Yes, it is sprawling. But once you’ve come to terms with the fact that you will be driving, and driving a lot, you’ll find that Los Angeles has so much to offer families that it is well worth the trip. The key is to plan no more than one big activity a day. Play the rest of your day by ear, you know, in that laid-back California-style you perfected on the beach.

Activity 1: Get Thee to the Getty Villa

Courtyard at the Getty Villa.

From the Biltmore Estate to Citizen Kane’s Xanadu, there’s something fascinating about the building follies of history’s eccentric industrialists. J. Paul Getty built the Getty Villa in the 1950s to house his vast collection of Roman, Greek, and Etruscan artifacts. The villa, a replica of the Villa of Papyri of Herculaneum, features extensive Roman gardens and breathtaking views of the ocean. For children, it is a great place to learn about daily life in a Roman villa.

There are free children’s tours and special hands-on children’s rooms, although older children (ages 8 and up) will enjoy the free regularly scheduled docent tours. Entrance to the museum is free but you will need to reserve timed-entry tickets online. Plan on staying for about two hours. Parking is $15 per car. Website: http://www.getty.edu/visit/villa/

Activity 2: Tour Warner Brothers Studio

Costumes from the Harry Potter films.

The Warner Brothers Studio Tour is a great way to experience the magic of Hollywood and all that goes on behind the scenes of some of your favorite movies and TV shows. You’ll be able to step into some iconic sets, including Central Perk from Friends and the town square from Gilmore Girls, as well as whatever movie they are filming at the time. Kids will love the Harry Potter exhibit with loads of sets, props, and costumes, and even a sorting hat that will tell you which Hogwarts house you belong in. The Car Vault features the Batmobile and other classic movie cars. The three-hour tour is best for older children, ages 8 and up.

Tip: You are most likely to see filming in action–and maybe even spot a movie star strolling through the studio lot–if your tour is on a weekday. Weekend tours, however, give you greater access to some parts of the studio. Website: www.wbstudiotour.com

Activity 3: Make Your Way to the Original Muscle Beach

Slack lines, flying rings, acrobatics and more at Original Muscle Beach.

Muscle Beach was built in the 1930s as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) Project designed to encourage and increase people’s physical activity. It has become a symbol for the beginning of America’s preoccupation (obsession?) with physical fitness. Over the years, it’s been the site of many bodybuilding and acrobatic competitions.

Pssst! Don’t miss the map of our Los Angeles with kids recommendations at the end of this feature.

Today, you never know exactly what you’re going to see but expect to see very fit people doing cool acrobatic tricks, dudes walking on very long slack lines like they’re walking on air, and gymnasts flinging themselves from ring to ring like monkeys. They kids will love it and are welcome to try slack lining or flying through the rings.

It’s just a stone’s throw away from the Santa Monica Pier (an easy walk from your hotel) and a nice way to expend some energy before heading out for dinner.  Website: www.musclebeach.net/new/santa-monica/

Activity 4: Go to the Griffith Observatory

Bring hiking shoes and a picnic to make a day of your trip to the Griffith Observatory.

A visit to the Griffith Observatory is a must on your trip to LA. After all, you can’t very well leave without a photo of the Hollywood sign and you can’t very well take it while driving on the freeway. Trust us. From your rooftop perch, you’ll get a good picture of the city’s vastness, from downtown to West Hollywood to the Pacific Ocean. It’s no wonder so many movie scenes were filmed here, from Rebel without a Cause to La La Land.

The Observatory’s exhibits should hold the kids’ attention as well. The excellent film, narrated by Leonard Nimoy himself, goes through the site’s history. You can explore exhibits on space exploration and astrology, and you’ll have a chance to see three classic scientific tools you may have only heard about: the Tesla Coil, camera obscura, and Foucault’s pendulum.

If you want to make a day of it, bring your hiking shoes, sunblock, and water, and hike the surrounding trails. There is also small onsite café.

