Fun Family Things to Do in Rocky Point, Mexico

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We recently returned from Puerto Penasco, Mexico or Rocky Point. It was our first time going there so I had some concerns but ultimately loved it there. We were able to explore the area, eat amazing food, relax just enough and create some fun memories. If you have this on your list, check out these must dos!

  1. Swim at Sandy Beach. This beach is amazing with soft sand and beautiful views. You will see plenty of vendors on the beach selling food and souvenirs.  You can even stay in a hotel on that beach so you can walk it every day.
  2. Search for sand dollars at La Choya beach. Check the local time for the lowest tide and head to the beach then. You will find tons of sand dollars at this beach. It’s so fun to see them on the beach. Take the kids and find the sand dollars.
  3. Eat at the local restaurants. We have found a few favorites to eat at, including: Pollo Lucas (Lucas Chicken),  Taqueria El Poblano #1 and Churros Penasco.
  4. Walk the Pier. There are the most yummy pina coladas on the pier. You can look out into the ocean and walk the souvenir stores.
  5. Flour Tortilla Factory. Stock up on fresh daily made tortillas from their factory. We went and got a few stacks which we ate throughout the week. There is also a corn tortilla place close by.
  6. Ride 4-wheelers. Our boys loved riding the 4-wheelers around the resorts. You will see different people trying to get you to rent them for an hour or so. You can choose any place you want! They are relatively inexpensive and a good time.

5 Fun & Budget Friendly Things to do in St. George, Utah

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During the winter seasons it’s always nice to escape the cold and snow and enjoy some warmer weather somewhere else. Our family loves going south to St. George, Utah. It’s a beautiful red rock community that is completely different than the Wasatch front. It’s a fun change. If you want to explore, here are 5 Fun & Budget Friendly Things to do in St. George, Utah.

  1. Thunder Junction Park. This park is the best that I’ve seen in the whole state! It’s fun for all ages. You can also ride a fun train around the park for a small fee. There are so many different areas to play in for all ages. There are pavilions as well to bring some food and enjoy being outside. This is an all abilities park which is made for those who need accessibility to the park.
  2. Hiking. There are so many different places to hike around St. George and the best part is it’s free! So check out this website and see what route would be best for your situation. If you have younger kids then the shorter ones would be perfect. Be sure to bring water and enjoy the scenery. It’s always so nice to be out in nature.
  3. Snake Hollow Bike Park. This is a fun bike park that has some fun trails. There are hundreds of features and four skills zones: Rattler’s Revenge (dirt jump zone), Snake Den (pump track and skills loop), Venom Drops (gravity skills) and Sidewinder Slopestyle (gravity jump trails). This is such a fun place to visit. Our kids could have stayed there for hours.
  4. Pioneer Park. This is seriously a favorite for our whole family. This isn’t the typical park. It’s a rock climbing adventure in open space. While there be sure to clip to the top and see the beautiful view down below. Make sure there is parental supervision while climbing. There are steep ledges, so you’ll want to climb together as a family. My little 3 year old even loved climbing around the red rocks. You can find the location here.
  5. Washington City Aquatic Center. We went here with my son’s soccer team and they all loved it! There is a BIG slide that circles around (and even goes outside!) that is super fun as well as slides for the younger crowd. You can check out the details here.  If the place you are staying doesn’t have a pool then check this place out. It’s not too pricey which is nice and fun for the whole family.

Top 5 Family Friendly Places to Visit in San Francisco

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I recently returned from a fun adventure in San Francisco, California and I had to share my must-do list. This time I was NOT traveling with kids. However, most of these activities I would take make kids and do them the next time we are there. San Francisco has so much to offer and I loved every second I was there.

