult in the middle and then the top. This is a short slot canyon but worth the adventure if you are in the area.

You will then walk through this short but beautiful slot. The slot walls are smooth, curvy and tall.

The slot is less than a quarter mile and quickly opens back up to the desert. The kids roamed the desert for a few minutes before turning back around to hike back up the slot. You get back to your vehicle by hiking the same way you came.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Free
Fun for all ages

Neutral

Remote location
Short slot canyon

CONS

No amenities at trailhead
Marble in slot canyon can be slick

DIRECTIONS

Devil’s Gate Slot Canyon, Nevada is located just beyond the Utah border near the ranching community of Gandy, Utah. Follow my map below. Close to an hour of this drive from Hwy 50/Hwy 6 is dirt roads.

It is easy to get off the right path to Devil’s Gate Slot Canyon due to the many dirt roads in the area. There aren’t many signs either.

MAPS

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Crystal Ball Cave (20 mins)

Gandy Warm Springs (15 mins)

Great Basin National Park (1 hour 20 mins)

Hermits Cabin (1 hour 50 mins)

U-dig Fossil Quarry (2 hours 20 mins)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

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Mount Rainier National Park with Kids

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 25, 2021 | Hiking, Mountains, National Parks, Washington

Mount Rainier National Park with Kids

Visit Mount Rainier National Park with kids for an awe-inspiring trip your family will always remember. Mount Rainier stands as a majestic icon in the State of Washington that can be seen from many miles away. This unique National Park allows visitors to get up close to an active volcano and glaciers, as well as breathtaking hikes that include beautiful wildlife, waterfalls and wildflowers all around.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy Easy Moderate Hard Very Hard
(Activities range from very easy to hard depending on what you are doing)

KEY FEATURES

Terrain: Dirt trails, paved trails, rocks, bridges, glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, volcano
Time Needed: A few hours to a few days
When to Go: Spring, Summer, Fall

Hiking Distance: Varies depending on trail

Elevation Gain: Varies depending on trail. Some trails are steep and some are flat.

COST

$30 entrance fee per vehicle (valid for seven days)
Free if you have a 4th grader with you through the Every Kid Outdoors program.
Additional fee for camping

AMENITIES

Lodging: Camping or Lodges
General store
Snack bars
Two restaurants
Water and bathrooms at visitor’s centers and campgrounds

THINGS TO BRING

Camping supplies if camping
Food/Snacks
Good hiking shoes
Hiking backpack
Water for hiking
Sunscreen

DETAILS

Exploring Mount Rainier National Park with kids is a must for families looking for a mountain adventure near Seattle, Washington.

Mount Rainier National Park was our last stop on our two week road trip through Oregon and Washington. We spent just under 2 days in the park with a 10, 9, 6 and 2 year old. It was definitely not enough time to see it in entirety, but we did get a good taste. My 4th grader had one goal at this park — to touch a glacier — which we did.

Mount Rainier hasn’t erupted since the 1800s, but it is still considered an active volcano. We enjoyed learning more about volcanos in the parks visitor’s centers and googling info on our drive. The views of Mount Rainier are stunning as you drive through the park.

THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS

Hiking

There are over 260 miles of maintained trails within the park. Most trails can be shortened if desired.

Family Friendly Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park

(Hiking information found on the National Park Service website and All Trails)

Longmire Area

Trail of Shadows: (0.7 miles, 40 ft elevation gain) Hike through the forest and meadow to a spring and cabin replica.

Twin Firs Loop Trail: (0.4 miles, 100 ft elevation gain) Hike through the Evergreens of Mount Rainier

Ohanapecosh Area

Hot Springs Nature Trail: (0.5 miles, 50 ft elevation gain) Walk along a meadow and board wat to the Ohanapecosh Hot Springs. You can’t go in the hot springs.

Grove of the Patriarchs Trail: (1.2 miles, 45 ft elevation gain) Hike amongst some of the oldest trees in the park and walk across a suspension bridge over the Ohanapecosh River on this lush green hike.

Box Canyon Loop Trail: (0.3 miles, 20 ft elevation gain) Walk on a bridge to see a narrow slot canyon below.

Sunrise Area

Shadow Lakes Trail: (3 miles, 300 ft elevation gain) Views of Mount Rainier and White River Valley

Carbon River and Mowich Area

Carbon River Rainforest Nature Trail: (0.3 miles, 60 ft elevation gain) Explore the only inland rainforest in Washington.

Old Mine Trail: (3 miles, 300 ft elevation gain) Hike through a lush forest to the entrance of an old mine.

Paradise Area

Nisqually Vista Trail: (1.2 miles, 180 ft elevation gain) View Nisqually Glacier as you walk through the stunning meadows of Mount Rainier. This is a paved trail so bring a stroller if you need to.

Bench and Snow Lakes Trail: (2.2 miles, 450 ft elevation gain) Hike through meadows and forest paths to explore two stunning lakes.

Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls: (1 mile, 160 ft elevation gain) Walk to Myrtle Falls along a paved path.

There are several trail options ranging from short to long from the Paradise area. The shorter hikes are paved and are great for strollers. There is also a short easy 1 mile round trip hike to the Myrtle Falls that the Skyline trail hooks into.

Myrtle Falls View from Above

Skyline Trail

The skyline trail is a steep 6 mile loop trail that takes you to the base of Mount Rainier’s Glacier’s. It provides gorgeous views of the volcano, surrounding cascade mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, streams and meadows filled with wildflowers. This is one of the most scenic hikes I have been on. The pictures just don’t do it justice.

This is a hard hike for kids, but I was so proud of my little hikers for sticking it through. They were super motivated to be able to see a volcano up close and to touch a glacier.

Bridge over Sulphur Creek at Capitol Reef National Park

Camping

There are three main campgrounds in Mount Rainier National Park: Cougar (SW area of park), Ohanapecosh (SE area of park) and White River (NE section of park). Cougar and Ohanapecosh can be reserved six months in advance and White River is first come first served. Get more information on the campgrounds here.

We stayed two nights at Cougar Rock Campground and enjoyed the Junior Ranger park programs at the amphitheater nearby. We had plenty of space on out site and enjoyed being surrounded by tall pines. I booked our site about 3 months ahead of time. There were still several sites available at that point. For most national parks I recommend booking campsites 6 months in advance, especially post covid.

Scenic Drive

There are many scenic viewpoints along the drive through the park. We entered the southwest entrance and exited on the southeast side. You could honestly spend a day just driving the park and stopping at different viewpoints.

Visitor’s Centers

There are four visitors centers in Mount Rainier National Park: Longmire, Ohanapecosh, Paradise and Sunrise. We were able to visit Ohanapecosh and Paradise. The Ohanapecosh Visitor Center is small and quant. Whereas, the Paradise Visitor Center is large with many interactive displays. We enjoyed learning all about how volcanos are formed.

Junior Ranger Program

Mount Rainier National Park with kids isn’t complete without getting your junior ranger badge! Grab a Junior Ranger Book at a visitor center at the beginning of your visit and let your kids work on them throughout your trip. Before you leave Mount Rainier turn in your finished Junior Ranger book for a Junior Ranger Badge. The Junior Ranger program keeps the kids busy while we drive and helps them learn about each park and how to preserve it.

Kid Activities Outside the Park

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park: View native northwest animals on nature trails or in your own car. Let your kids play on the imagination kindling playgrounds and go on the zipline/ropes course.

Rusty Plow: Pick fresh blueberries with your kids on a 3 acre blueberry farm. This is a little bit of a drive from Mount Rainier, 1 to 2 hours depending on which area of the park you are coming from.

Mount Rainier Gondola: Ride the Gondola up more than 2000 ft to the summit of Crystal Mountain.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Beautiful scenery
Diverse hiking opportunities: short, long, flat, steep.
Glaciers
Volcano
Opportunities for learning at Junior Ranger programs

CONS

Longer, harder hikes to get up close to the glaciers.

DIRECTIONS

Mount Rainier National Park is located among the Cascade Mountain Range and is two hours south and slightly east of Seattle. It is two and a half hours northeast of Portland. Below is a map to the Visitor Center in the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park.

MAPS

MORE INFO

Mount Rainier National Park official site.

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park (1 hour)

Mount Rainier Gondola

Seattle (2 hours)

Mount St. Helens (2 hours)

Portland (2.5 hours)

Olympic National Park (3 hours)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

Olympic National Park with Kids

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 24, 2021 | Featured Posts, National Parks, Washington, Water

Olympic National Park with Kids

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy Easy Moderate Hard Very Hard
(Activities range from very easy to hard depending on what you are doing)

KEY FEATURES

Terrain: Beaches, ocean, mountains, bridges, lakes, rivers waterfalls, trails, temperate rain forest
Time Needed: 1 day to several days, I recommend several
When to Go: Anytime of year, but summer/early fall is best

Hiking Distance: short to long depending on what you are doing

COST

$30 entrance fee to some areas of the park (valid for seven days)
Free if you have a 4th grader with Every Kid Outdoors program
Beaches are all free
Sol Duc Hot Springs is an added cost. Cost depends on age and time of day visiting.
Fees for camping

AMENITIES

Camping (book 6 months in advance)
Lodges and Cabins (book 6 months in advance)
Hotels in gateway cities such as Aberdeen and Port Angeles
Bathrooms available at visitors centers and some trailheads
Hot Springs
Water available at campsites, resorts, visitor’s centers and some trailheads

Where to Stay at Olympic National Park

It takes over three hours to drive the coastal perimeter of Olympic national park without stopping. I recommend staying in the park to minimize drive time. Book your stay six months in advance if you would like to stay within Olympic National Park either at a campground, cabin or lodge. See below for additional information on campgrounds within Olympic National Park.