Tip: Many people head up to the observatory for the romantic sunset. You and the kids don’t need that, so get there early instead to snag a parking spot. Website: www.griffithobservatory.org

1 Great Place to Stay in Los Angeles with Kids: DoubleTree Santa Monica

Hilton DoubleTree Suites at Santa Monica

When you’re looking for lodging in the sprawl that is Los Angeles, it can seem daunting. Do you stay near downtown, in Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills? If you’re traveling with kids, you can’t do better than staying in Santa Monica and enjoying that quintessential California scene: the beach, the sun, and the palm trees.

The DoubleTree Santa Monica offers large suites in a great location, just a few blocks from the Third Street Promenade and the beach. And if you can’t make it to the beach, you can take a dip in the outdoor pool. Their massive breakfast buffet includes made-to-order omelets. Their courtesy shuttle will take you anywhere you want to go in Santa Monica.

Website: Hilton DoubleTree Suites Santa Monica

Tip:  Park across the street at the public parking lot for a fraction of the price of the hotel’s  valet parking.

1 Great Place to Eat: California-style burgers at Burger Lounge

The L.A. burger experience awaits at the Burger Lounge.

The Burger Lounge is a small California chain that started in San Diego and has attracted a devoted fan base as it continues to expand up the coast. They are the ultimate fast-casual option, but with a healthy bend. Of course they have excellent burgers made of grass-fed beef, turkey, or vegetarian, but they also have a nice selection of salads. You’ll also find local craft beers and milk shakes. In short, the perfect vacation meal. They have several Los Angeles-area locations, including West Hollywood and Santa Monica.  Website: www.burgerlounge.com

Want some ideas for great day trips from Los Angeles with kids? Check out my friend’s article about great day trips from Los Angeles (recommended by a local)!

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And the best part about visiting Boston with kids is that you can do most of it on foot without overdoing it with the museum visits, which can easily turn into family death-marches after a couple of days.  It helps that Boston is so easy to navigate on foot, although some of the cobble-stoned and brick sidewalks in the historical section can be a challenge with a stroller.

Below are some suggestions to help you get the most of your family trip to Boston, with plenty of history and plenty of play time, a classic hotel that is sure to keep the kids on their best behavior(!), and a great spot to enjoy clam chowder in a historical setting.

Activity 1: Play in the Country’s Oldest City Park

Boston Common is the oldest city park in the United States.

Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States. Through the years, it has served as a British Redcoats encampment, an anti-slavery meeting place, and a World War I Victory garden. Today, it’s a wonderful place to take a little break from the city and spend a lovely afternoon with the kids.

A perennial family favorite, the Frog Pond is a splash/spray pool in the summer and is transformed into a small ice-skating rink in the winter. With a nearby carousel and the excellent Tadpole Playground within arm’s reach, you could plan on spending hours here. And don’t miss the park’s most famous attraction, the Make Way for Ducklings statue. It’s based on the beloved children’s book by Walter McCloskey about a family of ducklings that makes its home in Boston’s Public Garden. Website: www.boston.gov/parks/boston-common

Activity 2: Set Sail on the USS Constitution

“Old Ironsides” herself can still be boarded in Boston Harbor.

Built during the birth of the United States and named by George Washington himself, the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy. Its colorful history includes fighting pirates off the Barbary Coast and defeating four British frigates during the War of 1812. Her nickname, Old Ironsides, attests to this ship’s unsinkable legend. A Navy crew mans the ship and also serves as interpretive guides during your visit, sharing tales of the ship’s fascinating history.

The USS Constitution Museum, also on site, has plenty of hands-on exhibits to keep little ones entertained and older ones and their parents informed. Website: www.navy.mil/local/constitution/visitors.asp

Note: Visiting hours are limited so check the website for a full schedule. Admission to the ship is free and there is a suggested donation for the museum. You will need to show ID and have your bags checked for entrance.

Pinnable for Your Trip Planning – Article Continues Below

Activity 3: Play Indoors at the Boston Children’s Museum

No trip to Boston with Kids is complete without a visit to the Boston Children’s Museum.

History is great but sometimes, especially in the cold depths of winter or during a summer heat wave, you need to get the kids indoors to expend some energy. The Boston Children’s Museum is the second oldest children’s museum in the country and is definitely one of the best.