  1. Bike across the San Francisco Bridge to Sausalito. Check with your hotels and see if they offer free bikes or discounts on your bike rental, most do. Biking from Fisherman’s Warf to the bridge is around 3 miles and then over the bridge to Sausalito is a bit more, but so worth it. Take your time and enjoy the ride. When you make it to Sausalito stroll through the small down and charming street. Eat a yummy lunch and sit by the water for a little break. Then the best thing to do is ride a ferry back to Fisherman’s Warf with your bike. That way you get to see the city by water. It’s beautiful.
  2. Ride a cable car. This totally lives up to the hype. You need to “hang out” as you are on the cable car. It’s terrifying, but totally worth it. We did it a few times. Be sure to get on the route that goes by Lombardi street. You can even hop off there and walk down the curvy street which is beautiful. A way to save on transportation in the city is to get the multi-day passes if you are there for awhile.  One Cable Car ride is $7, so it will add up. You can also walk the city pretty easily.
  3. Ghirardelli Square is a must. Not only do they have amazing ice creams and sauces, the view from the square is breathtaking. Try to be there at night when the square is lit up with lights and the sun is setting on the bay. There are plenty of places to sit right there by the water and enjoy the view.
  4. Painted Ladies. If you are a Full House fan then this is a fun place to be. I’m still so surprised at how many people love this show and want to see those houses. There is a green hill and park for the kids across from the houses. You could pack a lunch and enjoy being outside.
  5. Find yummy places to eat. You’ll notice when you go to San Francisco that the normal chain restaurants are not to be found. It’s kind of nice. It makes you get outside of your comfort zone and try something new. We went to a few new places and loved them! Try these out: Codmother’s Fish & Chips, Eight AM, El Rancho Grande, Crepe Cafe, and Ghirardelli.

5 Family Friendly Places to Visit in Yellowstone National Park

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We recently returned from Yellowstone National Park and it was so fun. It was my kids first time going which made it even more memorable. There are so many fun hikes, trails, sites to see in the park that are great for all ages. Here are 5 places we visited and loved.

  1. Midway Geyser Basin.  As we were driving up to the Midway Geyser turn off we saw all of the smoke coming off of the hot pots. It was a cold day so the smoke was thicker than usual. It made it look very magical. This walk around Midway Geyser Basin is short and sweet. It’s on a boardwalk so it’s accessible for strollers.
  2. Grand Prismatic Spring/ Fairy Falls. This stop is where you can walk up to see the Midway Geyser Basin from up high. It’s such a different view then when you walk around through it. The colors (pictured above) are amazing! You could also continue to Fairy Falls. This walk is a bit up hill and could be a little rocky. My 5 year old was able to do it with a little help.
  3. Old Faithful. This is a must do, just because of the name. Everyone knows Old Faithful, so you must go see it. The visitors center has a very good estimate of the time Old Faithful will go off. It’s around every 90 minutes. There is a great visitors center that has some fun information and a movie. So if you get there with plenty of time before or after the eruption, then take some time there.
  4. Yellowstone Lake. If you like to fish this is a great place to do it. If you don’t, you could still go to the lake and throw rocks and have a picnic. It’s beautiful scenery.
  5. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. This is super cool. When we arrived, I didn’t know what it would be like. I was amazed at how big and deep the canyon was. You can go to both the lower falls and the upper falls. Both of these offer different views of the canyon and both are worth the time.

If you have time to stop in the town of West Yellowstone, shop the cute stores. Grab a souvenir and some ice cream. It’s a charming town.

5 Fun Adventures to do in Seattle, Washington

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We just returned from a fun trip to Seattle, Washington and we absolutely loved it. I actually grew up going there once a year visiting family, so I know the area quite well. However, it’s been a few years since we have been, so it was time. This time around we went without our kiddos, so we were able to do some different adventures! Here are a 5 fun things to do in and around Seattle that we loved.

  1. Walk around and eat at Pikes Place. You may hear all of the time that Pikes Place is a fun place to shop, but did you know it’s a fun place to eat too? We were surprised as how many food places are there on the street and so yummy. My suggestion is to go hungry and try some of the fun, unique places that are there. A few of our favorites were Piroshky Piroshky- with fresh salmon biscuits and pastries, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese- try their Mac n Cheese, and Pikes Place Chowder. A little ways down by the pier is Ivar’s Fish and Chips. They are amazing too.
  2. Take a hike in the forest. The Seattle area has some of my favorite hiking trails. I love the tall pine trees and the smell of rain in the air. Our favorite hikes are Rattlesnake Ridge, Franklin Falls, Oxbow Trail Loop and Denny Creek Trail.
  3. Visit the Space Needle. This was the first time we actually went up the Space Needle and it was pretty incredible. This does cost a bit more money, but if you have the time and means, then it would be fun. The Space Needle has a glass floor and glass benches that are to take pictures on and test your courage! The views of Seattle and the Puget Sound are beautiful on the top.
  4. Take a Ferry. We love to ride a ferry to an island and walk around or ride bikes. You can take your car onto the Ferries and then explore the islands. Try taking a ferry to Bainbridge Island and exploring that area. This is an inexpensive way to travel around and be on a boat!
  5. Enjoy a Harbor or Locks Cruise. Have you heard of the Seattle Locks? They are seriously so cool. You can take a Locks Cruise where you actually go through the locks and see how the process works. Enjoy the cruise on the water from Seattle through the Puget Sound and around the islands or through the locks. It’s a beautiful way to see the area.