There are no hotels located within Olympic National Park. Check out hotels in the surrounding cities of Port Angeles to the North and Pacific Beach, Ocean City and Aberdeen to the south.

THINGS TO BRING

Camping gear if camping
Good hiking shoes
Food/Snacks
Good rain jacket
Water

DETAILS

Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse national parks we have visited. It has ocean beaches, mountains, hiking, camping, lakes and hot springs. Our family loves the mountains and the beach so it was the best of both worlds for us. We spent hours on the beaches exploring, discovering tide-pools and playing on drift wood and hiked through the lush temperature rain forests to waterfalls.

We spent about 5 days in the park and we didn’t even get to explore everything the park has to offer. Olympic National Park is nearly one million acres and contains 70 miles of coastline. It is no wonder we couldn’t fit everything in.

Olympic National Park with your kids will be an adventure your family always remembers. We visited with our 2, 6, 9, and 10 year old and had an absolute blast.

THINGS TO DO AT OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK WITH KIDS

Explore Beaches and Tide Pooling

Olympic National Park includes miles of serene beaches where no two beaches are exactly alike. From sand to rocks to drift wood to tide pools, each beach has its own characteristics.

The water is cold, definitely different than the beaches we were use when we lived in Florida. However, the beauty of these beaches is almost unreal and we especially enjoyed finding the diverse sea-life.

Tide pooling was our favorite part of Olympic National Park with kids. We spent hours exploring the tide-pools filled with ocean life. Make sure to visit the beaches at low-tide for optimal tide-pool viewing. Check out the NOAA tide predictions before going.

First Beach

Quileute Oceanside Resort sites right on First Beach. We camped here and loved having such quick access to this beach. There are firerings to enjoy a sunset fire and smores. My kids loved playing on the driftwood on the beach here. Walk about a half mile to the North on this beach for sea-life viewing along the side of the causeway.

First Beach

Second Beach

This is a secluded beach with majestic sea stacks and many tide pools to explore at low tide. My kids actually swam in the water at this beach, I preferred to just wade. Remember you are in Washington not Florida…The water is cold. It is about a mile walk to get to second beach, but it is well worth it. This makes it more secluded with less people.

Second Beach

Rialto Beach

Rialto beach is just north of the La Push, Washington and is 3 miles from the Mora Campground. It has many tide pools at low-tide. 1.5 miles from the beach entrance is the hole in the rock structure.

Rialto Beach

Kalaloch Campground Beach

This isn’t an official beach name because this beach doesn’t have one. This is the beach just off of the Kalaloch Campground. We walked along this beautiful misty beach for about a mile north.

If you walk just south of the Kalaloch Lodge you can find the “Tree of Life”. This large tree is right next to the beach and most of its root system is hanging in air without any soil to feed it.

Kalaloch Beach 4

This was our favorite beach because of the many star fish we found on the rock structures just north of the beach entrance. We also saw sea-lions swimming nearby. There were also tons of smooth beautiful rocks. We love collecting rocks so this was super fun for us. It is north of the Kalaloch Campground but south of Ruby Beach.

Ruby Beach

Possibly the most known beach along Washington’s coast with its famous Abbey Island. Great place for a beach stroll and tide pool exploring.

Ruby Beach

Hiking

There are countless hikes within Olympic National Park ranging from very easy to very hard. Here are the hikes we did on our trip. Full reviews on each hike to come.

Sol-Duc Falls: a 1.6 mile easy and flat hike to a beautiful waterfall.

Hoh River Trail: This trail follows the Hoh River through the beautiful rainforest. You can make this is along or short as you want. We hiked a total of 5.5 miles to the Mineral Creek Falls.

Second Beach: an out-and-back 2 mile trail round trip that walks you through Oregon’s beautiful coastal lush forest to a secluded beach. It is downhill on the way to the beach, uphill on the way back.

Rialto Beach/Hole in the Wall: A 3 mile flat beautiful beach walk with views of sea-life in tide pools to a rock formation with a large hole. Make sure to do this hike at low tide so you can walk out to the Hole in the Wall.

Hot Springs

The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort has one fresh-water pool and 3 mineral pools that vary in temperature from 99 degrees to 104 degrees. We spent an afternoon here and had a lot of fun. It was nice to relax and do something a little different for a day. My kids love swimming no matter where we are at and will usually choose swimming over any other activity. There are cabins located right next to the resort.

Camping

Each major area of the park has camping opportunities near it. All campgrounds fill quickly and open for reservations on a 6 month rolling basis. I recommend reserving a site at the 6 month mark before traveling if you want a site in the summer months. The campgrounds that can be reserved in Olympic National Park are Kalaloch, Hoh Rainforest Campground, Mora and Sol Duc Hot Springs. You can reserve here.

We really enjoyed the campgrounds we stayed at. Here is a little information on each.

Kalaloch Campground is between the main highway and the ocean. If available, pick a site closer to the ocean than the highway. The beach is a short walk and was easy to access. You can also stay at the Kalaloch Lodge if you are not camping. It is the only place to stay that is non-camping within about 1 hour in each direction.

Sol Duc Campground is nestled in the beautiful Washington rain forest near the north end of Olympic National Park. It is near the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and the Sol Duc Waterfall hike. It is also closer to crescent lake if you are exploring that area.

Quileute Oceanside Resort is privately owned and not operated by Olympic National Park, however it is surrounded by the park and is close to the beautiful First, Second and Third Beaches. The camping here was more KOA style and there are only a few sites. I loved falling asleep to the sound of the ocean. There are several cabins available right along the ocean-side that looked really nice. This resort books on a 1 year rolling basis and books quickly.

Explore the Lakes

Crescent Lake is nestled among Washington coastal mountains and is absolutely beautiful. I wish we had more time to explore this area. There is hiking, camping and a lodge nearby. Marymere Falls is a popular hike in the area. Kayak and canoeing rentals are available.

Crescent Lake: Photo Credit Michelle Mower Mulholland

Lake Quinault: This area is surrounded by the temperate rain forest and offers boating, hiking, camping, fishing, food and lodging. It is the gateway to the southwest base of the park.

Quinault Lake: Photo Credit Michelle Mulholland

Scenic Drive on Hurricane Ridge

This is a 17-mile road takes you through the majestic snow-capped Olympic Mountains. There are several hiking options off this road. It is a curvy road and a couple of my kids started to feel a bit car sick. Just be prepared.

Hurricane Ridge: Photo Credit Michelle Mower Mulholland

JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

We love getting Junior Ranger books from National Park visitor centers. The Junior Ranger program keeps the kids busy while we drive and helps them learn about each park and how to preserve it.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Unique and beautiful scenery
Diverse outdoor adventures
Stunning scenery
Not crowded, park is big and people are spread out
Sea-life viewing
Mountain-life viewing
Gorgeous beaches
Waterfalls

CONS

Can rain a lot
Requires a bit of driving to get from one location of the park to another

DIRECTIONS

Olympic National Park is located on the north west portion of Washington State. If you put in Olympic National Park into your GPS device or phone you will be led to the middle of the mountain range of the park. Make sure to put the specific location within the park that you want to visit.

MAPS

Map to southwest corner of park

Map to northeast corner of park

MORE INFO

Olympic National Park official site

Olympic National Park NOAA tide chart

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Forks (20 minutes from Second Beach)

Seattle (3 hours from the park’s northeast entrance)

Portland (3 hours from park’s southwest entrance)

Oregon’s Coast (3 hours to beaches such as Seaside and Cannon beach from park’s south west entrance)

Mount Rainier National Park (3 hours)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

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Multnomah Falls with Kids

Visit the majestic 620 ft. Multnomah Falls with kids in the Columbia River Gorge! It is a must see when visiting Portland, Oregon and attracts millions of visitors each year. Grand views of the waterfall can be seen...

Multnomah Falls with Kids

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 24, 2021 | Hiking, Oregon, Water

Multnomah Falls with Kids

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy Easy MODERATE Hard Very Hard

KEY FEATURES

Distance: 0.1 to 2 miles, depending on how far you go
Elevation Gain: Flat to 800 ft, depending on how far you walk
Terrain: Paved trail and bridges
Time Needed: 30 to 90 minutes
When to Go: Spring, Summer, Fall. Early morning or late evening if you want to avoid crowds.

COST

Free

AMENITIES

Bathrooms
Restaurant
Gift Shop
Water fountain
Snack bar

THINGS TO BRING

Water container
Good walking shoes
Stroller if needed

DETAILS

Multnomah Falls with kids can be a quick stop or a longer adventure depending on where you want to view the falls. It can be easily tailored to your family’s needs.

Multnomah Falls with our kids was our first stop coming into the Portland Oregon after a full day of driving. We drove by at sunset and there were only a few other cars parked in the lot. You can see the waterfall from the interstate and parking lot but there are better views along the trail. We viewed the falls from the parking lot as we were all exhausted and wanted to get the hotel. We visited Multnomah Falls with our kids again a couple days later with a little more energy and sunlight.

Parking

We arrived around 4 pm near the end of the July and the parking lot was about 75% full. The main parking lot is in between the East and Westbound Interstate 84. You access the lot by the left sided exit 31 going either direction. We almost missed this exit so be aware as you get close. Once you park you will need to walk through a tunnel under east bound I-84 to get to the trailhead.

If you visit at a time where the parking lot is full you can drive to exit 25 to Rooster Rock State Park and take a free shuttle to Multnomah Falls. Rooster Rock does charge a $5 day use fee upon entrance into the park.

