Welcome signs greet visitors with the slogan, “Utah, life elevated”; a phrase indicative of the state’s altitude and its inspiring sites and history.  Life is elevated in Utah, where diverse geology has shaped the land and rich history has shaped the culture providing visitors with opportunities galore.  Here families can experience world class ski resorts, five national parks, an inland ocean, and historical sites which celebrate cultures that persevered in Utah’s rugged desolation.  This list of top 10 things for families to do in Utah is in no way ranked in order from least to greatest.  Instead, this list is the cliff note travel guide for families visiting Utah; a starting point to experience life elevated.

10. Visit Mother Nature’s theme parks

Photo via Flickr user ArtBrom

With names like Goblin Valley, Grand Staircase, and Kodachrome Basin; these places counter any adventure that man-made theme parks tout.  Instead of mechanical rides, Mother Nature’s theme parks give you hoodoos and fairy chimneys to climb.  Instead of cartoon characters; Mother Nature gives kids a chance to use their imaginations and visualize a character made of stone.  Utah’s location on the Colorado Plateau provides visitors an abundant supply of these unique rock formations where kids can climb, play, and learn hands-on geology; no ticket required.

9. Relive the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics

Photo via Flickr user Nomadic Lass

The 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics have concluded, but families can still experience the games at several Olympic sites and venues throughout Utah. Watch athletes train, or experience a ride on the bobsled, 80 mph and 5 G’s of force at Utah’s Olympic Park.  The Olympic Park is also home to the Alf Elgen Ski History Museum, bobsled, and Nordic jumping events. If your family loves to ski, check out Snowbasin Ski Resort which hosted many of the game’s alpine skiing events and visit Solider Hollow which hosted Nordic skiing events.  Kids can learn to ice-skate at the Utah Olympic Oval, which was the venue for the Olympic speed skating races.  Whether you’re testing your winter sport skills, or reliving Olympic history, Utah has plenty of sites and world–class venues to enjoy.

Find more fun for families around Park City.

8. Drive to an Island

Photo via Flickr user Bring Back Woods

Many first time visitors to Utah want to see the Great Salt Lake, an inland ocean five times saltier than seawater. However, visitors are sorely disappointed when they arrive to the banks of this famous lake and discover why it is also known as “Stink Lake”.  The Great Salt Lake is so salty that it can’t support most aquatic life.  Instead it teems with brine shrimp and brine flies with a definitive stench.  These little critters are just odor producers, they provide food for millions of migrating birds, making the lake a bird-watching paradise. The place for families to experience the Great Salt Lake, while minimizing odor impact, is Antelope Island.  At 28,022 acres, this island abounds with wildlife; from birds to bison.  Here, families can hike a peak and experience unparalleled views of the Wasatch Mountains, touch a rock that is 2.7 billion years old, or discover that high-salinity water allows you to float unassisted. There is no boat required to reach the island, just drive the causeway for your own family island adventure.

Read reviews of kid friendly activities on Utah’s Wastach Front.

7. Go Rock-hounding

What kid doesn’t like to dig in the dirt in search of treasure? Utah’s varied terrain is home to plenty of gemstones, rare rocks, and fossils.  Families can head out to Utah’s west desert, along the pony express trail, and search for geodes at the Dugway Geode Beds or hunt for topaz at Topaz Mountain.    If your family is searching for fossils, drive along remote highway 6 and pursue trilobites at Antelope Springs and the Ibex-Fossil Mountain Area.  Families can also see some “commercial rock-hounders” in action at Kennecott Copper Mine, one of the largest open pit copper mines in the world.  So do some mining or see some mining in action and you’ll discover the real “treasure” is an awesome family adventure.

6. Discover ancient cultures

Photo via Flickr user Rob Lee

Several ancient Native American tribes flourished in Utah, leaving evidence of their rich cultures throughout the state.  Families can learn more about our state’s original inhabitants at one of many museums that celebrate these cultures, including the Natural History Museum of Utah, Museum of Peoples and Cultures, and Anasazi State Park Museum.  Hands-on history abounds throughout the state where families can witness rock art petroglyphs and pictographs along trails and highways at places such as Dinosaur National Monument, Nine Mile Canyon, Fremont Indian State Park, and Arches National Park Delicate Arch Trail. Explore ancient Native American villages at the Edge of the Cedars State Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Grand Gulch Primitive Area.  So teach your kids about the amazing ancient Native American culture and apply these lessons as you explore historical sites throughout Utah.