Tips For Flying with Kids- Short & Long Flights

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Are you a fan of flying? I’ll admit, it’s not my favorite thing to do. I tend to get antsy about an hour into the flight. However, it’s SO much faster to get to point B, so flying is inevitable most of the time. Flying with kiddos adds a whole new dimension of being prepared and enduring short and long flights. I’ve come up with a few tips that have made flying with kids so much easier.

  1. Prep the kids for a plane ride. Explain to the kids what is going on when they fly. You can explain how many stops you may have, if they will get a snack and drink, who they are sitting by and what an airplane ride feels like. I forgot to explain how an airplane works to our youngest, so when we got on the plane she started to FREAK out. I didn’t know why until she finally told me that she thought the plane would be going upside-down. Oops! I did not tell her that it’s not like an amusement ride airplane- no loops and twirling going on. Once she understood, she was so much happier!
  2. Each child has their own backpack. If you’re child is old enough to carry a backpack, then do it! It’s so nice to have them pack a few of their favorite things that will bring comfort on the plane ride and in the airports. You could have them pack a few toy cars, dolls, books, activity books (see #3), tablets with games, and anything else they would enjoy doing.
  3. Sticker Books & Activity Books. This is something I’ve recently started bringing and my kids LOVE them. I go on Amazon and grab a few new sticker books and activity books. I don’t show them until we are well on our flight and they need something to do. I pull these out and give one to each kid. This keeps them busy for awhile.
  4. Individual bag of snacks. Every flight I make a snack bag for each kid. Again, I don’t give it to them until we are well into our flight. I try and space it out. If we have a stop overs then I make a bag for EACH leg of our journey. It doesn’t need to be big or fancy, but the excitement of a treat/snack makes it so fun. Some examples of things I put in their bags are gummy candies, goldfish crackers, pretzels, suckers, fruit snacks, banana chips, dehydrated fruits, and cookie assortments like oreos. You can find most of those here. 
  5. Bring headphones & blankets. It’s so nice to have individual headphones for movies that are on the TV in front of you. For kids, it’s even nicer to have headphones that fit and are comfy, consider grabbing some of these. It’s the worst to have earphones that don’t fit or keep falling out. You could also bring a favorite blanket or pillow to keep them comfortable.
  6. Know Your Flight Plan. If you have multiple stops, then be sure to check out the airport that you will be stopping in. If you have time to grab a meal, then do it. Give the kids time to stretch, use the bathroom, eat a good meal and get ready for the next stretch. If  you don’t have time to do all of those things and you have a fast connection, be sure you know where you’re going ahead of time. Consider grabbing food at your first stop that you could eat on your connecting flight. Being prepared ahead of time will make the flight so much better, especially with kids.

2 Day Family Itinerary to Yellowstone!

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We just returned from a wonderful family trip to Yellowstone. My parents always told me growing up we used to love going to Yellowstone even more than Disneyland and I still feel that way as an adult. Now, I was able to share that same love for our National Parks with my own little family.

I wanted to make sure we got the most out of our short stay. While I would have loved to stayed up there longer, it just wasn’t possible with work schedules and other responsibilities. But I’m happy to say, we were able to see SO MUCH in our 2 days there. I put together our itinerary so if you have the opportunity to go and explore Yellowstone you’ll know all the fun and awesome place to stop at!

Day 1 (Lower Loop) Yellowstone Itinerary

Firehole Canyon Drive

This was our first destination for day 1 and was worth the detour. This road is a one way road with a slower speed so you can really take it all in. Once you come upon the waterfalls they have a few pull off areas in which you can park and checkout the waterfall outside your car.

Don’t miss the turn off for the Firehole Falls, it comes up quickly once you’ve gone through the intersection. It’s a quick 2 mile detour but gets you off the main road where you’re bound to see some wildlife.

Fountain Paint Pots

The beautiful hydrothermal pools are everywhere in Yellowstone. We choose to hit up these Fountain Paint Pots next and they did not disappoint. The 0.6-mile loop at the Fountain Paint Pots will bring you past a variety of colorful pools. Don’t forget your camera!

Grand Prismatic Spring

This next stop I’m sure you’ve seen in many pictures. This year, instead of walking the boardwalk around the hot springs we took a different approach. We drove to the Fairy Falls Trail (past the turn off for the Grand Prismatic Springs) and parked in the parking lot. Then hiked the Fairy Falls Trail until we reached the turn off  (about 0.6 miles) for the Grand Prismatic Springs overlook. At this point you’ll gain about 100 ft in elevation before you reach the scenic overlook but it was doable even for my youngest (he’s 6 years old). 