View of Multnomah Falls from Parking Lot

Trailhead

You can see Multnomah Falls from the trailhead or you can get closer by following the paved trail. This trail is steep and can get crowded. I recommend visiting in the morning before 10am or in the late evening if you want to visit at a time with less people.

There is a small visitor’s center, bathrooms, restaurant and snack bar located at the trailhead.

The Hike

Just a short walk upward on the paved trail from the trailhead, you will come to the famous views of the falls and the Multnomah Falls Bridge (Benson Bridge). Wait your turn to get an awesome picture in front of the falls.

Continue upward following a few switchbacks to get to the Benson Bridge. On the bridge you can get a closer view of the upper and lower falls.

This is where we turned around making our hike 0.4 miles round trip. You can continue to the top of the falls for a total of 2 miles of hiking or make an even longer hike by connecting to the Wahkeena trail.

This is a super touristy location but we were glad we took the time to see this beautiful waterfall with our kids. The crowds diminish as you hike further up. I wish we could of hiked further up, but we did not have the time that day.

View of Orange Orchards at Bok Tower Gardens

PROS & CONS

PROS

Beautiful scenery and waterfall
Easily accessible
Good for all skill levels and ages
Free

CONS

Can be crowded and touristy
Steep 1 mile to get to the top of the falls

DIRECTIONS

Multnomah Falls is located along the Columbia River Gorge 30 minutes east of Portland. It is directly off of Interstate 84. Simply put “Multnomah Falls Parking” into your GPS device or phone to get you to the right location. You can also follow my map below.

MAPS

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MORE INFO

All Trails: Multnomah Falls Trail

Multnomah Falls Lodge

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Portland (30 minutes)

Other hikes in the Columbia River Gorge

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

Daytona Beach: A Classic Florida Beach

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 20, 2021 | Florida, Water

Daytona Beach: A Classic Florida Beach

Daytona Beach has miles of pristine beaches lined with hotels and tourist attractions. This classic beach features bigger waves and firmer sand than Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches, making it a perfect beach for sand castle building and boogie boarding. It is one of the few beaches in Florida that you can still park your car on.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: VERY EASY Easy Moderate Hard Very Hard

KEY FEATURES

Time Needed: One hour to all day
When to Go: Anytime of the year

COST

Free to $10 depending on where you park

AMENITIES

Bathrooms at Sun Splash Park or public bathrooms near drive ramps to beach at Granada Blvd. (SR 40) and Cardinal Drive.
Many ocean-side restaurants and hotels
Hotels and home rentals throughout Daytona Beach City

THINGS TO BRING

Water, snacks
Sunscreen
Beach toys, tent, chairs if desired
Boogey boards, skim boards, floaties, etc.
Frisbee, football, etc.

DETAILS

Daytona beach is my favorite Florida Atlantic Coast Beach. I feel like sometimes it has a reputation of a scandalous spring break party beach. However, I visited Daytona Beach at several different times of the year, even spring break, and never saw this. It is a great way to experience Florida’s East Coast with your family.

Daytona Beach in January

When compared to Florida’s Gulf Coast Beaches, Daytona Beach has firmer, darker sand and bigger waves. The firm sand allows for great sand castle building, biking and a game of Frisbee. We loved playing in the bigger waves and brought our boogie boards with each visit. This is a beach where surfing is available. Boogie boards and surf boards are available at several surf shops along the beach.

Daytona Beach is lined with hotels, restaurants, a boardwalk, piers and a small amusement park. Definitely a fun place to take a beach-side stroll.

My husband and his brothers drove early one morning to watch the sunrise at Daytona Beach. So beautiful! There are many hotels along the beach with gorgeous sunrise views for reasonable prices.

Skutumpah Road overlooking Grand Staircase Escalante

We ate dinner at the Cruisin Café where you get to eat in a real race car. The kids absolutely loved it!

Where to Park

You can either pay $10 to drive right on the beach or park in a nearby parking lot. Parking right on the beach was fun and it was nice to have access to our vehicle so close. We often times parked at Sun Splash Park right off the beach because it was free. The kids also loved playing at the playground here and I liked being close to bathrooms. There were also water spouts to wash the sand off your legs and feet here. I hate driving home with sand all over my legs!

Daytona International Speedway

A must while visiting Daytona Beach is to visit or drive by the Daytona International Speedway. It is huge! I was in shock. Paid tours are available to see the inside.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Classic tourist beach atmosphere
Drive and park right on beach
Nearby amenities
Waves large enough for boogy boarding and surfing
Many other activities nearby

CONS

Water isn’t clear due to waves
Not a lot of shelling opportunities
Can become crowded on weekends

DIRECTIONS

Daytona Beach is on Florida’s Atlantic coast, north of Orlando. We parked for free at the Sun Splash Park located 611 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. You can also take a car ramp a block north of the Sun Splash Park and drive right on to the beach.

MAPS

Map to free parking at Daytona Beach at Sun Splash Park.

MORE INFO

Daytona Beach

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

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Egmont Key State Park: Historical Florida Island

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 20, 2021 | Florida, Water

Egmont Key State Park: Historical Florida Island

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy EASY Moderate Hard Very Hard

KEY FEATURES

Distance: 0.25 to 3 miles depending on where you go on the island
Elevation Gain: Flat
Terrain: Ocean, beaches, sandy paths, stone paths, military ruins
Time Needed: Half day
When to Go: Anytime of the year

COST

Entrance onto Island is free, however it is only accessible by boat. Here are the 2 companies I used to get to Egmont Key State Park. There are other companies out there.

Egmont Key Ferry from Fort Desoto Park

$25 Adults

$12.50 Children

Free Children (2 and under)

Dolphin Snorkeling Cruise to Egmont Key State Park

$40 Adults

$30 Children (4 – 12)

Free Children (3 and under)

Egmont Key Snorkeling Adventure

AMENITIES

No water, food or bathrooms located on the Island
Bathrooms on the Ferry or Dolphin Snorkeling Cruise Boat
Bathrooms at Fort De Soto Park before getting on boats

THINGS TO BRING

Water, snacks
Sunscreen
Swim suit
Backpack to easily carry items on the island
Floaties/life jackets for kids who need them if playing in water on the island

DETAILS

Egmont Key State Park is a beautiful, serene and secluded historical island beach, perfect for swimming, exploring, shell collecting, discovering military history and viewing wildlife.

Getting to Egmont Key State Park

Private boaters love Egmont Key because of the seclusion and beauty. However, most residents and visitors to Florida don’t own boats. The two companies I used to access Egmont Key are below. Each offer a different experiences.

Egmont Ferry Cruise

This ferry departs from Fort DeSoto Fishing Pier usually mid-morning and returns mid-afternoon. On our boat ride we saw a sea turtle and a large school of Tarpans coming out of the water. There are snacks to buy and a restroom available on the boat. Reservations are highly recommended and a snorkeling option is available to add on to your ticket for $15. Using the Egmont Ferry Cruise option gives you three to four hours on the island.

Dolphin Snorkeling Cruise

This option is about four hours and is a great way to see dolphins, snorkel and get a quick tour of the island. Because of the activities offered by this cruise, time is minimal on the actual island, but it is still a fun adventure. According to the Dolphin Snorkeling Cruise 95% of the time dolphins will play and swim and jump close to the boat in the boat’s wake. I was able to see dolphins on my cruise but I was part of the 5% that did not see the dolphins up close.

The boat parks and stays on the island so there is a bathroom available here to those on the cruise.

Things to Do at Egmont Key State Park

The Lighthouse

I am a lover of lighthouses and loved seeing a historical lighthouse still in operation. The lighthouse on Egmont Key State Park has been operating since 1858 and is 87 feet tall.

Wildlife Viewing

Egmont Key State Park is a National Wildlife Refuge. Keep your eye out for box turtles, gopher tortoises, manatees, dolphins, osprey, pelicans, white ibis, and other shorebirds. My favorite part of the island was finding gopher tortoises. They were everywhere!

gopher tortoises on egmont key state park

Explore Military Ruins

Egmont Key was home of early American military camps and was the home of Fort Dade until 1923. The old military town and fort remains were fun to explore.

Swimming

The water at Egmont Key State Park is clear and picturesque. We visited in May and the water was at least 80 degrees.

The summer beaches on Egmont key are lined with private boats. Despite the many boats, the beaches still feel remote and not crowded.

I wished that our boat options let us have more time on the island. I was a little jealous of the private boats that could spend an entire day enjoying all this beautiful island has to offer.

Shelling

Because of the remoteness of the island there is better shelling than other crowded beaches in the Tampa area. Shelling will vary on tide and time of year. Take a walk along the beach and see what you discover. The beach is natural and isn’t groomed or filled with sand from somewhere else.

Snorkeling

Bring your own snorkeling gear of rent them from your boat ride. Some of the boat rides include snorkeling gear with your fees. There are tall water grasses fish love to hid in. The boat companies I used did not take us to the submerged ruins to snorkel through but I have heard some do. Call ahead to find out where you will snorkel.

Hiking/Nature Paths

Walk along the old brick paths that once were home to a busy Fort Dade where more than 300 people once lived. There are more than 6 miles of paths that explore the island. Keep your eyes out for wildlife and ruins while walking. I loved all the red brick paths lined with palms.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Secluded beach
Good shelling
Wildlife viewing on Egmont Key and on boat to Key
Exploring old military ruins and town

CONS

No amenities on the Island, unless using the Dolphin Snorkeling Cruise
Would prefer to spend an entire day on the Island, not just a few hours.

