mcfam's Lists

U-pick farms and orchards in Maryland with family fun

Picking your own fruits and vegetables can be quite fun and provide great educational opportunities. Plus it's a great family memory builder!  Here are a sampling of the many U-pick farms in Maryland. Many of these farms also include a market for produce or other fun seasonal events. Check websites for details on picking availability. All request: No Pets!!
If you find a new one your family loves, add it to Trekaroo and then let me know and I will add it to this list!

1. Baugher's Orchard
A varitety of fruits, vegetables and pumpkins to...
2. Becraft's Farm
Strawberries and pumpkins to pick. Farmers market.
3. Butler's Orchard
A variety of fruits, apples, and pumpkins to pick....

Cars Land - Disney CA Adventure: New Rides and Restaurants

Coming June 15, 2012 is the grand re-opening of Disney California Adventure with an all new Cars Land.  Walking down the street will transport guests right into the Cars Movie (by Pixar).  Check out these great new attractions and restaurants and be one of the first to write a review on this amazing new land.

1. Flo's V8 Cafe - Disney California Adventure
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner....
2. Cozy Cone Motel - Disney California Adventure
Each cone specializes in a different, fast-food treat...
3. Fillmore's Taste-In - Disney California Adventure
The tie-dyed hut will serve fresh and whole fruit and...

Buena Vista Street-Disney CA Adventure: All new!

Coming June 15, 2012 is the grand re-opening of Disney California Adventure.  Guests will enter the park and be transported to the 1920's on Buena Vista Street, and to the California that Walt Disney found when he first started making movies with Mickey Mouse.  Check out these new restaurants and attractions.  Be one of the first to write a review to tell other Trekaroo readers about this amazing new section of Disney California Adventure.

1. Red Car Trolley - Disney California Adventure
Hop on the old-time trolley for a trip down Buena...
2. Red Car News Boys - Disney California Adventure
Authentic period songs are performed by the...
3. Five & Dime - Disney California Adventure
5 boys in their old jalopy on their way to Hollywood...

Mother's Day Family Fun & Brunches in Los Angeles, CA

Looking for something special to do to celebrate your mom, your wife, or yourself on Mother's Day?  Enjoy a brunch, a concert, or a walk in the park at these great locations in Los Angeles, CA.

Updated May 2012

1. Descanso Gardens
Mother's Day weekend brunch opportunities are...
2. Dodgers Stadium
Take in a baseball game this Mother's Day at Dodgers...
3. Egyptian Theatre
Watch the matinee revival screening of "The Sound of...

Mother's Day Family Fun & Brunches in San Diego, CA

Looking for that special place to take mom for Mother's Day.  Here are some ideas for the San Diego area.  Enjoy celebrating mom!

Updated for May, 2012

1. Balboa Park
The Spreckels Organ Society will host Carol Williams,...
2. Bellefleur Restaurant
Enjoy the Sunday brunch from 10am - 2pm with...
3. Corvette Diner
Moms eat free on Mother's Day at the Corvette Diner,...

Mother's Day Family Fun & Brunches in Orange County, CA

Looking for a special place or fun activity to celebrate the mom in your family?  Orange County is full of wonderful restaurants and special places to visit.  Here is a list of some places to celebrate mom in this beautiful part of Southern California.

Updated for Mother's Day, 2012

1. Balboa Island
Enjoy a stroll on the paved path around this island...
2. Back Bay Bistro
Sunday brunch, May 13 from 9 am - 2:30 pm. A "Top 10...
3. The Cannery Newport
Enjoy brunch at this historic landmark on the water...

Drive in Campgrounds along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, MD

Families can enjoy visiting the C&O Canal further by staying overnight in one of the drive-in campgrounds.  
At $10 per site per night, it's a great deal!