Kids find plenty of ways to get the wiggles out, from the indoor “skating” area, which takes sock-skating to the next level, to a huge climbing structure. You’ll also want to spend time exploring the various theme rooms found throughout the museum’s three floors. The construction room is always a hit as is the Japanese house, a two-story hundred-year-old merchant’s house from Kyoto.

Try to visit first thing in the morning on a week day. It gets crowded on weekends and holidays. Website: www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org

Tip: If you have a membership to your local children’s museum that has reciprocal admission privileges (many do), you may be able to get in free of charge.

Activity 4: Stroll Through History on the Freedom Trail

Exploring the historic Freedom Trail on a trip to Boston with Kids.

The beautiful thing about the Freedom Trail is that you can get a really good feel for the times and events of that pivotal point in history without having to spend much time indoors. It’s perfect if you’re expecting a fair-weather visit to Boston with kids. This two-and-a-half-mile trail illustrates the history of the American Revolutionary War. Explored it all in one day or split it into several days if you prefer.

Begin your tour with a family reading of Longellow’s poem “Paul Revere’s Ride.” Then head to the Old North Church and Paul Revere’s House as they are both located in Boston’s North End. Old North Church is where Paul Revere famously signaled “one if by land, and two if by sea.” Across the street from the church you’ll see Paul Revere’s house. Built in 1680, is the oldest standing structure in Boston, and where he lived with his family when he took his famous midnight ride.

Also of particular interest to kids is America’s first public school, Boston Latin School. And the “who’s who” of Boston cemeteries, Granary Burial Ground, is where Benjamin Franklin’s parents, Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and all the Boston Massacre victims are laid to rest. Website: www.thefreedomtrail.org

Tip: Download a map of the freedom trail to plan out your route. https://www.thefreedomtrail.org/freedom-trail/maps.shtml

1 Great Place to Stay: Loews Boston Hotel

Location, location, former police station? Loews Boston Hotel.

Loews Boston Hotel is a crisply-renovated hotel in a classic building. This former police department headquarters (tell the kids to be on their best behavior) is in a great location. It’s just a five-minute walk to Back Bay Station and five minutes from the Public Garden and Boston Common. They offer adjoining rooms, fabulous bathrooms, and free coffee in the lobby.

Also, check out the Loews Loves Kids program during your visit. You can request to borrow a stroller, car seat, and toys, and, for older kids, a lending library of video and board games and a guide of teen-friendly local activities and shopping. Website: https://www.loewshotels.com/boston-hotel

1 Great Place to Eat: “Chowda” and Chocolate Chips at Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Get your “chowda” on at Boston’s 18th Century Faneuil Hall.

You may find that you return to Faneuil Hall again and again during your visit to Boston with kids. Thanks to the wide range of choices in this massive food you won’t be stuck eating pizza at every meal. And it is in a historical site (OK, that one isn’t much of a reach—you are in Boston, after all). Faneuil Hall was the site of many of the nation’s famous speeches; perhaps most noteworthy are those by Frederick Douglass and Samuel Adams.

When in Boston, you’ll need to try Boston clam chowder and Boston Chowda Company serves one of the best. You can also get Maine lobsta—I mean lobster—rolls, New England pot pies, and sandwiches and wraps. And since you’re in the great food court that is Faneuil Hall, dessert is only steps away. Don’t miss the scrumptious chocolate chip cookies at the Chipyard. Website: www.bostonchowda.com and www.chipyard.com

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Yosemite is just a few hours’ drive from the Bay Area, so it may be tempting to add a few days to your San Francisco itinerary to go visit the park (or make a side trip to San Francisco if you’re already planning a Yosemite family vacation).

Living in such close proximity to Yosemite ourselves, our family has been so lucky to visit nearly every year since we became parents, and it’s been a treat not only to see the park in different seasons but to see the different “seasons” of our kids unfold as we return to the park through the years.

If you get the chance to check Yosemite off your family’s National Park bucket list, here are some of our favorite ways we’ve found to experience Yosemite National Park with kids.

–> And don’t forget, if you have a fourth-grader with you the whole family gets into the park free (details on getting and using the Every Kid Outdoors Pass in this post)!