DIRECTIONS

Egmont Key is located at the mouth of Tampa Bay and is only accessibly via boat. Two options that I used for transportation to the Island are Egmont Key Ferry that departs from Fort De Soto Bay Pier at Anderson Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33715 and the Dolphin Snorkeling Cruise which departs from 4630 29th Ave S Gulfport, FL 33711.

MAPS

MORE INFO

Egmont Key State Park Official Site

Egmont Key Ferry

Dolphin Snorkeling Cruise

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Fort De Soto Beach (just a few minutes from the Egmont Key Ferry depature point)

Tampa (45 mintues)

Anna Maria Island (1 hour)

Bush Gardens (1 hour)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

Circle B Bar Reserve: Real Florida Nature

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 19, 2021 | Florida

Circle B Bar Reserve: Real Florida Nature

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy EASY MODERATE Hard Very Hard (Easy to Moderate depending on how far you walk and how hot it is outside) We usually walked just over 2 miles.

KEY FEATURES

Distance: 0.2 to 5 miles, you pick
Elevation Gain: flat
Terrain: Uneven dirt paths, tree roots exposed along trail, part-shade
Time Needed: 1 to 3 hours
When to Go: Anytime of the year. Visit in the morning during the summer to escape the heat.

Trail Hours

6:00 am to 6:30 pm winter

5:30 am to 8 pm in spring, summer and fall.

Polk’s Nature Discovery Center Hours

Tuesday-Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Mondays)

Sunday: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

COST

Free.

AMENITIES

Well-kept bathrooms and water fountain in visitor’s center
Port-a-potty near parking lot if visitor’s center is closed
Picnic tables with gazebo

THINGS TO BRING

Water
Snacks
Running type stroller if needed for small children. The trail is dirt and often has tree roots exposed making for a bumpy ride.
Good walking shoes
Binoculars for wildlife viewing

DETAILS

Circle B Bar Reserve was my favorite place to take visitors while we lived there. It is located in Central Florida and only about 40 minutes from Disney and Tampa. It offers a FREE look into Florida marsh and lake life, including alligators, a variety of birds, frogs, turtles, raccoons, butterflies and more.

On arrival to Circle B Bar we would usually obtain a map from the visitors center or from an outside kiosk near the visitor center. The map also contained pictures of the wildlife and plants we may see along our adventure. My kids loved finding as many items off the map as they could while we walked.

Wildlife at Circle B Bar Nature Reserve

There are ample wildlife viewing opportunities at Circle B Bar. We have seen alligators, blue herons, egrets, racoons, armadillos, butterflies, golden silk spiders, osprey, great egrets, frogs, turtles, fish, white ibis, owls, rosette spoonbills, anhingas and squirrels.

The best way to see as much wild life as possible is to go in the cooler hours of the day and walk along the nature paths as quietly as you can. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk. There are many animals here that are great at blending in with the environment.

Wildlife at Circle B Bar Reserve

Hit arrows to see more….

Nature Trails at Circle B Bar

Shady Oak: 1.3 miles

Lost Bridge Trail: 0.5 miles

Alligator Alley: 1 mile

Marsh Rabbit Run: 0.7 miles

Heron Hideout: 0.5 miles

Eagle Roost: 0.7 miles

Wading Bird Way: 0.7 miles

Windmill Wisper: 0.4 miles

Otter Trail: 0.2 miles

A lot of these trails connect together and can’t be accessed unless you go on another trail first. Make sure to grab a map.

There are trail routes ranging from .2 to 5 miles. My favorite route is a 2.5 mile loop and includes Shady Oak Trail to Alligator Alley to Heron Hideout. This route is 90% shaded and includes views of the oak trees, Lack Hanock and Florida marshes. First, Shady Oak takes you through a canopy of Oak Trees. We often counted the many butterflies here and once saw an armadillo.

There is a gazebo off Alligator Alley that provides a beautiful view of the lake and the variety of birds that live around it. I saw an eagle swoop down and snag a fish from the lake and a large Blue Heron scoop up a fish and eat it whole.

How to find Gators at Circle B Bar Reserve

I have been to Circle B Bar probably at least 20 times and have always seen gators with each visit. Once you see a couple and learn how to spot them it becomes easier and easier.

The best trails to see gators on are Alligator Alley and Marsh Rabbit Trail.

Alligator Alley

As you approach the lake on Alligator Alley, you will see the lake on one side of the trail and a marshy ditch on the other. Alligators may be on both sides of the trail. In the lake, watch for gator eyes and a nose that may be sticking just barely out from the water.

In the ditch you may see gators lounging in the water or tall grass soaking up some rays. If you are lucky you may see a gator cross the trail or swimming in the water. Most of the time gators are just lazy and don’t move at all. I felt like the gators were most active in the spring time when the temperatures were cool to warm: not too hot and not too cold.

Marsh Rabbit Trail

Another good route for alligators is accessing the Marsh Rabbit Run via the Heron Hideout. You can make this a 2.3 mile loop by connecting Heron Hideout -Marsh Rabbit Run-Wading Bird Way-Windmill Whisper-Treefrog Trail.

Marsh Rabbit Run is usually closed during alligator nesting months (July through September) if the gators have nested too close to the trail. We visited at the end of October once, just shortly after the trail was opened again, and saw about a dozen newborn gators.

Marsh Rabbit Run is also where I saw the back of an extremely large gator named Humpback. Here is a YouTube of an amazing shot of this gator that went viral at Circle B Bar.

Humpback the Alligator

There have never been any incidents at Circle B Bar Reserve and we want it to stay that way. Keep to the trail and do not harass the animals.

Polk’s Nature Discovery Center

Polk’s Nature Discovery Center is basically the visitor’s center for Circle B Bar Reserve. It has several interactive exhibits, a tree house and an underground fox hole for the kids to play in. There is also a small theatre room with the option of 5 films to watch. My kids would not let us go to Circle B Bar without stopping by the Discovery Center.

The Discover Center also has wonderful air conditioning, nice bathrooms and a water fountain.

The hours for the Polk County Discovery Center are different than the trail hours.

Tuesday-Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Free!
Great way to see Florida wildlife—better than the Everglades
Fun visitor’s center for kids
Short drive from Tampa or Orlando

CONS

If you or your children need fences between you and animals for any reason, do not go here—there are no fences—but this is actually a pro for us, as long as you stay a safe distance and let the animals be.

DIRECTIONS

Circle B Bar Reserve is located in Lakeland Florida and is only 40 minutes west of Disney and 40 minutes east of Tampa. The address is 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 33803.

MAP TO CIRCLE B BAR RESERVE

MORE INFO

Visit Circle B Bar Reserve’s official website

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Bok Tower Gardens (40 minutes)

Legoland (30 minutes)

Disney World (40 minutes)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

Anna Maria Island: Florida’s Best Secluded Beach

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 19, 2021 | Florida, Water

Anna Maria Island: Florida’s Best Secluded Beach

KIDS RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy Easy Moderate Hard Very Har

KEY FEATURES

Terrain: White sand beach, clear water, some boardwalk and grassy areas
Time Needed: 1 hour to all day (we prefer all day)
When to Go: Anytime of the year

COST

Free

AMENITIES

There are no bathrooms at the northern beaches on Anna Maria Island. Closest bathrooms located at Manatee Beach a few miles away. We would always stop here on the way to our favorite beach spot.
Restaurants, gift shops, gas stations, convenient stores on Anna Maria Island
No hotels on Anna Maria Island, however there are many home rentals. Check Airbnb or www.annamaria.com
Hotels nearby in Bradenton

THINGS TO BRING

Towel
Beach toys, umbrella and chairs
Snacks, lunch, water
Life jackets/floaties for children who need them
Sunscreen
Snorkeling gear

DETAILS

When we moved to Florida, I made it my quest to find the best beach in the State. Who would have guessed that we found it on our first try?

After going to more than a dozen beaches on the Atlantic and gulf coasts, in the end, Anna Maria Island remained our favorite beach in Florida!

Anna Maria Island rarely sees the same number of crowds that other touristy beaches get. There are no hotels on the island, only privately owned homes—many of which are right off of these more secluded beaches. It is a great place to rent an Airbnb for a few days.

We loved the calm tranquility of this Gulf Coast beach. The water temperature in the summers can reach 88 degrees while the winter temperatures can drop to the 60s. Anna Maria Island can be enjoyed any season.

Our Favorite Beach on Anna Maria Island

The main beach on the island is called Manatee Public Beach, which is located in the City of Homes Beach on Anna Maria Island (a bit confusing, I know). Although, the main beach is as good as several other beaches in Florida, our favorite beach on the island was actually a bit more secluded, and until recently, we did not realize it was technically a city park.

This more secluded beach on the island has the softest sand and clearest water that we found in our many beach visits around the state. Our days were filled with swimming, sand castle making, tubing, kite flying, skim-boarding, kayaking, snorkeling and many, many smiles.

THINGS TO DO

Ride the Trolley

Anna Maria Island offers a free trolley you can ride to catch a tour of the island. This is a fun way to add variety to a day at the beach. You can also park at Manatee Public Beach and then take the trolley to the less crowded beach areas on Anna Maria Island. The trolley runs every 20 minutes from 6 am to 10:30 pm.

Play in the Sand

Anna Maria Island has the softest sand in Florida. Our kids spent hours playing in the sand. Bring a few sand toys or just use your hands!

Swimming and Tubing

Anna Maria Island is where my oldest daughter fell in love with swimming. Anna Maria Island has calm water great for swimming the majority of the time. The beaches also don’t get too deep too fast, giving your littles plenty of room to swim and play.