Drive-in campsites are equipped with grills, chemical toilets, and water.
Antietam Creek and Paw Paw have adjacent parking, but visitors cannot park at the actual campsite.
Recreational vehicles are allowed only at McCoys Ferry, Fifteen Mile Creek, and Spring Gap campgrounds.
Trailer length may not exceed 20 feet
No RV Hookups
Stay is limited to 14 days between May 1 and October 1. Stay is limited to a total of 30 days for the entire calendar year. There is a limit of eight people per site.
Groups with more than eight people need to use the group campsites or register for more than one site in the campground.

For more information, or to learn about the hike/bike-in campgrounds along the canal, check out:
http://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm

1. Antietam Creek Campground
Located at Mile 69.7 on the C&O Canal. Adjacent...
2. McCoys Ferry Campground
Located at Mile 110.4 on the C&O Canal.
3. Fifteenmile Creek Campground
Located at Mile 140.9 on the C&O Canal.

Perfect One Week Beach Vacation With Kids to Carlsbad, CA

The beach town of Carlsbad, CA is located within 30 minutes of San Diego, yet it needs its own list because it is rich with family-friendly activities that can make a week vacation super fun.  Many families travel to Carlsbad to visit the popular LEGOLAND.  Because of it's close proximity to San Diego, it can be a great starting base for exploring all that the San Diego and Carlsbad areas have to offer.  During your next stay, check out these great activities and hotels to help plan your next trip to Carlsbad.

1. La Costa Resort and Spa-A KSL Luxury Resort
LUXURY HOTEL CHOICE: Families will enjoy room...
2. West Inn & Suites
MODERATE HOTEL CHOICE: Located 3 blocks from the...
3. Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa
MODERATE HOTEL CHOICE: Excellent service, suites,...

Perfect One Week Vacation with Kids to Laguna Beach, CA

With beautiful weather almost year-round, gorgeous beaches framed with cliffs and rocks that are host to tide pools, art galleries, excellent restaurants and fun activities, a family trip to Laguna Beach in sunny CA can be a great vacation destination.

Laguna Beach is located within driving distance of many popular So Cal attractions such as:
Disneyland: 40 minutes
Knott's Berry Farm: 50 minutes
LEGOLAND: 60 minutes
Long Beach Aquarium: 60 minutes

Here is a list of several hotels, and a sample guide to activities that could be enjoyed during a week.

1. Montage Laguna Beach
LUXURY HOTEL CHOICE. Located right on the cliff with...
2. The Retreat in Laguna
LUXURY HOTEL CHOICE. "Luxury Villas, Incredible...
3. The Tides Laguna Beach
BUDGET FRIENDLY HOTEL CHOICE. Pet and kid friendly...

Top Family-Friendly Lodging at Yosemite

Great family-friendly lodging is not hard to find in the Yosemite area.  Many people travel to this National Park during all seasons of the year and have found fun and adventure and a great place to lay their heads.  This list includes places that are especially great for families.

1. Yosemite Lodge
Located in the park on the valley floor within...
2. The Ahwahnee
Located in the park on the valley floor within views...
3. Wawona Hotel
Located in the park near the south entrance....

Great attractions for the whole family at Disneyland

Nothing is more disappointing than having to measure little kids to see if they can ride, only to find out they are too small.  However, being an adult and riding little kiddie rides all day is not a good way to have fun.

Disney has created a lot of fun attractions that are great for the whole family.  Here is a list of rides that just about anyone can ride and that are fun for the whole family!

1. Disneyland Railroad - Disneyland
Hop on the train for a complete circle tour of...
2. Main Street Vehicles - Disneyland
Choose a ride on a fire engine, horse-drawn...
3. Pirates of the Caribbean - Disneyland
All kids can ride this boat ride in the dark with 2...

Great rides for the whole family at California Adventure

Nothing is more disappointing than having to measure little kids to see if they can ride, only to find out they are too small.  However, being an adult and riding little kiddie rides all day is not a good way to have fun.

Disney has created a lot of fun attractions that are great for the whole family.  Here is a list of rides that just about anyone can ride and that are fun for the whole family!

1. Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue- CA Adventure
Adults will enjoy the puns located throughout the...
2. Aladdin- A Musical Spectacular - California Adventure
It's like watching a Broadway show in 20 minutes....
3. Disney Junior- Live on Stage!- Disney California Adventure
Favorite Disney Junior characters sing and dance and...

Easter Egg Hunts: Los Angeles & Santa Barbara, CA

Many cities, parks and resorts offer Easter Egg Hunts, brunches and activities that kids and parents love.  This is a list to get you started in finding an activity near your hometown or your Easter vacation destination in Southern California and parts of the Central Coast.

1. Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
Beatrix Potter In The Garden. Saturday of the...
2. Blind Children's Center
A Beeping Egg Hunt. Sponsor a beeping egg designed...
3. Descanso Gardens
Saturday and Sunday, April 7-8, 2012. Easter Brunch...

Easter Egg Hunts: Orange County & San Diego, CA

Many cities, parks and resorts offer Easter Egg Hunts, brunches and activities that kids and parents love.  This is a list to get you started in finding an activity near your hometown or your Easter vacation destination in Southern California and parts of the Central Coast.

1. Carlsbad Premium Outlet
Easter "Fun Time" Event is being held Sun, Apr 8,...
2. Dos Picos County Park
April 7, 2012 10 a.m. Meet the Easter Bunny. Egg...
3. Founder's Park Ladera Ranch
March 31, 2012. 11 am - 2 pm. Bring your own basket...

U-Pick Farms, Tours, and Dairies in Indiana for families

Farmland abounds in the midwestern state of Indiana.  Taking a tour to see how cheese is made, picking apples, and tasting fresh produce can be a great family activity.  Here is a list of farms with interactive events, tours and restaurants in Indiana.

1. Tuttles Orchards
Located in central Indiana with seasonal produce and...
2. Dougherty Orchards
Located in eastern-central Indiana. Pick your own...
3. The Apple Works
Located south of Indianapolis, Indiana. Open spring...

Snow Play and Tubing near Sequoia Kings Canyon NP

Families heading to the mountains will find some fun snow plays and places to take tubes and sleds from this list.

When planning your trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon, choose a snow play area based upon the Highway you take.  During the winter, the Generals Highway between Grant Grove and Lodgepole is closed so access to these two areas is from different highways.

From Highway 180 through the Big Stump Entrance Station:
* Columbine Picnic Area (see list for details)
* Grant Grove Visitor Center (see list for details)
* Cherry Gap Area.  Located north of Grant Grove.  Several pull outs available.
* Montecito Lake Resort (see list for details)  
* Quail Flat.  Located north of Montecito Lake.  Miles of trails and
snowmobile trails available.
* Big Meadow.  Located near the Montecito Lake turnout.  Free access to
groomed cross-country trails.

Highway 198 through the Ash Mountain Entrance Station
* Wolverton (see list for details)
* Giant Forest area.

Many other unmarked snow play areas may exist.  Take caution in pulling completely off the road before parking to access snow in the mountains.  Take all trash with you so that others may enjoy the beautiful snow.  Every year snow play injuries occur for adults and children so always use caution and apply careful wisdom to the situation.

For more information see www.nps.gov/seki

1. Columbine Picnic Area
Located near the Big Stump Entrance Station on...
2. Grant Grove Visitor Center - Kings Canyon
Rent cross country skis or snow shoes and get a map...
3. Montecito Lake Resort
Rent cross country skis or get a day pass to use...

Snow play and tubing near Yosemite National Park

If you are visiting Yosemite National Park or live in the valley communities, playing in the snow around Yosemite can be great fun.  Check weather conditions before visiting to see if there is sufficient snow for good snow play.  Plan on taking snow chains.

This list provides information on locations around Yosemite on Highways 120 and 41. Those within park boundaries are subject to the $20 entrance fee.

Only one location is included for Yosemite Valley, but depending on snow conditions, this can be the best place to play in the snow with it's many meadows, hills, and hikes.