1. Bike Yosemite Valley

From the time your baby is big enough to ride in a baby seat on the bike or get towed along behind in a trailer, riding bikes is one of the most pleasant ways we know to take in Yosemite Valley. Paved, relatively easy pathways follow along the scenic Merced River and criss-cross at occasional bridges, all the while offering beautiful views of the towering natural landmarks around you and the beauty that fills in between them below.

We love packing a picnic and staking out a lovely beach spot beside the river for a lunch break, plus you can also plan to stop at Yosemite Village or Half Dome Village for ice cream. If bringing your bikes from home doesn’t work, bicycle rentals are available at Yosemite Village, including bikes with kiddie trailers, kid-size bikes, ADA bikes, and helmets for the whole family.

Bike racks are found nearly everywhere you’d want them throughout the valley, including at restrooms, just don’t forget your bike locks at home.

2. Boulder Your way to Mirror Lake

You don’t need bikes to enjoy the route from the The Majestic Yosemite Hotel (formerly The Ahwahnee) to Mirror Lake. In fact, ours often get ditched along the way in favor of scrambling on foot and climbing on the many mind-boggling boulders you’ll find along the way. This natural playground is a kid-climber’s paradise, and even includes a long corridor where the non-claustrophobic can pass through a fissure between giant geologic slabs.

For best results, follow the hiking (not biking) path to the left as you head toward Mirror Lake (2 miles or 3.2 km round trip if you back track from the lake, 5 miles or 8  km if you do the loop trail).  If you’re lucky, you may just find your way to the legendary Indian Caves hidden (and unmarked) among the biggest boulders.

Tips: In summer weather, bring at least one towel to share as the calm pool that is Mirror Lake can be an ideal, calm swimming hole for kids. It shrinks as summer progresses and by autumn it is often a dry sand pit, so how much time you may want to spend once there can vary by season. There are no concessions at Mirror Lake, just vault toilets and bike racks, so bring a day pack with plenty of snacks and, as always, water.

3. Hike the dome—Sentinel Dome that is!

The Sentinel Dome hike is best combined with the trip out to see Yosemite’s Glacier Point. The hike from “Sentinel Dome Parking” to the top of the dome is only 2.2 miles round trip (3.5 km), but it will likely feel like much more before you are through. Remember, you’re starting at 7,700 feet (2,345 meters), which is a respectable altitude (especially for those of us living at sea level) and will end with a very steep finale up to 8,100 feet (2,470 meters).

However, the pay-off of a 360-degree view over Yosemite National Park makes kid and parent hiker alike feel rightfully victorious (bring candy bars or cookies to celebrate as you take in the view–and take a breather). This is one “short hike” your school-age kids are not likely to forget!

The final ascent of the dome is so steep that you’ll likely find yourself on hands and knees for parts of it, though the wide-sloping surface doesn’t feel precarious like a trail with a drop-off beside it might (don’t attempt in wet weather, however; the most well-worn areas of smooth granite can be slick even when dry).

Bring plenty of water on the trail with you, and I recommend sun glasses for everyone in addition to sun hats as the granite surfaces are extremely bright when blessed with sunshine–and don’t forget the camera! This is a great place to capture a snapshot of your Yosemite family vacation.

4. Visit the Giants

Especially for kids having little experience with earth’s largest living organisms (not blue whales but trees!), the giants dwelling in Yosemite are not to be missed. For spectacular sequoia sightings, you have three good options here.

First, the Tuolumne Grove which is accessed by a relaxed 2.5-mile round trip hike (4 km) at the west end of the park by Highway 120. For a little more of a hike (3 miles round trip or 4.8 km), you can visit the slightly less-crowded and even farther west Merced Grove (though there is less parking, too).

However, each of these groves has only about two dozen giants left standing, while Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove boasts a whopping 500 giant sequoias, including the beefy Grizzly Giant. (Note: After restoration work, The Mariposa Grove once again welcomes visitors.)

You might also be interested in my features The 5 Best Places to Visit California’s Redwoods and Giant Sequoias and Five Places to Get Up Close to California’s Redwood Trees.

1 Great Place to Stay in Yosemite: Yosemite Valley Lodge

Over the years, we’ve stayed many places in and just outside of Yosemite, from our own tent and Curry Village tent cabins (now called Half Dome Village) to the historic Wawona (now not historically called Big Trees Lodge) and Evergreen Lodge–and the four-diamond Tenaya Lodge.