As you enter you enter the water, its good to do the “stingray shuffle.” Essentially, you just shuffle your feet across the ocean floor to detour any small sting rays in the area. Don’t worry. We are talking about little guys that are few and far between.

When the ocean is calm, the waves on Anna Maria Island are perfect to relax in a tube on. Most of the time I would just be chilling on a tube riding the waves into the beach. So peaceful and relaxing.

Kayaking

We own kayaks, so we often brought them with us to Anna Maria Island. On calm ocean days we would dive for sand dollars, sea stars and other sea creatures in the clear water off the kayaks.

There are several places to rent kayaks, such as Beach Bums, which is located at 427 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216. They offer paddle board, kayaks, bike, and golf cart rentals. Check out their web page www.beachbumsami.com .

On one occasion we found over 20 whole sand dollars. My husband called it a “sand dollar graveyard.” However, be careful not to take live sand dollars from the ocean, if you are lucky enough to find one. We also loved dolphin watching from the kayaks.

Snorkeling

Now, this it not the type of snorkeling you can do on the reef in the keys. This is more shell/critter/fish finding snorkeling. However, we still spent hours with our heads in the water finding whatever we could.

The water is the most calm and clear in the morning hours and then the waves usually pick up in the afternoon. Make sure to hit Anna Maria Island in the morning if you want to snorkel.

Skim or Boogie Board

The shallow calm water on Anna Maria Island creates a perfect place to skim board. My brothers and husband loved this at Anna Maria Island because of the large area of shallow water on the beach line when tide is low.

Rend a Skim Board at Lazy Turtle Beach Rentals. They also rent Boogie Boards. If there are more waves when you are visiting Boogie Boarding is a great option.

Watch the Sunset

The Sunsets on Anna Maria Island are Stunning. Whenever we could, we would stay until the sunset. It was always worth the wait.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Sand as soft as flour
Clear water on calm days
Not crowded
A few quaint shops and restaurants
Rentals available

CONS

No bathrooms at more secluded beach sites
Very limited street parking to access secluded beach sites – may need to ride trolley

Neutral

Small waves
No hotels

DIRECTIONS

Anna Maria Island is one hour south of Tampa or one hour and 45 minutes from Disney World.

The address to Manatee Public Beach on Anna Maria Island with amenities is 4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

The City Park beach that we loved to go to is accessed off neighborhood roads that are perpendicular to the beach. Google simply calls it “City Park.” (Side note: Google states that it is part of Bradenton Beach, and sometimes Holmes Beach, but ignore that and read the instructions and maps below).

To get to the City Park beach, you have to drive north of Manatee Public Beach for a few miles on Gulf Drive. You can also get off of Gulf Dr. and onto Marina Dr. (which is what we would do), which it turns into Palm Dr. and eventually back into Gulf Dr. Either way, it almost seems like you are getting further away from the ocean as you drive through neighborhoods, but if you follow one of these roads, you should be good.

You will need to park in front of homes on side streets that serve as outlets to the beach. Pay attention to signs of where parking is allowed. The city does ticket. The main sides streets that we would park on were Palmetto Dr. or Willow Dr.

These are pretty close to the Anna Maria Island Creamery & Bakery and a few other little shops and restaurants. We would get Ice Cream there (and use the bathroom, but only if you purchase something).

MAPS

MORE INFO

annamariaisland.com

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Siesta Key (50 minutes)

Tampa (1 hour)

Bush Gardens (1 hour and 15 minutes)

Disney World (1 hour 45 mintues)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

Florida Manatees at Blue Spring State Park

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 18, 2021 | Florida, Water

Florida Manatees at Blue Spring State Park

The best place to see manatees in the Orlando area is in the clear water of Blue Spring State Park. Visiting this park is a great way to see Florida beyond the theme parks and beaches. Besides manatee viewing, activities at Blue Spring State park include kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, tubing, hiking, fishing and camping.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy EASY Moderate Hard Very Hard

KEY FEATURES

Terrain: Spring water, river, marshlands, flat trails & boardwalk
Time Needed: 1 hour to most of the day
When to Go: Anytime of the year, but winter is the best time to view manatees

COST

Blue Spring State Park Entrance Fee: $6 per vehicle! This might be the cheapest thing you can do in Florida and it just might be one of your favorites! Costs for other activities, like tube and kayak rentals are listed under “Things to Do.”

Tube & Snorkel Rentals: $5 first hour, $2.50 each additional hour, $15 entire day

Kayak Rentals: $17 to $54 depending on the kayak and length of time.

AMENITIES

Bathrooms
Showers
Concession Stand
Gift Shop

THINGS TO BRING

Manatee Off-Season (April – October)

Swim suit
Water shoes if desired
Snorkel
Goggles
Towel
Snacks
Sunscreen

Manatee On-Season (Nov – March)

Stroller for little ones for walking on boardwalk to view manatees.
Snacks
Clothes that can get a little wet if kayaking.

DETAILS

Blue Spring State Park was my favorite place to see manatees while we lived in Florida. It was a top pick for any family or friends that visited us and wanted to see what makes Florida so great beyond the theme parks and Beaches.

Blue Spring State Park can be enjoyed all year round, but the best time to see the most manatees is between November and March. We visited Blue Spring during the on-season and off-season for manatees and enjoyed each visit.

Manatee Season – November to March

Manatees migrate from the ocean to the warmer springs of Florida where the water temperature stays at 72 degrees all year. During this time, you may see hundreds of manatees congregating at the spring head where the water is the warmest. When you enter the park, there is a manatee counter on the pay booth where you can find out how many manatees are in the spring that day.

Daily Manatee count at Blue Spring State Park

There is a trail/boardwalk that follows the Blue Spring Run allowing visitors to see the beauty of the area and view the manatees in the crystal clear spring water. You are not able to swim or kayak near the spring head during manatee season.

However, you may still rent a kayak or canoe and explore the St. Johns River, which the Blue Spring waters feed into. If you are visiting Blue Spring only to view the manatees your visit will only take about an hour. If kayaking or taking a river boat tour on the St. Johns River, you probably need a half of a day.

Manatee Off-Season – April to October

Don’t let the phrase “off-season” fool you. Each time we visited during the off season we were still able to see a few manatees. In fact, because it was the manatee “off-season” we were able to kayak and swim near the spring head and get up close to these beautiful creatures.

Kayaking next to manatees in their natural environment was honestly magical and is something I will never forget. You are allowed to kayak next to the manatees, but you are not allowed to swim with them. Also, please do not chase or harass the manatees if you are lucky enough to get close to one.

If kayaking with manatees is a bucket list item for you I suggest checking out Crystal River between November and March. The summer kayaking with manatees is no guarantee at Blue Springs State Park.

Blue Spring State Park is a popular place to swim in the summer to escape the heat. Since Blue Spring is a steady 72 degrees F year-round, it strangely feels warm in the winter and cold in the summer, but I promise it’s the same temperature. You can enter the spring at the spring head and explore the deep crevice beyond what you can see.

After exploring the spring head you can follow the current and swim or take a rental tube down the Blue Spring Run that leads to the St. Johns River. You may see turtles, fish or manatees in this crystal clear water. There is a barrier blocking swimmers from going too far. At this barrier there are stairs allowing exit from the spring.

We spent a few hours during the summer exploring the spring, riding our tubes and swimming with the current. You could spend a good portion of a summer day at Blue Spring just swimming, tubing and kayaking.

There are picnic tables for lunch that you can pack in or pick up at the concession stand. If staying for several hours, I recommend parking and finding a picnic table by the parking lot, which is close to the St Johns River. There are picnic tables dispersed in the grassy area, a pavilion and a playground for younger kids in this area.

THINGS TO DO

Observing Manatees

The best time to see manatees is between November and March. However, there are usually a few near the spring throughout the year.

Kayaking/Canoeing

You can rent a kayak or canoe or bring your own. Lifejackets are provided. During the off-season you can kayak canoe close to the spring head. In manatee season you can explore the St. Johns River.

Swimming/Tubing

Explore the spring head and float an 1/8 mile down the blue spring run. Get out and do it again. Bring your own tube our rent one at the park.

Snorkeling/Diving

Explore the spring head and the surrounding crystal clear water during manatee off season with snorkeling gear (April to October).

River Cruises

A 2 hour nature and ecological tour on the St Johns River. We did not do a boat tour at this location but we did in others. Reservations can be made beforehand with St. Johns River Cruises.

Pine Island Trail

A 7.2 mile out and back hike that takes you through several Florida ecological systems. This is a flat trail that you can easily make into a shorter hike by just turning around and heading back the way you came at any point in time. This hike begins at the parking lot that is closer to St Johns River.

Scuba Diving

Explore the depths of the spring head. Must show proof of scuba diving certification.

Historic Site

The Thursby House was built in 1872 and is the centerpiece of the grassy area at Blue Spring State Park. We did not go on a tour inside but looked from the outside in. This home was a hub for steamboats traveling the St. Johns River in the 1800s.

Thursby House at Blue Springs State Park

Playground

We had three young kids while we lived in Florida so we visited the playground with each visit to Blue Spring.

Camping

Yes, there is camping in Florida. Blue Spring State Park campground is within walking distance of the Spring. There are 44 tent/RV sites and 6 cabins. Make reservations at Florida State Parks

PROS & CONS

PROS

Low Cost
Great way to see manatees in natural environment
Various activities – able to spend an hour of an entire day
Kid and adult friendly – both have a good time
Great day/afternoon trip from Orlando area

CONS

Blue Springs State Park can reach capacity. If going in the summer, especially on a weekend, arrive within one hour of opening or go later in the afternoon after some crowds have left.