1. Goat Meadow Snow Play Area
A free snow play area located north of Fish Camp on...
2. Crane Flat Campground
A free snow play area located on the Big Oak Flat...
3. Badger Pass Ski Area
Kids of all ages will have fun sliding over the snow...

Family friendly summer activities in Fairbanks Alaska

With nearly 24 hours of daylight and moderate temperatures, summer in Fairbanks Alaska is the perfect place to take a family trip.  Here is a list of some of our favorite family-friendly activities.

1. El Dorado Gold Mine
Take a train ride through an historic gold mine,...
2. Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
Miles of trails alongside a meadow and through the...
3. Riverboat Discovery
Take a 3 hour riverboat cruise and learn about the...

Best kid friendly hikes in Grant Grove Kings Canyon

In the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park, there are several great hikes that families will enjoy.  Most have minimal elevation change and range from 1-4 miles in length.

The Grant Grove area is located on Highway 180 in Kings Canyon National Park.  Elevation is 6-7,000 feet.  When driving east on Highway 180, turn left at the Wye after entering the park at the Big Stump Entrance Station.

1. Grant Grove
A 1/3 mile paved trail through a Giant Sequoia grove,...
2. Big Stump Trail
A 2 mile loop with approx 200 feet elevation change....
3. Panoramic Point
A steep but short (1/4 mile) trail takes visitors to...

Best kid friendly hikes in Sequoia National Park

In the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas of Sequoia National Park, there are several hikes that families will enjoy.  These hikes are relatively stroller friendly, have minimal elevation change and are approximately 1-4 miles in length.

This area of Sequoia National Park is located on Highway 198 south of Grant Grove.    

1. Big Trees Trail
1-2 mile loop along a meadow with Giant Sequoia...
2. Tokopah Falls Hike, Sequoia National Park
1.7 mile trail to Tokopah Falls (3.4 round trip) has...
3. Tharp's Log
The 0.8 mile paved trail to this old cabin starts at...

Family friendly hikes in Kings Canyon National Park

In the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon, families will find many great hikes that are relatively short in nature, have mild elevation gain and offer beautiful scenery and a chance to enjoy nature.  

One of the easiest hikes is to start a walk from one of the campgrounds and meander along the Kings River.  There is not always a designated trail but the scenery is beautiful and you may be surprised to find some fun swimming holes.

1. Zumwalt Meadow
A 1.5 mile loop trail with a bridge, boardwalk, rocks...
2. Roaring River Falls
A very short walk on a paved trail to a powerful...
3. Bubbs Creek Trail
A 4 mile round trip hike through the canyon to the...

Best family activities for Sequoia National Park

In the Giant Forest area of Sequoia National Park, families will love walking among the giant sequoias, climbing to the top of Moro Rock, and taking some gentle hikes.  Here is a list of my family's favorite activities in Sequoia National Park.

1. Giant Forest Museum
The Giant Forest Museum is a great first stop for...
2. Beetle Rock
Across the street from the Giant Forest Museum is the...
3. Moro Rock
Take the road or ride on the shuttle from the Giant...

Best family activities Grant Grove Kings Canyon NP

The Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks is an area full of hiking trails, giant sequoia groves, Visitor centers, stores, ranger led activities, camping, lodging and more.  Here is a list of some key ones you don't want to miss.

1. Grant Grove
Visiting the General Grant Tree is on the top of most...
2. Grant Grove Visitor Center - Kings Canyon
This visitor center, also known as the "Kings Canyon...
3. Big Stump Trail
This loop trail is a great way to understand the...

Rustic cabin style lodging Sequoia Kings Canyon NP

There are several options for lodging in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks areas.  This list gives details on lodging that is a "rustic cabin style".  These locations may be seasonal, may require guests to bring their own linens, and may have limited resources on restaurants and other amenities.

Despite these limitations, families may fall in love with the beauty of the Giant Sequoia trees located in this beautiful area of the Sierra.