The over look is so beautiful in person and worth the hike in my option. After, we returned back to our car and ate lunch while we enjoyed the river.

 

Old Faithful

Most know that Old Faithful is named such for its predictable eruptions but did you know it’s not the largest geyser in the park? That would be Steamboat Geyser (which we’ll stop at on day 2). But since Old Faithful is so predictable it makes it easier to plan a stop to see. You can check online for it’s next eruptions time so you don’t spend extra time sitting around wait. (If you have extra time you could take the board walk around to Observation Point – Geyser Hill Trail for a great view of Old Faithful without all the people)

In the mean time while you are there you can take your kids into the Visitors Center to start working on their Jr Ranger Program. They do charge $3 for the booklet so keep that in mind. My kids love doing all the Jr. Ranger Programs at the National Parks. If you haven’t done one in the past, I highly recommend doing so.

West Thumb Geyser Basin

Take the boardwalk along Yellowstone Lake and check out the geysers that hug its banks. This was a beautiful place to stop especially with some of the ice still on the lake. Don’t forget to checkout the trails on the other side of the parking lot. There we found a few elk and their calves walking around. 

Mud Volcano

This was one of my kids favorite stops. This brief stop is where you’ll find the Dragon’s Mouth! Take the couple of steps up the trail so you can really see into the cave, it’s so fun to listen and watch this magical spot. As you head north towards the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, you can stop off at the Mud Volcano, where you’ll see many incredible volcanic elements in one easy 0.8-mile loop trail. 

You’ll also see Mud Caldron, Sizzling Basin, Churning Caldron, Black Dragons Caldron, Sour Lake, and Grizzy Fumarole as you pass through this short, boardwalk hike. (This was closed when we went but I hear is a fun trail)

Grand Canyon of The Yellowstone

Here’s a great photo stop for you. We were getting pretty tired by this point in the day so it was the perfect easy walk down to see the falls. You’ll have the Lower Falls on one side and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone on the other.

As you’re coming up on Canyon Village area, turn right onto South Rim Drive towards Artist Point.

After this stop we headed back to our trailer. We actually found a place to camp outside of Yellowstone in West Yellowstone. Unfortunately we didn’t plan this trip soon enough to get a camping spot inside of Yellowstone but in all honestly I would camp at Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and Cabins again. The camp site was well maintained, clean and friendly. We loved our stay there.

Day 2 of Your Yellowstone Itinerary

We set out earlier on day two hoping to see more wildlife while avoiding some of the crowds. With that in mind we decided to go counter clockwise around the upper loop of Yellowstone Park. That’s the best part of this itinerary, you can do what works best for you.

Tower Falls

Another waterfall is up first on our trip. This was my favorite part of our trip. Not because of the falls but this was were we saw a momma bear with her two cubs. One thing to note, if you see a ranger near by talking to a large crowd, get curious! They’re probably there protecting and educating everyone on the wildlife. 

The trial to the waterfall isn’t that long, less than 1 mile round trip.

Petrified Tree

Almost immediately after rejoining the main road, the turnoff for the Petrified Tree will be on the left (if going counter clockwise around the upper loop). While this is a quick stop it’s fun to see and show the kids what a petrified tree even looks like. 

Mammoth Hot Springs

The Mammoth Hot Springs have boardwalks all over that are fun to explore. We even saw a snake along the trial so keep your eyes open. These are beautiful natural features that are stunning to look at. You can easily take an hour exploring. Don’t forget to checkout the elk that hang out in town!

Sheepeater Cliff

Here’s another interesting geological site that’s worth the stop. We let the kids climb all over them. It was a great way to get out and stretch our legs. You can even take a walk along the river to see a small falls. 

Gibbon Falls

Our last stop before heading back to the trailer for dinner was the The 84 ft Gibbon Falls. With its convenient location right off the road, there’s no reason not to stop and take a look! 

How’s that for only 2 days inside Yellowstone? I hope you have an amazing trip and remember just enjoy being there. Take note of your “must see” stops then work around those. You’re sure to make incredible memories!

How to Save Money on International Flights

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It’s summer time which means a lot of people are traveling. Do you have any plans? We recently bought tickets to Europe and boy did it cost a lot of money! However, it was a lot cheaper than it could have been. Here are four tips that helped us save a lot of money for our Europe trip.

