ML Interest Tag: horseback

10 Family Hikes to Get You Through Summer

by Allison Sutcliffe

Summer in the city is all about planning adventures with the kids. Whether you meet friends at the local spray deck, ferry over to the Harbor Islands or head to a nearby beach, making each day count is the way Boston families roll. When it comes to outside adventures it doesn’t get any better than finding a kid-friendly hike in the city. That’s why we’ve mapped out ten family-friendly hikes near Boston that give kids all the space they need to burn off energy and soak up the sunshine. Our guide includes everything from easy hikes for tots to hikes that challenge big kids (and maybe parents, too). Here’s where families can get out and explore before summer ends.

Elm Bank Reservation, Wellsley
Woodland wildlife meets gorgeous and colorful gardens at this green space where you'll find more than enough kid-friendly hikes to keep your little campers happy until school starts. While families can enjoy strolling along the banks of the Charles River for free. Or you can pay the entrance fee (or enjoy your membership) and take the kids to explore the Garden on the grounds. Find all the summer magic you need at Weezie's Garden or plan to play a bit after you're hike when you drop in on a family program.

More info: mass.gov

 

Hopkinton State Park, Hopkinton
One of the joys of going on a kid-friendly hike in summer is that your unplanned adventure can last all day as long as you've got the right provisions with you. Bring a picnic, bathing suits and beach towels along on this trip and you've got a full day of outdoor activity planned. Walk through wetlands along Duck Pond Trail and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife when you do. Or pick one of the many trails that skirt the swimming beach. Hike for a bit; swim for a bit; then sit down to lunch at a picnic bench.

More info: mass.gov

 

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield
Twelve miles of trails wind through this wildlife sanctuary that's got tons of outdoor elements kids love. Boardwalks through wetlands, small pools and intriguing boulders will help motivate them as you explore the property. You'll have more than enough kid-friendly hike options if you start at the Visitor's Center and go from there. But no matter what you do, don't miss a trip to the rockery—a grotto of narrow passages and caves that kids of all ages (and their parents) find totally fascinating. You'll find it at the end of the Rockery Trail.

Insider tip: A Free August Adventure is scheduled at the wildlife sanctuary on August 23.

More info: massaudubon.org

Related: 7 Blooming Good Hikes to Take This Spring

 

Walden Pond Reservation, Concord
While Thoreau treasured being alone at Walden Pond, families can treasure together time hiking its many easy trails that offer a different kind of solitude. Put the popular Pond Path on your list. The easy one-mile trek starts at the Thoreau House replica and follows the pond to the original home site. With a relatively level path, even tots can handle this one (although it never hurts to bring a stroller or carrier along). But if a StoryWalk is what you’ve got planned, Walden Pond has a good one. Kids can read Henry David Thoreau Bell Ringer for Justice page-by-page to add a little something to the experience.

More info: mass.gov

 

Breakheart Reservation, Saugus
Not too far from Walden Pond you'll find this reservation that offers miles of trails and city views from its many vistas. During the summers, families congregate around Pearce Lake at the swimming beach, a perfect place to cool off after making the climb up nearby Eagle Rock. It's the just-right spot to take an easy stroll around the lake, pack a picnic and spend time forest bathing this summer.

More info: mass.gov

 

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Natick
With nine miles of trails to explore, this wildlife sanctuary will keep your kids wandering and wondering all day long. When it comes to kid-friendly hikes, try the one-mile Charles River Trail. It’s a loop trail that’s vibrant with cardinal flower blooms in the summer. If you’ve got your stroller, the All Persons Trail will give you just over half a mile to hike and maybe even the chance to spy some turtles too.

Good to know: This park is only open Tuesday through Sunday, from dawn to dusk.