1. Silver City Mountain Resort
Located in the Mineral King area of Sequoia (southern...
2. Grant Grove Cabins
Located in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon...
3. Stony Creek Lodge
Located on the Generals Highway south of Grants...

Family friendly lodging Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks

The Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are incredibly beautiful places to visit with your family.  Towering Sequoia trees set on the mountain side at 5-7,000 feet are humbling to walk among and enjoy.  

Here is a list of family friendly hotels and resorts in the area for your lodging needs.

1. Wuksachi Village And Lodge
Located near Lodgepole in Sequoia National Park and...
2. John Muir Lodge
Located in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon...
3. Cedar Grove Lodge
Located down in the canyon of Kings Canyon. Open...

Indoor Playgrounds and Bounce Houses in Los Angeles

These great centers are kid-focused and provide a clean place to play, jump, run and have fun.  Most are equipped for parties and may offer other classes.  Most have drop in play times.  Check website for details on hours and prices.

1. Kuki's Playshop
2. Under The Sea Indoor Playground - Burbank
3. Scooter's Jungle

Rainy Day Activities for families in San Diego

Looking for some fun indoor activities on a rainy day?  Here's some great ideas where you can stay dry.

1. KROC Ice Arena
Public ice skating sessions held during the week and...
2. La Jolla Ice Town
Open skating sessions offered most days of the week....
3. San Diego Ice Arena
Public skating program offered weekly. Check website...

Rainy day activities for families in Orange County, CA

Is the rainy weather keeping you and your family cooped up indoors with nothing to do?  Here are some great places to enjoy and spend some of that pent up kid energy.

In this list you will find examples of museums, bounce houses, ice skating, go-carts, and  bowling alleys.  It is not exhaustive, as there are many of these great indoor activities in Orange County.

1. Bowers Museum of Cultural Art and Kidseum
Hands on learning and exploring the cultural art of...
2. Children’s Museum at La Habra

3. Discovery Science Center
My kids and I have passed this cube on the freeway...

Indoor Bounce Houses in Orange County, CA

Kids love jumping and parents love the indoor bounce houses for their safety, fun activities and great party atmosphere.  Whether you are looking for a place to spend a few hours on a rainy day, or a place to host a fabulous kid party, here's a list of bounce houses in Orange County, CA.  

Please check websites for details on hours and pricing for open play times.  All listed are available for parties.

1. Jump Sky High
2. Partyopolis
I was grinning from ear to ear at this indoor bounce...
3. Pump It Up - Lake Forest

Family friendly ski resorts in Southern California

If your children love the snow as much as mine do, and you are looking for a great place to try out some winter skiing, here are a few resorts in the Southern California area that offer kid-friendly lessons and packages.

1. Bear Mountain Resort
Various children's packages available. Check website...
2. Mount Baldy Ski Resort
Learn to ski and ride packages offered for children...
3. Mountain High Ski Resort
Children's academies, schools and programs are...

Campgrounds to reserve in Great Smoky Mountains NP

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited parks in the US.  Many families love touring the area by car and then stopping for a while to pitch a tent and enjoy nature.  

Here is a list of campgrounds that take advanced reservations for camping.  All of them also have first-come, first-served sites except for Cataloochee.  

Reservations can be made 6 months in advance at www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.

1. Cades Cove Campground - Great Smoky Mountains
159 sites at $17-$20. Open year round. Elevation...
2. Cataloochee Campground - Great Smoky Mountains
Advanced reservations required for the entire...
3. Cosby Campground - Great Smoky Mountains
165 sites at $14. Elevation 2,459 feet. Open April...

Christmas Holiday Events at Texas State Parks for families

Beauty and nature await families at the State Parks of Texas.  Many special holiday events are planned ranging from campsite decorating, pictures with Santa at the top of Franklin Mountains, or hikes with St. Nick.  Enjoy the beautiful season outdoors with your family this year, 2011!