  1. Track your prices. If you don’t know how much the airfare is, then you won’t know what a good deal is. Check out Google Flights and see how much it is right now. The cool thing about Google Flights is that you can see prices a few months out. You can start tracking your destination and get notifications for when it drops in price. I’ve noticed that a good time frame to buy tickets is 3 months before your departure date. They usually go on sale. Obviously, if you see a great price before that 3 month time window, then snag it!
  2. Be Flexible. As you can see in Google Flights, certain days are cheaper than other days and certain weeks are cheaper than others. If you have the option to be flexible with your departure and return date then you can save so much money. Even if you pick a date that is $50 cheaper and you  have a family of 6, you just saved $300! Every little bit adds up, so grab a low priced date if possible.
  3. Use Credit Card Points. If you have a credit card that gives you travel rewards then use it! We were able to get 1 ticket round trip for FREE with our credit card points. That definitely helps if you are traveling internationally since prices are usually more expensive than domestic travel.
  4. Compare Nearby Airports. Traveling internationally may give you more airport options that are pretty close to each other. Be sure to check all airports that are close to your destination city. For example, If you want to fly into Zurich, Switzerland but the prices are super expensive, check out other close by airports like Munich, Geneva, and even Frankfort. If the prices are significantly lower and a plane ticket and a quick train ticket would be cheaper, then do it! Trains are super useful and could help you enjoy the scenery all while saving some money.

7 Attractions to Visit the Next Time You’re in St. George, Utah

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St. George, Utah is a very popular destination in the spring and fall. It has perfect weather and some fun attractions that are perfect for a variety of ages. Here are 7 attractions you won’t want to miss while you are there:

  1. Pioneer Park. This is seriously a favorite for our whole family. This isn’t the typical park. It’s a rock climbing adventure in open space. While there be sure to clip to the top and see the beautiful view down below. Make sure there is parental supervision while climbing. There are steep ledges, so you’ll want to climb together as a family. My little 3 year old even loved climbing around the red rocks. You can find the location here.
  2. The Thunder Junction All Abilities park. This is such a fun park with a lot to offer. Be sure to wear your swimsuits so you can take advantage of their splash pad area. There is also a fun train you can ride for $1.00 per person. You see more information and times on this page.
  3. Sand Hallow State Park. This state park has both sand and water. What more could you want? Bring your sand toys or small boats and enjoy this park with the family. If you are visiting during the summer months, this is a refreshing place to visit and cool off. You can find more information here.
  4. The Shoppes at Zion (outlet mall). If you are a shopper, then this is a definite must. Shop with over 30 premium shops and restaurants. I’ve found so many great deals while shopping at these outlets. Location you can find here. 
  5. Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. If you want more of an outdoor, camping or hiking adventure, be sure to check out this area. There are camping areas that are absolutely beautiful. You can also do a day hike. We have been to Sand Cove and it was so fun. Bring your sand pails and play in the sand or go on little hikes around the natural beauty. More information can be found here.
  6. Washington City Aquatic Center. We went here with my son’s soccer team and they all loved it! There is a BIG slide that circles around (and even goes outside!) that is super fun as well as slides for the younger crowd. You can check out the details here. 
  7. Sand Hallow Aquatic Center. This is another swimming place that will be a hit for all ages. Check out their slides and pool space to swim! You can check out the details here. 

Weekend Getaway to Afton Wyoming!

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I know the long winter months are starting to affect a lot of us, including myself. So, we took a little weekend getaway up to Afton Wyoming. It was the perfect way to reset and reconnect with each other. I highly recommend getting away if you can. This was only a little over 3-hour drive from Salt Lake City making it great to travel to on a weekend. Here’s what we enjoyed and the highlights of the trip.

  1. World’s Largest Elkhorn Antler Arch

I knew there was an Elkhorn Antler Arch in Jackson but had no idea the World’s Largest one wasn’t far from there in Afton Wyoming. This arch has a total of 3,011 elk antler. It’s a fun sight to see while you’re in town for dinner. We were lucky enough to see it light up at night.

  1. Snow Shoeing Trails

There are tons of trails located all around Afton Wyoming. The one we took, and I recommend, is on the Periodic Springs Trail Road. You’ll take the road as far as you can (it’s not all snow plowed) then pull out the snowshoes and start hiking up the road. We were able to stop and see the Shawnee Falls as well as tons of wildlife so keep your eyes open. You walk along the riverbeds making for a beautiful hike the entire time.

  1. Kodiak Mountain Resort

This place was beautiful and would be the perfect romantic getaway if that’s what you’re looking for. Our room featured a king size bed as well as a fireplace, soaker tub, dual shower head and surround sound equipment. They also have a hot tub on location and for the summer months there’s a fire pit and awesome playground for the kids. The lodge is beautiful and offers spa services as well as a full breakfast. They offer different style cabins from couples’ cabin on up to a family adventure cabin.