But when asked where I’d recommend a family stay for a first-time visit to Yosemite National Park with Kids, I usually recommend the Yosemite Valley Lodge. Because of its location smack dab in the heart of the valley, you can wake up where you most want to be–with your bikes (or bike rentals) just outside your door and those bike baths beckoning.

For further exploration of the park, you are also right at the hub of Yosemite’s shuttle buses (free!) which can save you serious parking headaches at the most popular points of interest, especially in Yosemite’s high seasons.

Plus, the river is just a stone’s throw away for skipping stones or counting dragonflies at dusk, and the cafeteria is just across the road for easy meals and take-away options.

1 Great Place to Eat in Yosemite: Yosemite Valley Food Court

In Yosemite, you’ll find everything from hot dogs at Curry Village to Five-Star dining at the Ahwanee. But when you aim to cover a lot of ground in the park, making a lunch stop at the Yosemite Valley Food Court can make a whole lot of sense. Especially if you need to avoid storing food and/or an ice chest in your car throughout the day per park rules.

You’ll find options to suit just about everyone in the family, from fresh-baked pizzas and homemade hot fare to simple deli pre-mades, fruit cups, and salads. Plus, you can also grab some extra sandwiches, wraps, or drinks to load up into the day pack for your afternoon excursion.

It’s centrally located within the park, too, and if you’ll be using the free park shuttles, they stop just outside. And for the jet-lagged travelers with kids, they’re open at 6:30 a.m. (with good coffee) and don’t close until 8:00 p.m. (You can see why it’s a popular stop for many undertaking a Yosemite family vacation!)

Map of Our Yosemite with Kids Recommendations:

Yosemite Spring and Summer 2023 updates:

Great news! Reservations will no longer be required to visit Yosemite National Park in spring or summer of 2023! Note: Glacier Point Road is closed through May 2023. Check here for the latest updates about the visiting Yosemite.

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Whether your family flocks to the festival or comes to enjoy a quieter time, here are 4 great activities along with recommendations of 1 great place to stay and 1 great place to eat while visiting Traverse City with kids.

Activity 1: Run Down the Sand Dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Irresistible dunes at Sleeping Bear Lake.

Enveloped into the National Park System in 1970, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a breathtaking symphony of water, sky, and sand that spans over sixty-four miles of beaches, dunes, coves, hills, and islands. For kids, it’s a mind-boggling, giant sandbox.

Start your exploration of the region on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. This 7.4-mile paved touring route loops through a good portion of the park and gives visitors a sense of place, as they take in the unique terrain and topography. Comprised of twelve designated stopping points-–which are also points of interest-–plan a few hours completing the entire drive. End at the nearby Dune Climb location just off South Dune Highway 109, where you’ll also find This location has modern toilets and a concession stand. Kids of all ages love climbing the multi-story dunes only to tumble down the sandy incline and start all over again. Website: https://www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm

Tips: Bring towels for sandy feet and plenty of water for thirsty kids.

Activity 2: Experience History and Ecology on a Tall Ship

Set sail on a Traverse City tall ship.

Tall ships are woven into the fabric of Traverse City’s history. And the city houses more of these stately sailing vessels than any other port on the Great Lakes. To best get a sense of this 19th century mode of transportation, consider a two-hour sail on the Manitou, a 114-foot long replica of an 1800’s “coasting” cargo schooner. Tour options include a Noon Sail, Afternoon Moomers Ice Cream Sail, or Evening Sail. Or if you want more time aboard, book a Floating Bed and Breakfast package.

Alternately, the Inland Seas Education Association in Suttons Bay runs regular science expeditions for kids and families aboard the schooner Inland Seas. Passengers on the three-hour Discovery Sail trawl for fish, collect plankton, and sample the lake bottom. This hands-on experience often translates into an increased awareness of the Great Lakes and promotes environmental and ecological stewardship. Website: www.tallshipsailing.com

Activity 3: Canoe, Kayak or SUP on a River or Lake

Paddle to your heart’s content in Traverse City’s waterways.