1. Atlanta State Park
Decorate your campsite on Dec. 9-10 when you camp at...
2. Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center
Celebrate Christmas on the Border on Dec 13 from...
3. Battleship TEXAS State Historic Site
Visit the ship decorated for the crew to feel more...

Holiday and winter activities at hotels in the Yosemite area

Winter is a beautiful time to visit Yosemite National Park with your family.  The park is much less crowded and beautiful nature awaits.  Many hotels and resorts offer fun, family-friendly activities during the winter months that families will love.  Here are some of them!

1. The Ahwahnee
Set in the heart of Yosemite Valley, this historic...
2. Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Winter activities abound at the Tenaya Lodge....
3. Evergreen Lodge - Yosemite
Join the Evergreen Lodge for fun family activities...

Christmas and Holiday fun for families in Orange County, CA

November and December, 2011, are chock full of parades, shows, special events, and beautiful decorations to celebrate holiday season and Christmas in Orange County, California.  If you are looking for some holiday fun with your family, check out these great events.

1. Irvine Spectrum Center
The HOLIDAY ICE RINK is open daily for family skating...
2. Newport Center - Fashion Island
The CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY will take place...
3. The Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy
A winter wonderland awaits with exhibitions of...

Holiday Magic at the Disneyland Resort

Beginning November 14 through January 8 the holidays are celebrated in spectacular decorations, special events, parades, and attractions at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure.  Memories are waiting to be made with your family this year in this winter wonderland.

1. Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle
Sleeping Beauty's Castle is decked in snow and lights...
2. Main Street, U.S.A. - Disneyland
Experience a magical snowfall each evening on Main...
3. "it's a small world" Holiday
Special holiday tunes and thousands of lights delight...

Christmas and Holiday events for Families in San Diego

Looking for a special event to celebrate the holidays and Christmas while in San Diego?  Here are some ideas of places to find activities, festive lights and decorations and events to thrill your kids and family.  Happy Holidays!

1. San Diego Botanical Gardens
The GARDEN OF LIGHTS takes place every evening from...
2. Seaport Village
SURFIN' SANTA arrives to Seaport Village on November...
3. San Diego Zoo
JUNGLE BELLS is a special holiday season occurring at...

Choose and cut Christmas Tree Farms in San Diego, CA

Nothing beats the pine scent of a fresh cut Christmas tree!  A family outing to a U-Cut Christmas Tree Farm can include fun events such as hay rides, hot cocoa, and visits with Santa.  We have gathered information on Christmas Tree Farms in San Diego to give families ideas of great places to visit this Christmas season.  Because of the moderate San Diego weather, many include pre-cut firs as well as the typical U-cut Monterey Pines, and some may have living Christmas Trees to plant after the season.  Merry Christmas!

1. Family Christmas Tree Farm
Choose and cut your own Christmas Tree from acres of...
2. House Evergreen Forest
Choose and cut from Monterey Pines. Trees over 10ft....
3. Mission Hills Nursery
Precut Christmas trees and living Christmas trees are...

Restaurants in San Diego serving families Thanksgiving

Many restaurants and resorts are serving up Turkey dinners with all the fixins' for Thanksgiving Day, 2011.  If you are looking for a great place to eat in San Diego with your kids, this is the place to start!  Yum!

1. Amaya
This 5 star restaurant located at The Grand Del Mar...
2. Bertrand at Mister A's
Enjoy a large Thanksgiving Day menu with choices such...
3. San Diego Zoo
The Treetops Banquet Room in the San Diego Zoo is...

Pumpkin patches for kids and families in Orange County, CA

Fall is in the air and the pumpkins are ripe for picking.  Pumpkin patches provide a host of fun activities for little ones, big kids, and are great places to take adorable pictures of your kiddos!  Find one near you this fall and enjoy an outing with your family.

1. Irvine Park Railroad
Irvine Regional Park admission: $3 weekdays, $5...
2. Johnson Brothers – Irvine
Free parking and free admission. Many activities...
3. Manassero Farms
Free parking and free admission. Activities...