5. Take a scenic drive

If you have the time, and you spot a scenic byway sign in Utah, by all means take it and you’ll discover some of the grandest sites that can be found from any piece of blacktop.   Scenic Byway 12, a 124 route between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks is an adventure for any family.  Here you travel along red rock formations at Red Canyon, enjoy viewpoints such as Powell Point, Boynton and Homestead overlooks, and straddle slickrock terrain along The Hogback.  In northern Utah, drive the Alpine Loop with access to sites and trails including Timpanogos National Monument, Sundance Ski Resort and views of the Wasatch Mountain Range.  This drive is especially enjoyable in autumn when the aspens and scrub oak display their colors.  So pack the kids, pack a picnic, and search for those scenic byway signs in Utah.  Just don’t forget to pack the camera!

4. Learn about Utah’s Mormon Heritage

Photo via Flickr user amulonphotography

In 1847, Mormon pioneers reached the Salt Lake Valley and prospered in a place once thought to dry and barren to settle.  These Mormon pioneers are the reason why Utah is known as the “beehive state” since a beehive is symbolic of industry and perseverance.  In Salt Lake City, families can visit Temple Square, home of the Salt Lake City Temple, Family History Library and the Salt Lake Tabernacle.  Kids will especially enjoy experiencing Utah’s living history at places like This is the Place Heritage Park, Benson Grist Mill and the American West Heritage Center.  Explore Mormon pioneer sites and learn about Utah’s early Mormon heritage and you’ll understand exactly why Utah is called the “Beehive State”.

3. Discover dinosaurs

Utah’s unique geographical history makes it an ideal place to discover dinosaurs.  Families can tour natural history museums and learn about paleontological history or set out on a family adventure to discover fossils and dinosaur remnants on your own.  Kids will love the hands-on displays at the new Museum of Natural History of Utah and families can step back in time at Thanksgiving Point’s Museum of Ancient Life.  Encounter life-size dinosaur models along the trails of the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Museum or let the kids place a hand in a track at Potash Road Dinosaur Tracks. Additional museums and sites throughout Utah include the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum, Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm, Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, Dinosaur National Monument, and the USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum.  So take those future paleontologists on a dinosaur tour of Utah and discover a prehistoric world like no other.

2. Explore five National Parks

Photo via Flickr user whateva87

Captivating landscapes and geological wonders abound throughout Utah’s national parks.  Each of Utah’s national parks are world renowned, yet each is different.  Zion National Park is known for its stone monoliths and narrow slot canyons.  Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its brilliant hues and hoodoo spires.  Arches National Park of course, is known for its large concentration of arches.  Canyonlands National Park is known for its rugged landscape and high plateaus.  Capitol Reef National Park is known for its sandstone sculptures and the water pocket fold, a 100-mile geographical feature.   Families can visit one or visit them all and find diverse landscapes, history and culture like no other place on Earth.

1. Discover the greatest snow on Earth.

Photo via Flickr user Makelessnoise

There is a reason why “greatest snow on Earth” is printed on many Utah license plates.  Utah’s snow is pretty spectacular as a result of our dry climate which leaves behind fluffy, powdery snow; perfect for any winter outing.  Yes, it’s a subjective determination whether or not Utah snow is the greatest on Earth.  Thankfully Utah has plenty of places for families to make up their own minds about snow quality.   Families can experience the snow at one of the state’s popular ski resorts, such as Park City, Canyons, Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, or Brian Head.  Explore mountain trails in the winter with snow shoes or back-country skis or find a snow-covered hill and zip down it on your sled.   Whether your family is making the perfect snow angel or trekking in the back-country, Utah’s “greatest snow on Earth” will not disappoint.

Want more 50 states fun? See more posts in our series:

Top Ten Things for Families to do in Alaska

Top Ten Things for Families to do in California

Top Ten Things for Families to do in Nevada

Top Ten Things for Families to do in South Dakota

Ann Anderson is Trekaroo’s Utah Destination Guroo.