A paradise for water-loving souls, Traverse City is a fine place to canoe, kayak, or SUP. Four rivers run through the region—the Boardman, Betsie, Crystal and Platte—all of which are suitable for beginners (with just enough current to keep things interesting). Bring your own equipment, or rent from one of the many outfitters in and around town.

The Leelanau Peninsula is also home to some of the most crystal-clear, glacially formed, lakes in the Midwest—many of which are perfect for fishing and rock hunting.  (Do keep an eye out for the illusive Petoskey stone.)  And, on a calm day, the sheltered waters of the Grand Traverse Bay make for an adventure the kids may never forget. WEBSITE URL: www.traversecity.com/outdoors/kayak-canoe-and-sup/

Tip: If you are on the water as the sun rises, sit still and listen for the haunting call of the male loon as he sings to his mate.

Activity 4: Step Back in Time at the Drive In Theater

Roll back the clock as you roll into Traverse City’s Cherry Bowl Drive- In movie theater.

Families have enjoyed the double feature at the Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theater for over sixty years. It’s one of the few remaining outdoor drive-in theaters in the country. Not to mention, it’s one where the Fabulous 50’s live on with original equipment including a nostalgic 1953 popcorn popper and a sound system powered by original vacuum tube motiograph amplifiers.

What’s more, kids love the miniature golf course and running between playground equipment, the sandbox, and inflatable bounce house. Inside Cherry Bowl Gifts & Goodies, they can build a souvenir stuffed animal. More than a concession stand, the food served at Cherry Bowl Drive-In is always fresh and homemade. What’s more, the movies shown here are family friendly–rated G and PG, with the occasional PG-13. Website: www.cherrybowldrivein.com

1 Great Place to Stay in Traverse City with Kids: Cherry Tree Inn & Suites

Kid-friendly and beachfront Cherry Tree Inn & Suites at Traverse City.

Nestled into the bend at the end of East Grand Traverse Bay, Cherry Tree Inn & Suites is at the end of the beach strip. Yet it’s near some of the more kid-friendly venues (including Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park). A bayside pool and spa is available to guests. However, kids may opt to spend the day making sand castles on the property’s sandy beach.

Ideal for large groups, many of the suites include a kitchenette, living room, and outdoor balcony with sweeping views of the bay. Families will also appreciate a complimentary, continental breakfast and free shuttle service into downtown Traverse City. Website: www.cherrytreeinn.com

1 Great Place to Eat in Traverse City with Kids: Sleder’s Family Tavern

A smooching moose, canadian smelt, and crunch dipped ice cream cones await at Sleder’s family-friendly tavern.

Sleder’s Family Tavern is the oldest continuously operated restaurant in the state of Michigan. It specializes in burgers and sandwiches with a side of “moose chips” or a basket of Canadian smelt.  Located in the city’s historic Lumbertown District, Sleder’s has kept its brass and mahogany décor, with antique lamps and ice cream parlor-style chairs.

A highlight for kids is the opportunity to kiss Randolph, the restaurant’s Lucky “Smooching” Moose. Though they may be equally intrigued by additional mounted animals, including a jackalope and deer’s rear end. In warm weather, walk across the Randolph street for a sweet ice cream treat at the Dairy Lodge. We recommend the peanut butter and jelly sundae or the Cosmo cone; soft serve covered in crisp cereal and dipped in melted chocolate. Website: http://sleders.com

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View from CA Highway 50 nearing South Lake Tahoe

Are we almost there yet??? Please, please, just let us stop and play in some TAHOE SNOW!

A side road after the “snowpocalpyse 2017”– a good day to stick to the main roads driving around Tahoe…

Hey! This looks like a good place to stop for “a little” snow…

Expert car trip packer–this dad is ready for fun at every stop.

Good thing Dad packed the sleds on top. You never know when you might need to suddenly stop and sled.

Whose woods these are we cannot tell! The trees are covered in snow so well…

Yeah, baby! We found, oh, just a little snow!

Our human snow gauges.

Let’s see just how deep it is!

Overly ambitious?

Whew! This is some deep snow!

South fork of the American River lined with snow.

Hey, what’s mom doing standing waist deep in the powder with her camera–next to the river?!

South Fork of the American River with snow and ice

Mom, next time you should bring snow shoes!