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort

Disneyland and California Adventure take on a whole new world of pumpkins and spooky fun during Halloween Time, mid September until October 31.  
The Festival of Pumpkins fills Main Street with over 300 distinctively carved pumpkins and fall decorations, including a 12 foot-high Mickey Mouse shaped jack-o-lantern.

1. Big Thunder Ranch Halloween Roundup - Disneyland
Fun Halloween celebration with Woody and Jessie....
2. Cafe Orleans - Disneyland
Seasonal gingerbread beignets are available.
3. Candy Palace - Disneyland
Enjoy the Halloween themed candied apples at the...

Yosemite Campgrounds Requiring Reservations

Each summer, the campgrounds in Yosemite fill up quickly with families and tourists from all over the world.  Being able to sleep under the pine trees with the giant cliffs of Half Dome and Glacier Point right above one's campfire is a perfect treat for parents and kids!

Reservations are required year-round for campsites in Yosemite Valley and they are hard to get.  Check http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/camping.htm for up-to-the-minute details.  But here's the basics:  Reservations are available up to 5 months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7 am PST.  Reservations fill up at www.recreation.gov within the first 5 minutes of opening so you must be ready to click to reserve at 7:00 sharp on the day that the spots open up.  See website for specifics.

1. Upper Pines Yosemite Valley Campgrounds
Open year round. Max RV length is 35 ft....
2. North Pines Yosemite Valley Campground
Open between April and October. Max RV length is 40...
3. Lower Pines Yosemite Valley Campground
Open April to November. Max RV length is 40 feet....

Favorite Yosemite National Park Activities

What we love to do in Yosemite

1. Tunnel View at Yosemite
Make this your first stop on your way into Yosemite...
2. Bridalveil Fall
Make this your second stop into Yosemite Valley....
3. Yosemite Falls
This falls is easily accessed from a 1/2 mile paved...

Winter activities for kids in Yosemite National Park

Snow and ice glisten in the trees and invite families to enjoy the beauty of Yosemite in a whole new way.  The summer crowds thin out and the waterfalls take on a whole new look with their frozen shadows and ice cones at their base.  Many hiking trails in the valley are open and the waterfalls begin to flow after the rains fall.

Yosemite National Park is open year round and has lodging accommodations in the valley.  Snow falls in the higher mountains and in the valley but the park maintains the roads by plowing and keeping them clear.  Wawona and the valley remain open year round but the roads to Glacier Point and Tioga Pass are closed during the winter.  Badger Pass ski area is open and offers downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snow shoeing and tubing.  

Drivers must carry tire chains and know how to use them despite any optimistic weather conditions.

1. The Ahwahnee
Non-guests of the Ahwahnee are welcomed into it's...
2. Badger Pass Ski Area
Teach your kids to ski and snowboard in Yosemite at...
3. Bridalveil Fall
The 1/4 mile trail to the base of Bridalveil Fall is...

Toddler and stroller friendly hikes in Yosemite Valley

With hundreds of trails in Yosemite National Park, there are sure to be many that are perfect for families to meander along at the pace of their toddlers and young children.  These trails are less than 1 mile long and are in general jogging stroller friendly.

1. Bridalveil Fall
The 0.5 mile round trip trail to the base of...
2. El Capitan Meadow
This meadow is framed by the towering El Capitan...
3. Happy Isles Nature Center
Outside of the Nature Center at Happy Isles is a...

Free Splash Pads & water play for kids in Orange County, CA

There are quite a few FREE fountains and water play areas for kids to splash and get wet in Southern California.
At the bottom of this list are amazing places for kids to swim and play but require a bit of cash to get in.

1. Cerritos Library
Free. Jumping dolphin statues grace the splash...
2. The District at Tustin Legacy
Free. This large, open-air mall hosts a small splash...
3. Harry M. Dotson Park
Free. The "Wet Saloon" is a splash pad located in...