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Contemplating a Hawaiian getaway with your keiki (aka kids)?  The Big Island has lots to offer families with young ones.   In fact, the activities on this island are as varied as the topography of the land.  Travelers here enjoy lush rain forests, volcanic landscapes, and pristine beaches that come in more than one sand color.  Not only does this translate to enjoying tropical breezes, Hawaiian music and a laid back beach lifestyle, there are many opportunities to teach kids about geology, horticulture, folklore and hist

Hilton Waikoloa Village

From cruising the resort canals in mahogany boats or riding the rails of the monorail to enjoying multiple swimming pools (two that include water slides) and an interactive dolphin experience, there is so much for a family to enjoy at the Hilton Waikoloa Village.  Rent a water bike, check out fish and turtles in the Hilton’s lagoon, or relax in a hammock.  The resort even has an amazing kids club that allows you and your spouse to take a date night secure in the knowledge your kids are enjoying activities like glow in the dark golf, fishing or even a luau.

• Cost cutting tip:  Purchase an Ohana Fun Pass at the resort.  For just $39.00 a day, your family can enjoy a variety of resort discounts including 50% off Club Keiki, daily ice cream for four and the choice of complimentary self parking or two beverages.  Use your pass daily and it pays for itself in no time!

Places to eat

• Red Waters Café is one of those rare eateries that can be an intimate date night locale or a place to dine with the whole family.  The chef’s 8-year-old played a role in making this place kid-friendly cool when she designed the keiki menu and many of the cafe’s young customers are raving about it!
• The Lagoon Spoon: Breakfast could only happen this way while on vacation! Located at the Hilton Waikoloa, patrons choose two cereals, two toppings (like Skittles and M&Ms) and pour the milk.  Just be sure to have a great physically exerting activity (like swimming) planned for when the sugar high kicks in!
• Scandinavian Shave Ice: Need to cool off after a day at the beach?  Here’s a tasty solution; share a huge serving of shave ice encasing your favorite ice cream and frozen yogurt flavor. Don’t let the line out the door dissuade you, this place is worth the wait!
• The Kona Inn Restaurant : The patio of the Kona Inn is one of the best places to catch a Hawaiian sunset. The show is so good in fact, that patrons have been known to applaud.  While the kids menu is a little limited here, the lawn just off the patio is ample.  The kids can run around in plain view while you enjoy watching that orange ball drop below the waves on the horizon.

Activities

• Departing daily from the famous Kailua-Kona Pier,Body Glove Cruises offer a great family excursion for scouting dolphins, spotting whales and swimming with the fish.  On the day we sailed, the passengers ranged in age from 2-48 and all of them snorkeled!
• La‘aloa Beach:  Also known as Magic Sands Beach, this place is loaded with local flavor.  Don’t be surprised if a few of the nearby residents show up with guitars and ukuleles; it turned out to be one of the most musical days we’d ever had at the beach!

• The Hawaiian Vanilla Company:  Founded by a young family more than two decades ago, this farm in the green hills of Paauilo is a great place to learn about the many uses of vanilla and what one family accomplished with a dream and a bit of courage.  Your family will also sample Vanilla lemonade!

• Rainforest Zoo : This quirky little zoo and playground is a great place to break up a road trip around the Big Island. Located outside Hilo, not only are you able to get a close look at many of the animal residents; you are exposed to a lot of amazing and unusual tropical plants. It also comes at the best price — free!

• Think of it as Hilo’s “Walk of Fame,” Banyan Tree Drive is a  pretty little nod to celebrities who had the trees planted before it was even hip to be green.  Among the roster of sponsors are Babe Ruth, Cecil B. De Mille, Richard and Pat Nixon, and Amelia Earhart. While some trees have been lost to tsunamis and tidal wave actions on the Hilo coast line, fifty trees still line Banyan Tree Drive.
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:  To call this park amazing is an understatement.  From the Chain of Craters Road to the Thurston Lava Tube, nature’s hand in molding the Big Island is put into great context here. The terrain of the park can change in just a few minutes too. Lush and green at one site, it can suddenly be a mix of black and gray at the next stop. The kids will enjoy hiking, exploring, and learning the folklore behind the natural wonders throughout this park.
• Hapuna Beach: This sweeping stretch of beach is fun for boogie boarding, body surfing, sand castle building or people watching.  Bring your own picnic or stop by the snack bar/boogie board rental for the best guava shake ever!