Snow already melts from the tallest trees touched by the sun

All right, everyone…let’s finish the drive now. We’re almost to South Lake Tahoe!

Barely out of the car and look! A “powder puff”!

We made it! And look at all the great snow right outside the hotel! (See more recommendations for activities, dining & lodging in the related post The 411 on South Tahoe with Kids – Winter Edition.

Snow sisters!

And then there were two…

Kids and snow. A match made in Tahoe.

All right, time for some more snowslporation – and snowdigging – and snowEATING!

Stay hydrated. Eat snow.

Ack! This stuff is COLD! Brain freeze!

Do you wanna build a snow dad???

Quick! Now’s our chance to make a snow man! (AKA snow dad).

Great sledding!

Sweet! We can just walk to this great sledding hill from our hotel room in three minutes! (Right behind Heavenly Village.) And we can sled as long as we please–and it’s free!

Sunset. #snowfilter

And so the sun sets on a great first day of snow play…

Ice skating at Heavenly Village.

Time to stroll on down through Heavenly Village…

Cheers!

…and let Mom and Dad enjoy a pint by the fire while we await our dinner at Base Camp Pizza. What a perfect day!

There’s still plenty of time to plan your family’s snow vacation in South Lake Tahoe, one of our favorite winter wonderlands. And if you go, don’t overlook the recommendations in The 411 on South Lake Tahoe with Kids – Winter Edition and How South Tahoe’s “The Loft” and “Magic Fusion” Get it Right for Families.

Tahoe South Snow Story – South Lake Tahoe with Kids

The post South Lake Tahoe Snow Story – In Photos appeared first on Family Travel 411.

Geographically, it’s almost like dropping Yellowstone National Park in the ocean. The obvious difference is that Puerto Rico has a population of just over three million people. Puerto Rico is a living and breathing history of the exploration of the New World. It is unique in its culture, cuisine, and governmental status within U.S. territories.

And while no trip to the island would be complete without seeing the forts of Old San Juan, going beyond the city to Northeastern Puerto Rico with kids is the easiest way to sample the feast of fun the commonwealth offers including beaches, water sports, and bio-diversity.

Activity 1: Hike the El Yunque National Rainforest

Take a hike–in the United States Forest System’s only tropical rainforest.

In the U.S. Forest system there is only one tropical rainforest: El Yunque. It dominates the eastern skyline from the moment you leave the airport in San Juan. The excitement builds as the roads take you higher and higher into the mountains as El Yunque National Forest grows thicker. Just inside the boundary, the first stop is El Portal—the stunning entrance center loaded with educational displays, a gift shop, a café, and even locals selling crafts.

The El Portal Trail that leads from the parking lot is a great introductory hike. This loop is three tenths of a mile long with only a few inclines. In this short space, you begin to feel the intensity of life in the forest—giant fallen trees slowly being covered with undergrowth, vines that reach toward the sun where it peeks through the canopy, and the ever-present chirping of birds and tree frogs. Longer hikes beckon throughout the forest, allowing you to plan an entire day in the forest if you choose.

Any visit to El Yunque should include stops at the Yokahu Lookout Tower and at one of the food concession areas for local treats like fried plantains. If you choose not to rent a car for your trip, there are numerous tour operators that will provide transportation to the forest. Bespoke Lifestyle Tours offers several options, including combination packages with other attractions.

Activity 2: Kayak in a Bioluminescent Bay

Kayak or catch a glass-bottom boat ride on a bioluminescent bay.

In the dark of the night, watch as inky black water sparkles like fairy dust with every stroke of your paddle. This is your chance to kayak through a narrow mangrove entry into Laguna Grande near Fajardo. Tiny microbes that live in the water glow when there is a disturbance in the water—like paddling, or even swishing your hand around. Think about how fireflies glow in little bursts and you get the idea. Tours lead groups of kayakers through the dark tunnel of mangroves each night. Kayaking in near total darkness is an adventure but the reward is seeing the delightful twinkles in the water.