Baby & Toddler activities in Los Angeles & Orange County, CA

Looking for a fun activity to do with your baby or toddler?  The Southern California area is chock full of great places to visit that bring fun, excitement and interaction for babies and toddlers.

1. Griffith Park Pony Rides
Free parking and the close proximity to the LA Zoo...
2. Travel Town
Trains to climb on, explore and ride on make this a...
3. Los Angeles Zoo
A great place to introduce young ones to animals. An...

Family Packages at Hotels in California

Looking for a great place to take your kids this summer?  Do you want some fun, kid-friendly activities at the hotel you are staying in?  Here are some great ideas for summer vacations for 2011!

1. ALISAL GUEST RANCH AND RESORT
A working ranch resort that offers horseback riding,...
2. The Grand Del Mar
A luxury resort that hosts an Explorer's Club for...
3. EL CAPITAN CANYON
"The Family Picnic Package" includes accommodations...

Family friendly day hikes in Orange County, California

Our family really enjoys hiking and seeing the wild nature that has been preserved in Orange County, CA.  When we first moved here, it felt like it was "all-city" and "no-country".  I'm so glad we were wrong!  There's a lot of beautiful nature near by to discover but you have to hunt for it.

The hikes on this list are 1-2 miles in length and have minimal to 600 feet in elevation gain.  This list is to help families find a new place to explore in nature.  Tips like trail conditions and elevation gain will help families decide on what their little ones can handle and on which stroller to bring!

1. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and Interpretive Center
The Slough Trail is a 1.5 mile loop with no elevation...
2. Carbon Canyon Regional Park
The Nature Trail is a 1.1 mile one way hike to the...
3. Caspers Wilderness Park
The Nature Trail is a 1 mile loop that crosses a wide...

Santa Barbara for families

The sun kissed mountains and beaches of Santa Barbara are breath taking.  But what does this American Riviera have to offer families?  Activities, hotels and restaurants abound that families have found to offer fun, adventure and relaxation.  Planning your next trip to Santa Barbara?  Here is the list for you of places you should definitely check out!

1. Hotel Oceana Santa Barbara
A beautiful hotel with a family friendly swimming...
2. Alameda Park - Kids Zone
A wood structured playground filled with art and...
3. Chase Palm Park & Carousel
Across from the ocean you will find this gem of a...

Family friendly camping in Kings Canyon National Park

Our family loves camping in Kings Canyon National Park.  It's honestly our favorite place to spread our tent under the stars and next to the roaring Kings River.  Kings Canyon is officially part of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.  It's location is down in a beautiful and deep canyon formed by the Kings River.  It's actually deeper than the Grand Canyon!  This list compiles the campsites and activities near it that we love to do as a family.  
** TO NOTE: The road into Kings Canyon is only open from late April to November due to the potential of rock slides onto the roads with inclement weather.

1. Cedar Grove - Kings Canyon National Park
The central area of Kings Canyon. General store,...
2. Cedar Grove Visitor Center
Visitor center is located very near Sentinel...
3. Sheep Creek Campground
First-come, first-served campground. Flush toilets,...

Free Activities for kids & families in Orange & LA Counties

We love to find fun and free things to do nearby our home.  We live in Southern Orange County so this list is not exhaustive to all free things in these 2 counties.  It is a list of things we have found to do near us that we enjoy and are free.

These activities would be suited for a wide variety of ages of children, but especially ages 2-12.  We did not include parks, beaches or shopping areas in this list.  If there is a free activity that you would like me to add to this list, please send me a message.  We hope this helps you and your family enjoy some fun activities for free!

1. Balboa Island
After you drive across the bridge on Jamboree Rd. and...
2. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and Interpretive Center
We came on a homeschool field trip to this tidal...
3. Centennial Farm
This working farm in the heart of Orange County is a...

Orange County Beaches

Great beaches for families who visit or live in Orange County, CA

1. Main Beach

2. Aliso Beach and Playground
Parking $1 per hour, playground, restrooms, tide...
3. Cress Street Beach
South Laguna Beach. Large set of stair access only,...