See what other Trekaroo families are saying about  the Big Island.

Need to book at stay?  Find a great Big Island spot that other families are raving about.

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The holidays are long gone, the excitement of the New Year is over and the winter blahs have firmly set in. Sound familiar?  I thought so.  If you are like me, you need a dose of fun to snap yourself out of the doldrums.  A little warmth and sunshine doesn’t hurt either.  So, where can you head with the family where the weather is guaranteed to be a tropical 85 degrees every day?  An indoor water park!  Over the past few years I’ve noticed that indoor waterparks have been making a real splash and popping up in more and more places.

What you need to know:

When looking for an indoor water park ,you will need to do a little research.  Water parks may be a “stand alone” business while others are part of a resort.   At water parks that stand on their own families usually just show up and have fun however, be sure to check out “stay and play” options.  Many times area hotels work with the water parks to create packages. If it is part of a resort, is it open to the public?  I have found most resorts only open their water park for guests only but a few out there open to the public on select days.   (Greek Peak Mountain Resort is an example of a resort willing to welcome the public and opens its doors on Sunday and Thursday.)

 Know Before You Go:

•  Do you need to pre-purchase your tickets?  Water Park of America suggests pre-purchasing your ticket ahead of time online so that you are guaranteed admittance even if they hit capacity.

• Are there height restrictions for attractions?

• Do they have kiddie areas available for smaller children?

• Is there food available on site?  Can you bring your own food in?

• Do they have life jackets readily available?

• Do they have towels available?

• Are there lockers to keep your items dry and safe?  If so, what is the fee?

• Are there changing rooms and showers?

• Are there other activities available in case you want to come out of the water?   Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in Oregon may take the cake with that.  They feature a full aviation museum, a children’s museum featuring learning about the power of water and an arcade all on site in addition to the water park.

• Are there lifeguards on duty at all times?

• Is there a dress code?

• Is there a seating area?

Taking a little time to find these things out ahead of time will help ensure your family has the best time possible once you get there.  Nobody likes surprises that could ruin a fun day!

Is a Waterpark Resort for you?

The biggest advantage to a resort is that there is usually plenty to do on property.  You can have a family vacation without having to worry about where to eat, what to do, or what the surrounding area offers which makes planning easy.  I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t like easy planning!  The disadvantage sometimes comes with the price tag.

Our family recently had the opportunity to beat the winter blahs at Great Wolf Lodge.  While the indoor water park is certainly the biggest draw of the resort, there are lots of activities for everyone to enjoy if you’d like to take a break from the water.   The water park admission is included in your room price and there are some free activities to enjoy throughout your stay.  Additional activities such as the arcade, a children’s spa and the ever popular MagiQuest come at additional (and sometimes hefty) fees.

Tips for visiting Great Wolf Lodge:

-Consider staying just one night.  While check-in isn’t until 4pm, Great Wolf allows you to come as early as 1pm to enjoy the water park and activities.  You can pre-register upon arrival and the staff will let you know when your room is ready.  On check out day, you need to vacate your room by 11am but are free to stay until 9pm to enjoy the property.

-Take advantage of the in room refrigerator and microwave.  There is plenty of food available in the resort but it is not the most economical choice for a family.  Pack some drinks and snacks or even some sandwich fixings.

-Enjoy the free activities.  Upon check-in you will be provided with a print out of “lodge life” which lists all of the activities available during your stay.   My favorite was the pajama story time which is offered nightly.  We were also treated to a fun magic show which captivated the kids.

-Compromise.  If you want to treat the kids to additional activities, be sure to set your limits.  MagiQuest can be played as a team instead of as individuals which will significantly cut your cost.

Read my full review of the Great Wolf Lodge, Pennsylvania.

Find an indoor water park near you:

PA | NJ | CO | OH | WI | NH | TX | ND | NC | IL | NY | WA | CA | CT | MI | VA | TN | MN | MO

Don’t see your area listed?  Be sure to add your favorite water park review to the site! 