DIRECTIONS

Blue Spring State Park is located at 2100 W French Avenue Orange City FL 3276 and is just north of Orlando. It is about 1 hour from Disney, 40 minutes from Downtown Orlando and 40 minutes from Daytona Beach.

Below is the map to the Blue Springs State Park playground. I am using the playground as point of reference because this is where the main parking lot is for the spring, swimming area, boardwalk, kayak rentals, playground, picnic area and the Thursby House.

You can also put Blue Springs State Park in your GPS device, which will take you to the mina entrance. However, you will have to navigate to the parking lot. I recommend parking in the second lot which is the one by the playground. The first lot is the lot where the campground is.

MAPS

MORE INFO

Blue Springs State Park official site

Blue Springs snorkeling and tube rentals

Blue Springs kayak/canoe rentals and St. Johns River Cruises

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Disney World (1 hour)

Daytona Beach (40 min)

Universal Studios (50 min)

Kennedy Space Center (1 hr 20 min)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

Bok Tower Gardens: A Peaceful Florida Retreat

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 18, 2021 | Florida

Bok Tower Gardens: A Peaceful Florida Retreat

Need an escape from the bustle and crowds of the Florida Theme Parks? I have the perfect place for you to visit. Bok Tower Gardens is nestled among the orange orchards of Central Florida in Lake Wales. It provides a peaceful escape for all ages with breathtaking garden landscapes, the Singing Tower with daily bell concerts, children’s garden, koi pond, nature trails and a historical mansion.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy EASY Moderate Hard Very Hard

KEY FEATURES

Distance: 0.1 to 2 miles, depending on where you go in the gardens
Elevation Gain: Small rolling hills with one larger hill to get to the Singing Tower
Terrain: Paved paths, grassy areas
Time Needed: 1 to 3 hours
When to Go: 8:00 am to 6 pm, Anytime of the year, but early morning or evening in the summer months (avoid going on Earth day – this is when local schools have field trips to Bok Tower Gardens)

COST

Garden Admission

Garden admission includes everything but the Pinewood Estate tour.

$15 adults
$5 children 5 to 12 years old
Free for children under 5

Pinewood Estate Tour, plus Garden Admission:

$22 adults
$10 children 5 to 12 years old
Free for children under 5

AMENITIES

Bathrooms
Restaurant
Gift Shop
Water fountain

THINGS TO BRING

Water
Good walking shoes
Snacks for kids
Quarters to buy food for Koi Fish

DETAILS

Bok Tower Gardens was one of our Florida favorites while we lived there. We had an annual pass to Bok Tower Gardens at the same time as a Legoland annual pass. Our kids would frequently choose Bok Tower Gardens over Legoland. I think it is because the world feels different here.

There isn’t a rush to the next line or a ton of crowds but a peace, beauty and a slowed pace that my kids bloomed in. The goal of Edward Bok, the creator of Bok Tower Gardens was to create “a spot of beauty second to none in the country” where tranquility and peace were present.

Singing Tower

THINGS TO DO AT BOK TOWER GARDENS

Visit Singing Tower

The center piece of Bok Tower Gardens is Bok Tower itself (also called Singing Tower). We often joke that this tower looks like one of the towers in Lord of the Rings. It is 205 feet tall and is home to a carillon that consists of a 60 bell instrument that is played via feet on a large pedal keyboard.

One of our favorite features of Bok Tower is the Great Brass Door. The door depicts the Biblical story of The Creation and was constructed by Samuel Yellin, a Renaissance style metal worker.

Bell Concerts

Bok Tower is home to a carillon with 60 bells of different sizes. Bell Concerts are played live for 30 minutes at 1pm and 3pm daily from Bok Tower. There is a sitting area near the tower where a TV is set up to watch the carillonneur play the instrument in the tower. You will also hear bells ring at each hour and half hour.

Feed Koi Fish at the Mote

A mote surrounds the Singing Tower and contains many Koi Fish . You are able to buy fish food on the spot for quarter to feed these large, colorful fish. Your kids will love watching the large mouths of the Koi open and gooble up the fish food. Don’t forget your quarters!

Visit the Reflection Pond

The reflection pond sits at one of the bases of Singing Tower. Here you can see the reflection of the entire Tower. It is absolutely stunning.

There is a reflection pond that holds the largest “lilly pad” I have ever seen. On one occasion we saw a fish chase a frog across the water and eat it whole

Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden

My kid’s favorite part of Bok Tower Gardens was the Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden. This area of the Garden is specifically designed for kids to explore and imagine. I compare it to an outdoor children’s museum.

Crossing the virgin river in the narrows

There is a fairy garden, a stage with dress ups, objects to climb on and jump from, xylophones to play, a small splash pad, hammocks and so much more. We could spend a couple hours just in this one area of the gardens.

Splash Pad

Fairy Garden

Hammock Time

Outdoor Instruments

Climbing and Jumping

The Gardens & Walking Paths

There are various gardens and walking paths to explore within Bok Tower displaying the Sub Tropical flora and fauna of Florida. There is also an endangered plant garden. Make sure to grab a map at the Visitor’s Center to decide which areas you want to explore.

There are gorgeous views near the tower of the surrounding orange orchards below. We often let the children just run in this shady grassy area and race from tree to tree. We had a special bench that we would sit on each visit.

Pinewood Estates Tour

Pinewood Estates is a mediterranean style mansion built in the early 1930s. We did not ever go due to the added cost and the age of our kids. Everyone I talked to that toured Pinewood Estates really enjoyed the experience.

Visitor’s Center

The Visitor’s Center has interactive exhibits and includes the history of Bok Tower Gardens. We loved learning about the Carillon and seeing a bell up close.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Fun for all ages
Beautiful landscape, gardens and architecture
Daily bell concerts
Not expensive
Close to other Florida attractions

CONS

Can get crowded if visiting on a local field trip day — One such day is usually Earth Day
Hot and humid in the summer

DIRECTIONS

Bok Tower Gardens is located in Central Florida at 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853. This is just 50 minutes south of Disney World.

MAPS

MORE INFO

Bok Tower Gardens Official Site

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Florida’s Natural Grove Visitors Center and Gift Shop (10 minutes)

Legoland (25 minutes)

Circle B Bar Reserve (40 minutes)

Disney World (50 minutes)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

Float the Provo River with Kids

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 12, 2021 | Utah, Water

Float the Provo River with Kids

Float the Provo River with kids for an exciting Utah County water adventure for the entire family. Escape the summer heat and enjoy the beauty of the mountains and Provo River on a kayak, paddleboard, tube, raft or canoe. This Float the Provo River with Kids guide will help you plan your float or paddle down the Provo River with your family.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy Easy MODERATE Hard Very Hard

KEY FEATURES

Distance: 4.5 miles from launch site to exit point
Elevation Gain: None. Downstream river.
Terrain: River, rocks, trees, exposed river
Time Needed: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
When to Go: Summer, Early Fall

COST

Free if using your own transportation and watercraft

Around $20/person if using a tubing/kayaking company

AMENITIES

Vault toilets available at launch site: Deer Creek State Park – Lower Provo River Area
Flush toilets available at exit site: Vivian Park
Bring your own water

THINGS TO BRING

If Floating Using Own Equipment

Paddleboard, Kayak, Raft or Canoe (we love the lifetime products kayaks, especially The Wave kids kayak). See below for links.
Heavy Duty Tubes (I would not float this with the cheapo tubes that pop easily – you will end up swimming/walking down the river.)
Two vehicles for shuttling from finish to start
Lifejackets – required in Provo River
Sunscreen
Water
Good water shoes/sandals

If Floating Using Equipment/Ride from Tubing Company

Good water shoes/sandals
Water
Water proof bag if floating with items you don’t want wet.

DETAILS

Float the Provo River with kids for an adventure you kids will never forget! My kids begged to float it again the very next weekend after our first time — We did! It is now a family favorite. Our 10 and 11 year olds navigated their own paddleboard/kayak without difficulty (they have experience kayaking in lakes – this was our first river). We tied a tube behind one of the kayaks for our 7 year old and the 3 year sat with his Dad on a kayak.

This blog post is primarily to help those plan who are bringing their own floatation device/watercraft. If using a floating company they will provide shuttling, help with launching, take-out, life-jackets etc. Check the sites under the MORE INFO section if you need shuttling service, tubes, etc.

If you have never kayaked, tube floated or paddle boarded I would not recommend doing this as your first outing in your new watercraft. Go to a calm lake first to practice and then adventure to rivers. I say this mostly so you know how to steer and you don’t end up floating to the trees on the river side and get scraped up. There are also rocks to maneuver around when the river is low.

The best time to float down the Provo River is in the summer or early fall. The water temperature is in the 50 degree range which is refreshing in the summer heat but can be chilly if you have your bottom submerged in a tube the entire trip.

LAUNCHING

You need two vehicles to float the Provo River if you are using your own watercraft. Prior to launching you will need to place one vehicle at Vivian Park where you will be ending your paddling adventure. You then will need to pick up that driver from Vivian Park and all drive to the launch location.

The launch site for floating down the Provo River is just below Deer Creek Dam. Launch your kayak at Deer Creek State Park – Lower Provo River Area. See my pin drop of where to launch below in the Maps section. Park your vehicle just west of the launch site in a large dirt parking lot.

Parking at Deer Creek State Park – Lower Provo River Area

Parking Lot at Launch Site

Provo River might be fast moving at the launch site. It is important to keep a hold of your watercraft as you place it in the river so it doesn’t float away from you. Have one adult in the water and another sliding the watercraft in from above. Have the kids pile in while you are holding on. Push off from the shore once everyone is safely in their designated ride.