Getting to the bio glow:

One of the world’s most active bio bays, Mosquito Bay, is located on the nearby island of Vieques. To see that one requires an overnight stay on Vieques, as the last return ferry departs at 6:30 in the evening. If you plan to rent a car for your island adventure, this might be an interesting side trip, but if you are content to stay put in Fajardo, Glass Bottom PR Tours will show you the best of Laguna Grande.

The guides are funny, informative, and work hard to give you a good tour. They’ll even bring along a tarp to huddle under to block out light for the best viewing. Tours are for ages six and up and can be purchased online with or without transportation from area hotels. If you stay at El Conquistador, the meeting point for the kayaking is a short walk along the road south from the marina level.

Tips: Take flashlights for the walk, but put them away in a drybag for the kayaking. Any camera you plan to use needs a waterproof housing, but don’t expect great photos of the bio-luminescence. It’s almost impossible to capture, making it a perfect time to remind the family about the joys of living in the moment without electronic devices.

Activity 3: Explore Palomino Island

Paradise found on Palomino Island.

Palomino Island is a private enclave of the El Conquistador Resort with so many activities you will find it difficult to do it all during your stay. The expected things like water sports (equipment is available to rent) are highlighted by the unexpected like lawn games, hiking, and horseback riding.

And then there is the beach. Sugary white sand rings the island. Spend time lounging in the sun, splash around in the designated swim area, or scope out a shady spot under the trees to enjoy a view of the turquoise Caribbean waters. A quieter beach is a short hike up and over the island’s hills. Snorkeling is good along the shallow reef on the island’s north side.

The island is a favorite with locals on weekends. Fortunately on weekdays you can expect considerably smaller crowds. Access to Palomino Island is free for resort guests via a fifteen-minute boat ride from the marina at the base of the resort cliffs. It’s a great outing for visitors to Puerto Rico with kids.

Activity 4: Splash in the Coqui Water Park

Luxuriate on a lazy river or go for a wild ride down a water slide at Coqui Water Park.

When you have had your fill of sand, but the kids still crave water play, a little time at El Conquistador’s onsite water park, Coqui Water Park, is just the thing. Resort guests have free access to the three slides, a zero-entry infinity pool, and a lazy river tube ride. Day passes are available for non-resort guests as well.

As with Palomino Island, the water park is a busy spot on weekends and mid-day during the summer. If possible, give it a try weekday mornings or evenings for quieter family fun. It may be your go-to spot following a day of adventure exploring the area.

1 Great Place to Stay in Puerto Rico with Kids: El Conquistador Resort      

Puerto Rico’s El Conquistador Resort.

Puerto Rico’s El Conquistador Resort has a history dating back to 1962 when it opened as one of the island’s premier resorts. History aside, the best part for traveling families is convenience. Using their airport shuttle service and tour providers could keep you from needing a rental car at all. But if you do need a car, Enterprise is available onsite.

Don’t shy away from the Waldorf Astoria factor. Rest assured the resort is family friendly throughout. In addition to the water park and the private island, there are seven swimming pools. And you’ll find a maze of open spaces for enjoying the breeze and the stunning sea and mountain views.

One of the most fun things about the resort is not even an official attraction. The main resort is built on a steep cliff, with a funicular shuttling guests to the resort’s lower levels and water’s edge. The scenic ride is sure to be a hit with the kids.

Standard rooms are large and include refrigerators and coffee makers. But for even more space and a resort within a resort atmosphere, choose La Casitas Village. There you’ll have options of one, two, and three bedroom villas with kitchenettes.

1 Great Place for Families to Eat: Pizza to Go from Café Bella Vista

Just call in a pizza to Bella Vista Cafe–easy.

Food is never more than a few steps away in El Conquistador’s main hotel. Choices range from fine dining in the evening to casual food morning, noon, and night. There are grab-and-go options where you can get sandwiches, chips, and ice cream.

Tip: Families with picky eaters will appreciate the breakfast buffet option. Or maybe a trip to the tiny ice cream bar near the funicular for waffles as a reward. There’s even a full-service Starbucks in the main lobby area.

With all the outdoor fun and exploration, we found takeout pizza from Café Bella Vista a helpful option. It’s centrally located near the main lobby. Call in your order and kick back. Then send Dad to pick up piping hot thin-crust pepperoni for an in-room pizza party.

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