Disclosure: The author received a discounted rate in order to complete a review and this post. All opinions are her own.

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Long before Captain Jack Sparrow hit the silver screen, the streets of Tampa have  been taken over by pirates.  Yes, you read that right.  Since 1904, thousands of bead loving fans flock to downtown Tampa to participate in the pirate themed Gasparilla Extravaganza.  The main event is the annual Pirate Parade which is named after Jose Gaspar, the last of the Buccaneers, who called himself “Gasparilla.”

Historical records are sketchy but some say Gaspar was born in 1756 in Spain where he served as a lieutenant in the Naval Academy before declaring a mutiny on board the Floridablanca.  He vowed to seek his own wealth as a pirate rather than continue to serve Spain.  His travels led him to an island in Charlotte Harbor, Florida which Gaspar named “Gasparilla Island.”  For decades, his crew sacked passing merchant ships and stole their cargo.  The crews of these ships were held for ransom on a nearby island which, according to legend, was later named Captiva for this reason.  One day, Gaspar refused to surrender after his ship was attacked.  Instead, he tied an anchor around his body and threw himself into the sea.

The legend of Jose Gaspar is alive, well and celebrated at many FREE Gasparilla events in Tampa, with the festivities that kicked off this week.  First, Gaspar leads his rowdy band of pirates on an invasion in the City of Tampa.  The Mayor is ceremoniously forced to surrender the city to these pirates so the festivities can officially begin.  Tampa residents throw elaborate private parties, fundraising brunches for the benefit of local children and family charities, and the most incredible parades!  There’s a Pirate Preschoolers Stroll, a Childrens Parade, an impressive Invasion by boat, the main Pirates Parade, and the slightly naughty Knight Parade in Ybor City.  Krewe members dress as pirates and throw beads from their intricately decorated floats at these parades.

Other Gasparilla themed events take place at area museums, galleries and performing arts halls.  New this year, the Tampa Bay History Center will present an exhibit on “Spies, Traitors and Saboteurs” in their temporary galleries.  Gaspar, A Pirate Fantasy, is an original full-length ballet which tells the tale of Jose Gaspar.  At the beginning March, the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts will be held downtown.

As the echoes of cannons and fireworks ring throughout downtown Tampa, children of all ages delight in the spectacle. Not only can they take home a booty of hard earned beads but also memories that will last a lifetime.

Looking for lodging, restaurants or other activities near Tampa?  Trekaroo has the scoop!

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About 10 years ago, I spent almost two hours on the phone on a Sunday morning calling the reservations hotline for Yosemite National Park, trying to score two campsites for our summer vacation.  After 2 or 3 rings, I would hear a pre-recorded message stating that all phone lines were busy, and asking would I please call back.  So I called back, hundreds of times, and about 2 hours later, I finally reached a live person.  Amazingly, there were two shaded campsites available next to each other with an amazing view of Half Dome and we enjoyed a great vacation.

Today, the process is not so tedious thanks to the wonders of the internet.  But the disappointments and the thrill of victory can hold the same keen excitement and can create an amazing sense of competition to score a campsite in the popular Yosemite Valley.  It’s not too early to start thinking about summer plans, and it’s important to get the information you need in order to make reservations for the more crowded National Parks.  Many of them have campsites that fill quickly with reservations on the first day they are opened.  Here’s the information you need in order to plan for your summer and get the reservations you desire.

 YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Photo by: flickr/iriskh

Staying in the campgrounds of the Yosemite Valley is absolutely amazing because of the wonderful 360-degree views of waterfalls, cliffs, pine trees, and Half Dome.  The Merced River flows nearby, offering spots for fishing, swimming, and rafting.  Because of its beauty and all the fun recreation to enjoy, millions of visitors come to the valley every year and the campsites fill up quickly.