Launch Site

THE RIDE

Floating down the river is an absolute blast. There are easy rapids here-and-there, providing a little excitement on the way. Make sure to maneuver away from trees and rocks – especially if you are in a tube. Keep your eyes up to enjoy the beautiful Provo Canyon and Mt. Timpanogus views along the way.

There is a small river island we stopped during our ride. This was a shallow area in September and was a good place for the small kids to get out some wiggles. A lot of the shore around the Provo River is private property. Please respect these areas and don’t get out and explore where you shouldn’t.

Keep your eyes and ears out for the the Heber Valley Railroad Train. My kids loved watching the train go by.

About 2 miles down the river at Wildwood there is an old wood bridge that most of the tubing companies will have you avoid. There is rough water around the bridge and it is easy to tip here. Before the Wildwood Bridge there is a bank area to the right where you can get out and walk around 50 feet with your watercraft to get around the bridge. This is recommended if you are inexperienced. If you choose to go under the bridge, stay to the right – this is where the water is the calmest.

Exit to Walk Around Bridge

Wildwood Bridge

EXITING THE RIVER

Exit Provo River at Vivian Park. This is easy to recognize because all the tubing companies have private property exit points on the right side of the river. You should exit the river to the left before the bridge. This exit is a little tricky because of the large rocks/boulders. There is not a great sandy exit point unless you exit right after the bridge. The current to the left, right after the bridge was a little strong and we tipped a kayak so I recommend exiting before the bridge. You can exit on the right side of the river as long as you find a spot that isn’t private property.

Vivian Park Bridge – Exit Before

Exit Point

PROS & CONS

PROS

Super fun!
Just the right amount of difficulty for older kids to man their own watercraft.
Great way to cool off in the summer heat.
You can float with tubes, kayaks, paddleboards, canoes or rafts.
The current pushes you forward – no need to paddle to keep going – only need to paddle to maneuver around obstacles.

CONS

Water may be running too fast/high at certain times of the year.
Launch point water runs a little fast – hang on to watercraft and kids.
Exit site is rocky/steep

DIRECTIONS

The Provo River begins below Deer Creek Dam and follows Provo Canyon. You access Vivian Park (exit point) and Deer Creek State Park – Lower Provo River Area (entry point) off of Highway 189 up Provo Canyon. See maps below for exit and entry points.

MAPS

MORE INFO

Tubing Companies

High Country Adventure

Runoff River Adventures

Provo River Waterflow

Snoflo.org

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Deer Creek Reservoir (5 mins)

Bridal Veil Falls (10 mins)

Upper Falls Trail (10 mins)

Sundance Resort (10 mins)

Stewart Falls Hike (15 mins)

Battlecreek Falls Hike (25 mins)

Hiking the Y (30 mins)

Utah Lake State Park (30 mins)

Timpanogus Cave National Monument (35 mins)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

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Bryce Canyon National Park with Kids

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 11, 2021 | Desert, National Parks, Southern Utah, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park with Kids

Adventure to Bryce Canyon National Park with kids! This awe inspiring park with its red and white hoodoos and green pines will create memories that last a lifetime. From hiking to exploring the western themed shops at Old Bryce Town there is something everyone will enjoy on your trip to Bryce Canyon National Park with kids.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy Easy Moderate Hard Very Hard
(Activities range from very easy to hard depending on what you are doing)

KEY FEATURES

Terrain: Dirt, rocks, forest, exposed trails, hoodoos, waterfall, stream
Time Needed: A few hours to a few days
When to Go: Spring, Summer, Fall

Hiking Distance: Varies depending on trail

COST

$35 per vehicle for a 7 day pass

Free if you have a 4th grader with Every Kid Outdoors program

AMENITIES

Food and Lodging in Bryce City.
These three hotels are the closest to Bryce Canyon National Park and offer great access to activities and restaurants:

Ruby’s Inn

Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel

Bryce View Lodge
Campgrounds within Bryce Canyon National Park:

North Campground: 99 sites including tent and RV, first-come first-served

Sunset Campground: 100 sites including tent and RV, reserve on a 6 month rolling basis. Book 6 months ahead of time in order to get a site.
Bathrooms and water available at the Visitor’s Center.

THINGS TO BRING

Food for camping or snacks for day use
Water
Sunscreen
Camping gear if camping
Good hiking shoes
Weather appropriate outdoor attire

DETAILS

“There is so much to do at Bryce Canyon National Park with kids! We visited for a couple days in July and loved it!

What is great about Bryce Canyon is that it is a little cooler than the other 4 National Parks in Utah because its elevation is around 9,000 ft. This makes it a great park to visit in the summer. Although, it was still warm enough in July that we tried to hike in the morning or evening and hit the pool in the afternoon.

See below for ideas and details on things to do with your kids including unique hiking, scenic drives, rodeo, bike paths, horse back riding, ATV trails and more.

What is a Hoodoo?

Bryce Canyon National Park is not an actual canyon. It is a collection of “natural amphitheaters” filled with red and white Hoodoos. Hoodoos the tall irregular rock features you see in the pictures.

Bryce Canyon National Park has the largest collection of Hoodoos in the world. The Hoodoos create a backdrop of beauty that is one of a kind. No where else in the world can you see these types of views.

THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS

Hiking

There are many hiking options within Bryce Canyon National Park from very easy to very hard. We were able to do several hikes with an 11, 10, 7 and 2 year old listed below.

There are longer trails within the park that we didn’t have time to do. Get more hike ideas here.

Wall Street & Queens Garden Loop: 3.2 miles, 640 feet elevation gain, loop trail. Probably the most iconic Bryce Canyon hike. If you only have time for one hike this is the one to do. Do this hike counterclockwise taking Wall Street first. The Wall Street area is so much better hiking the switch-backs down instead of up.

Wall Street at Bryce Canyon National Park

Switchbacks down Wall Street

Navajo Loop Trail (Thor’s Hammer): 1.5 miles, 500 feet elevation gain, loop trail. This loop also includes Wall Street but is a shorter loop without Queens Garden. You will see Thor’s hammer on this loop. I recommend hiking the Wall Street portion first.

Thor’s Hammer

Mossy Cave: 1 mile, 100 feet elevation gain, out and back trail. Mossy Cave is located off of Highway 12 outside the main park. This is short, sweet and fun. It features a small overhang covered in moss and a waterfall. We went in the evening when the trail was not crowded so we were able to play near the waterfall for awhile.

Bristlecone Loop Trail: 1 mile, 100 feet feet elevation gain, loop trail. Bristlecone hike is located at Rainbow Point. The trail loops through the forest and offers beautiful views of the southern areas of the park.

Bristlecone Trail

Sunset to Sunrise Point: 1 mile, 80 feet elevation gain, out and back trail. This is a heavily trafficked trail between the two most popular view points of the park. Beautiful views, but try to go early or in the evening to miss the crowds. If you do the Wall Street to Queens Garden loop you will cover this hike.

Sunset to Sunrise Point, Bryce Canyon National Park

Camping

Camping within Bryce Canyon National Park allows quick and easy access to some of the most beautiful scenery within the park. There are two campgrounds within Bryce Canyon National Park.

North Campground

Located just east of the Visitor’s Center near the park entrance. No water, electrical or sewer hookups available. There are 99 sites and are all first-come, first-served. Get there early if you want a site in the summer or on holidays. Have a plan B just in case you don’t get a site.

Sunset Campground

Located near Sunset Point. No water, electrical or sewer hookups available. There are 100 sites available that you reserve through Reservations.gov on a six month rolling basis. Reserve six months ahead of time if visiting May through September.

Scenic Drive

Follow UT-63 for 18 miles to travel the length of Bryce Canyon National Pare. This drive is a must for anyone visiting the park. There are many scenic viewpoints along the way.

There is a shuttle system that travels the length of the scenic drive. You can get on the shuttle at Ruby’s Inn outside the park and travel to many points of interest, including the most southern area at Rainbow Point. There is a shuttle at every stop about every 15 minutes. This is a great way to see the park on busy days when it is hard to find parking.

Rodeo

Ruby’s Inn hosts the Bryce Canyon Country Rodeo nightly Wed through Saturday from Memorial day to August. Great way to get into the Country Western spirit.

Horse Back Riding

Canyon Trail Rides are available within Bryce Canyon National Park.

Ruby’s Horseback Adventures offer scenic rides outside the park in areas that are similar to Bryce Canyon such as red canyon.

ATV/UTV Riding

ATV/UTV Riding isn’t allowed within the park, but the surrounding area has miles of trails to explore. Check out these trails. If you don’t own your own you can rent. Follow link for off road tours and rentals.

Visitor’s Center

Old Bryce Town

Old Bryce Town is a western themed shopping area that is a lot of fun. There is ice-cream, baked goods a rock shop and more. We had fun strolling around here and shopping for rocks.

Biking

There is an 18 mile shared use path from Red Canyon outside the park to Inspiration Point within Bryce Canyon. The most popular route on this path is a 5 mile stretch from the shuttle station to Inspiration Point. If you didn’t bring your own bike you can rent one here.

Star Gazing

Bryce Canyon National Park has an incredible night sky where you can easily see the Milky Way. The Park has an awesome astronomy program and offers over 100 programs each year! We didn’t know about this program when we visited but we had family members who attended an astronomy program a few weeks after we were there. They said it was their favorite part of Bryce Canyon! Sad we missed out.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Unique and beautiful scenery
Diverse hiking opportunities: short, long, flat, steep.
Other fun activities within Bryce City
Close to other outdoor adventures such as Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Kodachrome Basin State Park and Zion National Park
Higher elevation so not as hot as other southern Utah locations in the summer

CONS

Popular trails and viewpoints can become crowded in peak season

DIRECTIONS

Bryce Canyon National Park is located in Central Southern Utah south of Highway 12 on UT-63. Follow the map below or enter Bryce Canyon National Park into your GPS device/phone.