  1. Snowmobiling

There are so many groomed trails you can head out snowmobiling on. Weather you have your own or you’re looking to rent, this is an ideal place to explore. We used Alpine Adventure Rentals and they were amazing, so knowledgeable. They got us all set up and ready to go and included all our snow gear with our snowmobile rental. Then showed us some awesome trails we could go on including ones right out the door (no towing required).

  1. Visit Star Valley Wyoming LDS Temple

This is a beautiful site to see. A great place to stop and walk around if you’d like or even pack a small lunch and enjoy the view. This was the first temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints built in Wyoming.

Bonus

Like I said we went in the winter months, and it was perfect. But if you happen to go there over the summer, there is the Valli Vu Golf Coarse in Afton. It’s a short 9 hole coarse but sits on the side of the mountain making the view quite impressive.

 

 

 

Best Buy: Save 10% On Select Gift Cards!

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Here’s a great way to save if you have any travel plans for this year. Best Buy is offering 10% off select gift cards! Here’s the ones I found:

These gift cards would be great to snag now and save even more on your next vacation!

Idaho: 4 National Park in 4 Days

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Have an extra long weekend coming up or want to take a little escape with your family? I found a fun getaway where you can hit up 4 national parks in 3 days all in Southern Idaho! Here are the National Parks we hit up and what we loved about each one.

Craters of the Moon

This landscape was formed by eruptions that started 15,000 years ago and represents the last period of volcanic activity in this area. Exposed fissures, lava fields, lava tubes, craters and cinder cones form a strangely beautiful volcanic sea on central Idaho’s Snake River Plain.

This was our first stop and where we camped the first night. Luckily for us (and possibly you) we have a 4th Grader Every Kid in the Parks Pass, so we were able to enter the park for FREE. Our favorite aspect of the national park were the caves. We spent most of our time close by the caves, exploring. Make sure you first stop at the visitor center to get your (free) cave permit before you start exploring. They also have unique trails you can take. Broken Top Loop was our favorite trail to take the kids on. It’s 1.8 miles in length and fairly easy (not too much elevation change). Plus, you must do Inferno Cone Viewpoint while there. It’s a straight uphill climb but only .4 miles so do able and worth the view. Across the way are the Spatter Cones where you can read up on them and look inside! You could take a whole day exploring the caves but we fit all our adventures into one day.

Hagerman Fossil Beds

The Hagerman horse, Equus simplicidens, is the first true one-toed horse. It’s the park’s most famous fossil, but they have fossils from over two hundred other species too! From the saber-toothed cat, mastodon, bear, camel, and ground sloth, to smaller animals like rodents and frogs, the scientific study of Pliocene fossils is the key to Hagerman.

Unfortunately, this was on our plans to stop at, but the visitors center is closed for remodel.  So, make sure you look ahead if you’re wanting to step inside the visitor center when you go. Besides the center they have many different trails to explore.

Minidoka Japanese Internment

The Minidoka National Historic Site are located just twenty miles northeast of Twin Falls, Idaho. I loved this stop!

In February 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order that moved nearly 120,000 Japanese and Japanese Americans into 10 isolated war relocation centers in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming. These temporary, tar paper-covered barracks, the guard towers, and most of the barbed-wire fences are gone now, but the people who spent years of their lives in the centers will never forget them.

You’ll get to read, learn and see all about their lives and the lives they lived here. They do have a visitor center as well that is open Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 10am-5pm.

City of Rocks

Our last and final stop was City of Rocks. You’ll want to note the visitors center is located outside the national park so it’s a good idea to stop there before you drive into the park. The ranger there was informative and worked so well with us and our kids. He gave the kids their Jr. Ranger badges and offered us lots of information for inside the park. We ended up camping for the night at the best (in my honest opinion) site, number 33. It had beautiful views we could enjoy and trails close by. This national park is more for climbing and repelling but you can enjoy the beauty no matter what you love doing outdoors.

 

Headed to Bear Lake? Read this Before You Leave!

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If you have grown up in Utah or Idaho you have probably heard all about Bear Lake. It’s a beautiful turquoise lake that is great for boating, jet skiing and even just hanging out on the beach. But did you know there is so much more to do there than be at the water? Here are a few fun ideas you can take with you the next time you are in the area.

