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Category: Travels

Rocky Mountain Majesty: Hiking with Children in Colorado’s National Parks

Karee RussellLeave a comment

Introduction

Colorado’s national parks are a treasure trove of natural beauty and adventure, and they offer fantastic opportunities for families to connect with nature. Hiking with children in these pristine wilderness areas can be a rewarding and memorable experience. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best family-friendly hiking trails in Colorado’s national parks and share tips for a successful and enjoyable outdoor adventure.

  1. Rocky Mountain National Park
    • Bear Lake Trail: A short, easy hike that leads to the picturesque Bear Lake, perfect for young hikers.
    • Cub Lake Trail: A 2.3-mile round trip that meanders through meadows and a tranquil lake, great for families with older kids.
  2. Mesa Verde National Park
    • Spruce Tree House Trail: An easy, paved trail that leads to an ancient cliff dwelling, providing an educational and scenic experience.
    • Step House Trail: A moderate hike to another well-preserved cliff dwelling, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans.
  3. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
    • Dunes Overlook Trail: A short trail with fantastic views of the sand dunes and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
    • Montville Nature Trail: An easy loop trail with interpretive signs, perfect for young hikers curious about the park’s unique ecosystem.
  4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
    • Rim Rock Nature Trail: A paved, family-friendly trail that provides stunning views of the canyon without steep drop-offs.
    • Warner Point Trail: A bit more challenging, but it offers breathtaking vistas of the Black Canyon and is suitable for older children.

Tips for Hiking with Children:

  • Pack essentials: Sunscreen, water, snacks, a first aid kit, and appropriate clothing are must-haves.
  • Choose age-appropriate hikes: Select trails that match your children’s age, fitness, and hiking experience.
  • Engage in nature activities: Encourage kids to explore, learn about local flora and fauna, and appreciate the environment.
  • Safety first: Teach them about trail etiquette, wildlife safety, and how to recognize and avoid potential hazards.
  • Take breaks: Plan for plenty of breaks to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the surroundings.

Conclusion

Exploring Colorado’s national parks with your children is a remarkable way to introduce them to the wonders of the natural world. Whether you’re hiking to alpine lakes, ancient ruins, or towering sand dunes, these parks offer adventures that will create lasting memories for your family. Embrace the beauty of Rocky Mountain Majesty and let your kids experience the magic of the great outdoors.

Exploring the World: Tips for Traveling with Kids

Karee RussellLeave a comment

Introduction

Traveling with kids can be a rewarding and memorable experience for the whole family, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges. To help make your family adventures smoother and more enjoyable, we’ve compiled a list of valuable tips for traveling with kids. Whether you’re planning a road trip, flying overseas, or embarking on a camping adventure, these tips will help you navigate the world with your little explorers.

  1. Plan Ahead:
    • Involve your kids in the trip planning process, discussing destinations and activities to build excitement.
    • Research child-friendly accommodations, attractions, and dining options at your chosen destination.
  2. Pack Wisely:
    • Create a comprehensive packing checklist for each family member.
    • Pack essential items such as snacks, extra clothes, medications, and comfort items for kids.
  3. Keep Travel Documents Organized:
    • Ensure you have all necessary passports, visas, and identification for the entire family.
    • Make copies of important documents and store them separately.
  4. Choose Family-Friendly Destinations:
    • Opt for destinations that offer a variety of activities suitable for different age groups.
    • Consider places with parks, museums, and interactive attractions for kids.
  5. Timing Is Key:
    • Plan your travel schedule around your children’s sleep and meal times.
    • Allow for breaks during long journeys to stretch and rest.
  6. Entertainment:
    • Pack entertainment options like books, coloring books, tablets, and headphones to keep kids engaged during travel.
  7. Safety First:
    • Ensure car seats and booster seats are correctly installed for road trips.
    • Teach kids about safety rules, especially in crowded or unfamiliar places.
  8. Snacks and Hydration:
    • Keep a stash of healthy snacks and a refillable water bottle handy to prevent hunger or dehydration.
  9. Be Flexible:
    • Be prepared for unexpected changes in plans or tantrums; flexibility is key to successful family travel.
  10. Capture Memories:
    • Encourage kids to keep a travel journal or create a scrapbook of their adventures.
    • Take plenty of photos to document the journey.
  11. Involve Kids in Decision-Making:
    • Let your children choose activities or places they’re excited about.
    • Give them a sense of ownership in the trip.
  12. Allow Downtime:
    • Schedule downtime for relaxation and play; don’t overpack your itinerary.
    • Balance sightseeing with opportunities for kids to unwind.

Conclusion

Traveling with kids can be both fun and educational, offering opportunities for family bonding and creating lasting memories. By planning ahead, staying flexible, and keeping your children’s needs in mind, you can embark on incredible adventures together. So, start planning your next family trip, and watch your kids explore and discover the world with wonder and excitement.

Chasing Magic in Disneyland Paris

Karee Russell4 Comments

The COVID pandemic isn’t over but we’re still living our lives. We spent 4 nights 5 days at Disneyland Paris in July. The weather was rainy, hot and a little humid but glorious.

Where to Stay?

We booked a package with a Disney resort, the newly renovated Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel. We booked a spacious terrace room for about 800€ a night. We had about a 10-minute walk to the front gates of Disneyland and Hollywood Studios.

Now, I know you’re wondering why we booked so many days when it’s limited availability and there aren’t many people. Well, we have a 1-year-old, and spending several hours; open to close, in the parks isn’t ideal. However, we spent every hour we could in the parks and although we were exhausted we had so much fun.

Book dining reservations

You have to schedule dining reservations in advance for the sit-down restaurants. We went to several places: Manhattan Restaurant inside the New York Marvel Hotel for breakfast, we went to several ‘fast food’ restaurants for lunch and then we spent hours at these restaurants for dinner; Captain Jack’s Pirates Restaurant, Plaza Gardens Restaurant, Restaurant Agrabah Cafe & la Grange at Billy Bob’s Country Western Saloon.

There were several places… (I.e. McDonald’s, Starbucks,…) that did not require a reservation and you just walk in order and take your food to go or to find a table to sit and eat.

Disneyland

Wait times were up to 60 minutes and we ended up doing the rider swap where one adult waits with the infant/toddler and the other takes the bigger kids on the ride then switch (with a passphrase) once the ride is over. It rained 3 of our 4 days there. The rain did not stop us from enjoying ourselves.

Walt Disney Studio Park

The one ride in Walt Disney Studio Park that was really worth it was the Crush Coaster ride. No matter if the gates just opened and you ran to the ride, the wait was always 60+ minutes. They had a crush game you could download on your phone and play while you wait. The other rides were fun and had 30 minutes or less wait for each ride.

Overall, Disneyland Paris was pretty fun for our family of Five. I do recommend going and spending at least 2 days.

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