MAPS

MORE INFO

National Park Service

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Red Canyon (20 mins)

Kodachrome Basin State Park (35 mins)

Willis Creek Slot Canyon (45 mins)

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park (1 hour)

Zion National Park (1 hour 20 min)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

Willis Creek Slot Canyon with Kids

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 10, 2021 | Desert, Featured Posts, National Parks, Slot Canyons, Southern Utah, Utah

Willis Creek Slot Canyon with Kids

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy EASY Moderate HARD Very Hard (Easy to Hard depending on how far you hike)

KEY FEATURES

Distance: 1 to 5 miles, out-and-back
Elevation Gain: Mostly flat
Terrain: Creek hiking, dirt, sand, mud, shaded
Time Needed: 1 to 4 hours depending on how far/fast you hike
When to Go: Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall (Do not hike if there is a chance of rain due to flash flood potential)

COST

Free

AMENITIES

No water or bathrooms at trailhead
Closest amenities in Cannonville, 30 minutes away, including restaruants, hotels and gas stations
Lodging and food also available in Bryce, 45 minutes away
Camping 30 minutes away at Kodachrome Basin State Park

THINGS TO BRING

Hiking shoes or sandals that can get wet
Water
Snacks/Lunch
Vehicle that can handle driving on dirt/sandy roads (disclaimer – we drove this with a minivan and did okay, however when we do this hike again we will bring our truck. There are areas that were a little rough and a high clearance vehicle would do much better) A 4WD isn’t required, but recommended. Check recent road conditions on the All Trails reviews of Willis Creek.

DETAILS – Willis Creek Slot Canyon with Kids

Willis Creek is a great family slot canyon because it is flat, does not require additional equipment and the slot begins within a quarter mile of the trailhead. It is great for all ages and abilities. You can hike a just a short distance and have an amazing slot canyon experience or go longer if you want more.

It is an out-and-back hike, so go how far you want and then turn around. The canyon never gets less than three feet wide so it is great for those who want to experience a slot canyon but might be a little claustrophobic.

Willis Creek Slot Canyon was our first slot canyon adventure as a family. We were in absolute awe the entire hike and from then on we were hooked on slot canyons. We hiked with an 11, 10, 7 and 2 year old without any difficulty. The 2 year old hiked a good portion because he was loving walking in the water.

My socks never got wet on this hike. I easily stepped over of Willis Creek that were slightly deeper. The water I walked through never was deep enough to get into my shoes. Of course the kids were loving life splashing and walking in the water

Slot Canyon Safety

It is very important to check weather conditions before attempting to hike any slot canyon. Do not hike into a slot canyon if there is a chance for rain. Flash flooding can happen creating a dangerous situation. Before hiking any narrow canyon we check the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/slc/flashflood for Flash Flood Potential. We only attempt to hike if flash floods are not expected.

Willis Creek Slot Canyon TRAILHEAD

The Willis Creek Slot Canyon trailhead is located off BLM500/Skutumpah road outside the town of Cannonville. It is within Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and is near Bryce Canyon National Park and Kodachrome Basin State Park.

BLM500/Skutumpah is a dirt road and is impassable when wet and muddy. I do recommend a high clearance/AWD or 4×4 vehicle because of steeper grades and maneuvering needed on rough terrain. We went in our mini-van and it was a questionable drive in some areas, but we did make it. Check recent road conditions on the reviews on All Trails.

The views on the drive are incredible!

The trail begins on the east side of the parking lot across the the dirt road. After walking only a short distance you will drop down to the creek and find yourself immersed in this stunning slot canyon. You will follow the creek bed the entire hike.

The Hike

After walking only a short distance you will drop down to the creek and find yourself immersed in this stunning slot canyon. You will follow the creek bed the entire hike.

Within the first half mile you come to a small waterfall and a canyon. You can get around this by going around either direction but the right side is a bit easier to maneuver.

As you continue, there are breaks in the slot. Keep moving forward and you will find another area of slots. When the slots open up there are beautiful canyon walls and forest/desert scenery.

Each area of the canyon has different texture, color and rock design in the walls. We spent our time exploring each new area.

You can choose to turn around and any point and head back to the parking lot. Just remember to turn around before you get too tired. You have to hike the same distance back to the trailhead parking lot.

When you hit a rock wall T in the trail this is the official end of the Willis Creek hike – This is where Willis Creek meets Sheep Creek. See map under directions below.

Panorama of the turn around point of the Willis Creek Slot Canyon Hike

PROS & CONS

PROS

Free
Beautiful slot canyon scenery
Not a technically difficult or super narrow slot canyon
Quick access to slot canyon from the trailhead
Fun for all ages and abilities: Not a hard hike – can make it short or long
Nearby other amazing adventures: Bryce Canyon National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

CONS

No water or bathrooms at trailhead
Might need 4×4 to access

DIRECTIONS

Willis Creek Slot Canyon is located in the on the west side of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument near Bryce Canyon. From Highway 12 in Cannnonville, you turn south on Kodachrome Road/Cottonwood Canyon Road for about 3 miles. You will then take a slight right onto BLM500/Skutumpah Rd.

There are several dirt roads off BLM500/Skutumpah Rd. I recommend printing off or taking a screen shot of a map to the trailhead from Cannonville before driving. Reception is very spotty and it is easy to get off track.

After 2.8 miles you will reach a T in the road where you will continue right onto BLM500/Skutumpah Rd and follow another 3.3 miles. There will be a parking lot on the west side of the road. The trailhead is on the east side of the parking lot across the road.

MAPS

MORE INFO

All Trails

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Bull Valley Gorge Trail (5 mins)

Bryce Canyon National Park (40 mins)

Kodachrome Basin State Park (30 mins)

Grosvenor Arch (50 mins)

Red Canyon (50 mins)

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park (1 hour)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

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Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile in Utah

by Outdoor Fam Fun | May 6, 2021 | Desert, Hiking, Utah

Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile in Utah

Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile in Juab County, Utah is an imagination-kindling adventure for the entire family. This enormous pile of hardened lava looks like purposefully placed logs that only a giant could create. Recreate American folklore stories and have some fun getting exercise and fresh air on this one-of-a-kind hike.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐(out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy Easy MODERATE Hard Very Hard

KEY FEATURES

Distance: 1.6 miles, out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 500 ft
Terrain: Dirt, rocks, exposed trail
Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours
When to Go: spring, summer, fall

COST

Free

AMENITIES

No bathrooms or water at trailhead
Closest gas station/services are in Nephi, 40 minutes away or Eureka which is 25 minutes away.

THINGS TO BRING

Good hiking shoes
Snacks
Water
Dogs allowed
Vehicle that can drive on dirt road, 4WD not needed

DETAILS

Only 40 minutes from Nephi, Utah lays a geological wonder at Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile. Thirty million years ago, lava cooled into distinct vertical columns that over-time turned horizontal and now look like a large pile of wood. Each piece of “wood” is about a foot in diameter and about 15 feet long. Thus, the name Paul Bunyan’s Wood Pile.

We love finding lava rocks and the different formations that lava makes so this was a great adventure for us. We also hiked with friends which always helps my kids to hike without complaining.

Trailhead

This hike begins at the end of Paul Bunyan Road in Juab County, Utah. See directions below for how to get there. The trailhead is a short walk from the east side of a dirt parking lot with a large sign that says “Paul Bunyan’s Wood Pile Trailhead”. You will need to pass through a small opening in the fence line.

The Hike

Continue walking at a slight incline through a ravine. You will be able to see the woodpile as you get further along from below. You can continue on the lower trail to the bottom view point or take a few short switchbacks to get an up-close view of this geologic wonder.

Once you reach the wood-pile you can do some exploring at the top. Its amazing how much these large lava rocks look like wood! There are also some great views of the valley below.

Don’t leave the woodpile without doing a little exploring at the top. There is an incredible arch if you walk down between the woodpiles. There are a few drop offs in the area, so much sure to keep an eye on your kids.

This was a perfect hike for our family. Not too short, but not too long. We also love hikes with a fun destination.

PROS & CONS

PROS

Good for all ages
Fun destination hike
Encourages imagination
Not hard

CONS

No amenities at trailhead
Road to trailhead can be impassable with recent rain

DIRECTIONS

Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile is located directly west of Nephi at the south end of TinTic Mountain.

If you are coming from the south, take Highway 132 west from Nephi, then take RTE 1812 to Highway 6. From Highway 6 you will head East on Paul Bunyan Road until you can’t go any further.

If you are coming from north, take Highway 6 through Eureka. You will then turn East on Paul Bunyan Road from Highway 6 until you can’t go any further.

When you can’t drive any further on Paul Bunyan Road, you will be at the trailhead. Paul Bunyan Road is a dirt, but a 4WD vehicle isn’t needed unless it is muddy. The terrain is fairly level and most vehicles won’t have a problem getting to the trailhead. There are several dirt roads in the area so make sure you get on the right one off Highway 6. Make sure to put “Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile” in maps when you have reception.

MAPS

MORE INFO

Utah Geological Survey

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Tintic Train Tunnel (40 minutes)

Sunstone Knoll (1 hour 8 minutes)

Meadow Hot Springs (1 hour 30 minutes)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.