Minnetonka Cave

  • Located in St. Charles Canyon not to far from North Shore
  • Great way to cool down since it stays around 40 degrees year long (plan on taking jackets for the tour)
  • There are a LOT of stairs so plan accordingly
  • Cost is $12 for adults, $9 for youth and 5 to 2 are free (NOTE: children under 2 are not permitted in the cave) or purchase a family pass for $48 (there is a small fee when paying by card so I recommend taking cash)
  • Tours leave every 15 minutes and last about 1.5 hours and are first come first serve

Paris Ice Cave

  • Located at Green Basin Rd Preston, ID 83263 (42.231659281533, -111.5598479379)
  • There are 2 entrances to the cave to lead downward
  • Free to enter
  • Bring a jacket, its cold inside

Raspberry Shakes (or any for that matter)

  • This is a tradition and Bear Lake is known for their raspberries
  • Raspberries are in season late July and August, but you can get amazing shakes year round
  • Raspberry Days (parade, rodeo, fireworks and more) is held the first weekend in August (gets busy)

Bear Lake Wildlife Refuge

  • Located north of Bear Lake (10 miles from Montpelier) find more direction here
  • Take binoculars with you to enjoy the wildlife from a distance
  • Free for anyone to enter – can access it year round

Bridgerland Adventure Park

  • Located at 722 South First Light Drive, Garden City UT
  • Includes zipline, rope course, climbing wall, free fall, giant swing, axe throwing, tubing, bounce house, bungee trampoline, mini golf, disc golf and playground
  • Cost start at just $3.50 (checkout all the cost break down here)
  • Although we haven’t been here (yet) we’re always eyeing it when we drive into Garden City

Oregon California Trail Center

  • Located in Montpelier, Idaho
  • Cost is $12 for adults, $9 for youth and $5 for kids and open Wednesday through Saturday so plan accordingly

Yellowstone Bear World: 8 Tips to Know Before You Go (Money Saving Tips Too!)

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Are you planning a trip to Yellowstone Bear World? It’s such a fun adventure for the entire family. If this is your first time or even your second time going, here are a few tips you’ll want to make sure to take advantage of. They will save you money and hopefully help your Bear World experience run smoothly.

  1. Entrance Fees: If you have a larger group of people, use the Group Rating for 15 or more people. You can do this even if you are in different cars. If you have less than 15 people,  you can also do the Car Load rate which is $98.97 online for 7 people. That’s only $14.13 per person instead of the $23.95 if you were just paying individually!  Those options will definitely help you save a ton of money. We adjusted with family to fill our cars up to the 7 people to maximize our savings. Also be sure to use the Senior discounts if applicable.
  2. Wildlife Excursion: Use the Group rating for this if possible. It’s only $45 for up to 7 people which is only $6.42 per person. Otherwise you will be paying $12.95 each.
  3. If you want to hand feed the baby bears you need to sign up online EARLY. Like weeks or even months in advance. We didn’t realize that until too late. So when you have your dates planned, sign up and get registered because they have limited spots.
  4. If you don’t want to spend the money to feed the bears in the truck, then make it so you get behind the Wild Life excursion truck on your drive through the park. It’s seriously so cool. You follow the truck and they stop right in front of you. Then you can watch all the bears gather around the truck and watch the people feed them. This way you can stay in your air-conditioned car, see all the bears at once, and not pay extra!
  5. Drive through the park more than once. This way you will see different animals each time you go. Definitely try and go first thing in the morning when it’s cooler, you’ll see more bears then.
  6. Bring your own water bottles. There are NO drinking fountains at Bear World. The best thing to do is have a water bottle for each person and you can refill it for free at their cafe. You can get a free water from the cafe, but sometime their line is super long. Having a water bottle would be so nice.
  7. Bring your own lunch. To save some money, bring your own lunch and eat at their covered pavilions just outside of the building.
  8. Last but not least, you need to try out their FREE samples of fudge. There are different kinds all of the time, and they are super yummy.

Our Favorite Family Friendly Things to Do in Dinosaur Land!

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Maybe you have heard of it before but Vernal Utah is known as Utah’s Dinosaur Land and rightfully so. You can find an incredible amount of dinosaur fossils, footprints and other prehistoric sites here. There are so many unique and fun things to do in “dinosaur land”. From checking out dinosaur bones to exploring the great mountain regions! Here’s some of our favorite things we did while out there and what we highly recommend others to see as well.