In order to make summertime reservations for the valley campgrounds of Upper Pines, North Pines, and Lower Pines, please first note that they become available in blocks of one month at a time, 5 months in advance, on the 15^th of each month at 7am Pacific time.  Sound complicated already?  Here’s a chart to help you interpret all those facts:

From www.nps.gov/yose

Tips on scoring campsites in Yosemite Valley:

1. Visit www.recreation.gov and search for the campgrounds of Yosemite.  Research the sites and make a list of your favorites before the 15^th of the month.  For example, if you want to camp from July 24-27, you would start your research before March 15.  You can read reviews of all the best camping spots on Trekaroo to get the insider’s scoop.
2. Set your computer clock to the accurate time by visiting www.time.gov/
3. Load up www.recreation.gov and www.time.gov before 7am on the 15^th of the month, 5 months before the dates you want to reserve and be ready to click on the “reserve now” button at exactly 7am.  For example, if you want to camp from July 24-27, you would be ready on the morning of March 15.
4. Consider only spending 3 or so nights in the valley.  Trying to book 2-3 nights is not as difficult as 1 week.
5. Have “back up” options for campsites to choose if your first choice is not available.
6. Be patient and have a sense of humor.  You will most likely be able to book a campsite, but it may not be your first choice, or for the specific length of time you were hoping.

If your best attempts to garner a campsite in Yosemite Valley fail, there are several “first-come, first-served” campgrounds in the surrounding area that Trekaroo families have enjoyed such as White Wolf, Bridalveil Creek and Tuolumne Meadows.

Curious if Yosemite is worth all this hassle??  Check out what other Trekaroo users have to say about it.

 YELLOWSTONE

The great wilderness, deep canyons, roaring waterfalls, and unique geysers of Yellowstone make this one of the most visited National Parks.  Thanks to the variety of the terrain and twelve campgrounds, there are almost 2,000 spots to pitch a tent, which makes securing a site less competitive than Yosemite Valley.

Reservations can be made for the campsites of Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village, and Madison. Online reservations can be made at www.YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com or by calling 1-866-GEYSERLAND.

There are also several first-come, first-served campsites in Yellowstone, which Trekaroo families have enjoyed and have even been called a “Diamond in the Rough.”  Check out Tower Fall, Mammoth, and Lewis Lake.

Tips for camping in Yellowstone:

1. You can make campground reservations on May 1 of the previous year.  For example, reservations for summer 2012 can be made starting May 1, 2011.
2. Show up to the “first-come, first served” campsites early in the morning before checkout time (11am) to find an open spot.  Watch for campers that are packing up, and request to reserve their spots with the camp hosts.  Guroo akesiel has found that they often end up with the best spots!
3. Carry cash (with $1 bills or a checkbook).  Some of the campgrounds only have self-serve fee stations.
4. Guroo akesiel helpfully warns Trekaroo readers that Fishing Bridge RV Park “is not a campground.  This is definitely only an RV Park where units are lined up, very closely and hooked up to power and water.  There are also no site picnic tables or fire pits.”  It is for hard-side vehicles only and offers water, sewer and electrical hookups-50 amp service.

Geysers, Waterfalls and what??  Learn more about Yellowstone & the fun activities it offers.

 GRAND CANYON

Photo by: Flickr/jshyun

There are two campgrounds in Grand Canyon National Park that are reservable and are located on each rim.  The South Rim campground, Mather Campground, is located next to the Grand Canyon Village and can fill up quickly because of the well-visited South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  North Rim Campground is at a higher elevation and less crowded because it’s harder to get to the North Rim area of the Grand Canyon.  Campsites at North Rim can be reserved that are near the edge of the canyon and reservations for these popular ones go quickly.  However, I would imagine that most families would not want to camp so close to the edge when small children are with them.

 Tips for camping in the Grand Canyon

1. Reservations for Mather and North Rim Campgrounds can be made up to 6 months in advance.  Plan on making reservations online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 in January and February for summer camping because they fill up fast!
2. 26 miles east of Grand Canyon Village is Desert View Campground, which is a first-come, first-served campsite.  Located close to the rim, this campsite provides excellent views and access to trail heads.  Sites are usually full by early afternoon during the summer months so arrive early to find a spot.

Heading to the Grand Canyon?  Check out this list on family-friendly activities.