Dinosaur Nation Monument Visitors Center – This was one of our first stops after we got into town. (You do have to pay to enter the National Monument but don’t forget, if you have a 4th-5th grader, you can get in for FREE thanks to Every Kid in a Park! Other wise the cost is $25/vehicle)  Not only were we able to pick up a map there but they gave us some great information as to which hikes would be best, where we could find shade, stops we should make along the way and things we didn’t want to miss. I was impressed and so pleased with all the questions they answered and additional information they gave. We also were able to get our National Parks book stamped inside! If you don’t already have a National Parks Passport I highly recommend getting on. It’s been fun for our kids to take on our adventures to document all the National Parks we’ve visited! (You can pick one up while you’re at the visitors center or Amazon sells them as well.) And, they have their Jr Ranger program that your kids can patriciate in. Just ask the front desk for the Jr. Ranger booklets. Your kids can fill them out while you wonder around the National Park and then turn them in once they’re complete. They’ll earn a Jr. Ranger badge and get to keep their booklets for great memories! (all for FREE)

Dinosaur Nation Monument Quarry – This is inside The Dinosaur National Monument but worth the trip! This is where the “Wall of Bones” is found as well as the Exhibit Hall where you can learn about many of the dinosaurs found right there. Over 1,500 fossils are on display, still embedded in the cliff-side where the ancient creatures came to rest millions of years ago during the late Jurassic period. You’ll even have the opportunity to touch some of the bones. We opted to drive up to the Quarry but there is a walking trial you can take that goes from the Visitors Center up to the Quarry (I don’t recommend taking this trail if it’s hot, there’s not a lot of shade along this trail). Or you can catch the trolley that runs from the Visitors Center to the Quarry. (FREE to ride) Keep in mind right now you are required to have a entrance ticket to get into the Quarry. You can make your reservations online. 

Box Canyon Trial (inside Dinosaur Nation Monument) – This was a beautiful trail to take with lots of shade (which was great for the warmer days we were there). It’s a short 1/2 mile round trip trail that’s easy and perfect for all fitness levels. It’s located right next to Josie’s Cabin which had a couple picnic tables located around the property where we could eat lunch. There is also Hog Canyon trail located right there if you’re looking to explore a little more. This one is a little longer at 1.5 miles but also rated as easy. On your way out to these trails don’t forget to checkout the Fremont Mystery where you’ll see some great petroglyphs (we prefer these petroglyphs over the Swelter Shelter Petroglyphs but both are stunning) and Turtle Rock is fun to point out to the kids.

Utah Field House of Nature History – The museum is located in town and a great way to get out of the heat! They have lots of hands on activities the kids (and adults) can enjoy. You start with a short educational film about paleontology, dinosaurs and prehistoric Utah then make your way around the museum. There are a variety of rocks on display and even some that come to life under ultraviolet lights. Don’t forget to step outside for a walk around the Dinosaur Garden! There are 14 unique life-size models of dinosaurs set among local vegetation. (The museum cost $6 for adults, $3 for children and seniors and kids 5 and under are free)

Jones Hole Trail – this isn’t quite Dinosaur related but worth checking out while you’re in Vernal. You’ll even see some petroglyphs along the way. I’ll warn you now, pack LOTS of water! We ended up needing to portion water on our way back to the cars since we didn’t pack enough, so don’t be like us! This trail runs from the Jones Hole Federal Fish Hatchery down to the Green River. We didn’t go all the way to the river but took a side trail over to see the waterfall. Even with the water shortage it was fun to jump around and climb up the waterfall. We took children as young as 3 up to 11 and they were able to walk it (although it was a lot on their little legs). 

Moonshine Arches – I think this was my favorite stop! We did this the night we got into Vernal since we arrive later than planned. Luckily we had just enough time to get out to the arches and back before the sun set. You’ll take 191 out of town until you come to the sign Moonshine Arches (located just after mile marker 359. Continue along the dirt road until you come to the fork in the road, stay to the left! Follow that road until you reach the parking area. We then used the All Trails app to guide us on the trail – you’ll want this. There’s a lot of forks in the trail that aren’t marked so I highly recommend making sure you have the app loaded before you go. But it’s worth it! It’s only 1.4 miles out and back (with a few steeper parts to climb but doable for younger children). Make sure to watch out for snakes!

Red Fleet State Park – The views at this lake were breathtaking! They had just enough sand area for us to enjoy while allowing the kids to play in the water. It does drop off rather quickly so please be careful. We kept kids in life vest anytime they were in the water or playing on the paddle board or kayak. This area was perfect for both as it’s a no wake zone so you’re not fighting the waves from the boats. They do allow moterboats/jet skis on the water though so bring all your water toys with you.

Hopefully this gives you some fun ideas of what you can do while you’re in Dinosaur Land!

 

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