 ROCKY MOUNTAIN

Photo by: Flickr/J. Stephen Conn

My family and I have not been able to visit Rocky Mountain National Park.  But looking at pictures of campsites nestled in tall grass with a backdrop of sharp mountain peaks covered in snow elicits quite a pang of longing in my heart!  Reservations for summer camping in Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, and Aspenglen can be made up to six months in advance at www.recreation.gov or at 877-444-6777.  These campsites seem surrounded by rivers, hiking trails, and great views, and look like the perfect place to spend time as a family together.  Please note that Glacier Basin Campground will be closed the entire season of 2012 due to road construction on Bear Lake Road.  Other first-come, first-served campgrounds are Longs Peak and Timber Creek.

Tips for camping in Rocky Mountain National Park

1. Make reservations up to 6 months in advance for Moraine Park and Aspenglen at www.recreation.gov.
2. Arrive early in the day to find available spots at Longs Peak or Timber Creek.
3. Carry cash (with $1 bills or a checkbook).  Some of the campgrounds only have self-serve fee stations.
4. Be prepared for cooler weather in the high elevations of this park.  Bring plenty of warm blankets and clothes and dress in layers.

  ZION

Photo by: Flickr/PhotoInko

Camping at Zion National Park is very popular with summer guests.  The campgrounds are full every night, so if you want to camp here, reservations at Watchman Campground are recommended.  First-come, first-served sites are available at South Campground.  Both campgrounds are located within ½ mile of the entrance gate to Zion.  These campgrounds are located in desert conditions with few trees and lots of summer heat. There are a few riverside campsites next to the Virgin River, but as expected, they are claimed quickly and early.  My friend and her family were able to secure a riverside site by requesting it when making reservations. They do not guarantee them, but they did have one saved for them. She said, “It’s also nice and shady by the river! One note: you are on a bit of hillside near a river with a current, so you may not want to camp here with little ones. I felt like I needed to be on guard all the time.”

 Tips for camping in Zion

1. Make reservations up to 6 months in advance for Watchman Campground at www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777 for dates from March 3, 2012 through November 25, 2012.
2. Arrive early in the day to find available spots at South Campground.
3. Carry cash, including $1, or checks to pay at the self-registration centers at each campground.
4. Prepare for hot summer camping by bringing lots of fluids, “Easy-Up” type shade structures, and cooling activities for your kids such as spray water bottles, sponges and other fun things.
5. Plan on some of these fun things to do with kids in Zion during the hot summers:

• Inner-tube on the Virgin River (you can rent tubes).
• Hike in the park through lots of beautiful locations close to the shuttle stops or longer hikes into the canyon.
• Play in the river in the park where there are shallower spots and it is safer to play.
• Have your kids participate in the Junior Ranger program.
• Get ice cream at the snack shop in the park.
• Enjoy some cool time in the Visitor’s Center and gift shop.

Been to Zion?  Share your review with other Trekaroo users.

 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

Photo by: Flickr/rdwatson78

America’s “Most Visited National Park” is the Great Smoky Mountains.  Families come here to “car camp,” fish, and picnic while viewing wildlife, beauty, and history at every turn.  Campgrounds are scattered throughout the park on both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides.

Campsites at Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Elkmont, and Smokemont may be reserved online at www.recreation.gov or by phone at (877) 444-6777.  There are many other park campgrounds that are first-come, first-served.  There are group sites available at the previously mentioned campgrounds, plus Big Creek Campground and Deep Creek Campground.

 Tips for camping in the Great Smoky Mountains

1. Make reservations up to 6 months in advance for Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Elkmont, and Smokemont at www.recreation.gov.
2. Arrive early in the day to find available spots at other first-come, first-served campsites.
3. Carry cash, including $1, or checks to pay at the self-registration centers at each campground.

Heading to the Smokey Mountains?  Check out what other users have to say.

No matter where you pitch your tent this summer, make sure to gaze at the stars, roast marshmallows on the fire, and enjoy the beauty of nature with your family.  Campgrounds are where some of my family’s best memories have been formed.

Michelle McCoy (aka Mcfam) is Trekaroo’s Southern California Destination Guroo. She and her husband, Matt, have 3 boys and a girl ages 2 to 10.  They love traveling to National Parks and going camping, but when life with young kids keeps them home, they find their fun in traveling to the local beaches in Orange County and hiking in the wilderness areas nearby.

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