More info: massaudubon.org

Related: Boston's Top 10 Stroller Hikes to Get Your Family Moving

kids point to something interesting in the forest as they are out for a family friendly, kid friendly hike
iStock

Middlesex Fells Reservation, Stoneham
Although families can traverse around 100 miles in this reservation, there's so much more to this massive park that includes Stone Zoo in its borders. Mountain bikes are a great summer accessory here, and your furriest family members will enjoy some off-leash time at Sheepfold Meadow (leashed dogs are welcome on the trails). Make a day of it by packing a picnic, stopping by the playground and renting a canoe (ages 8 and up) at Spot Pond.

More info: mass.gov

 

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, Sutton
Purgatory Chasm is a unique natural landmark offering exciting adventure along short trails perfect for little legs. Follow trails to rock formations like The Corn Crib, The Coffin and Lovers’ Leap. When you're done check out the great family programming that runs through the end of August. We're big fans of Monday's Kidleidoscope program aimed at preschoolers. It's a chance to them to hike, craft and sit down for storytime all in one program.

Insider tip: Mark your calendars for August 27. Let's just say it'll be batty.

More info: mass.gov

Related: Boston's 10 Best Hikes (for When You Need to Get Outside)

family hiking with baby and child in stroller - camping with baby
iStock

Borderland State Park, Easton
Borderland State Park features a historic mansion open that's for tours (hint: the kid-friendly tours run Sunday and Monday from 3-3:30 p.m. and required registration). This park also features trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding, and families can fish and boat on the pond. If you want to make a day of it, check out the facilities for tennis and disc golf after you've explored the trails. Borderlands features over 20 miles of hiking trails ranging from moderate to difficult and many of them are stroller friendly.

More info: mass.gov

 

Rocky Narrows, Sherborn
By foot or canoe, enjoy incomparable views of the Charles River at its most serene as it slowly winds between granite walls. Or amble among pine groves and past wetlands along seven miles of trails and footpaths. A two-mile hike follows the river’s edge south before reaching successive overlooks, and it's perfect for families. Rocky Narrows Overlook takes some effort to reach, but you’ll be rewarded with views of steep, hemlock-covered cliffs that form a narrow river passage—the landmark that gives the reservation its name.

More info: thetrustees.org

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Saddle Up! Where to Ride Horses in Atlanta

by Tinybeans Team

Put a little hitch in your giddyup and try something new with your buckaroos—horseback riding. Whether you’re into trails and terrain or guides and guarantees, the Atlanta horseback riding scene has a bit of everything. Keep reading for our round-up of the best places to saddle up, below.

Georgia Frontiers

Unsplash

Fantastic horseback riding close to Atlanta exists at Georgia Frontiers, where you'll enjoy western-style horseback riding in a safe, natural environment. Good for first-timers and experienced cowboys and cowgirls alike, Georgia Frontiers will make sure you get the instruction you need to relax in the saddle, lead you along beautiful horse trails, and can even customize a ride for your group or family.

When to Go: Georgia Frontiers is open daily, but operates on reservations only in order to provide the most personalized ride possible.

Cost: A 1-hr. trail ride will run you $50, and increases in price according to ride time.

Minimum Age: 9

545 Ruff White Road
Canton, Georgia 30114
678-234-8852
Online: georgiahorsebackriding.org

 

Serenbe Trail Riding

Alexander Dummer via Pexels

Experience the rolling hills and winding paths of Serenbe on horseback. Whether you are an accomplished equestrian or have little experience with horses, Serenbe Trailriding has an adventure to offer you and your family, and skilled staff and gentle horses that makes it a destination for the experienced and novice rider, alike.

When to Go: Available Tues.-Sun. by appointment. Make reservations online or call 770-463-2610.

Price: Starting at $85 for a 1-hr. standard trail ride.

Minimum Age: 12

10950 Hutcheson Ferry Rd.
Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
770-463-2610
Online: serenbetrailriding.com

Gold City Corral

Selena Lopes via Pexels

Whether you're a beginner looking for a 1 or 2-hour ride or more advanced and ready for a half-day ride, the guides at Gold City Corral can meet you where you are and help you gain the next comfort and skill level of horseback riding. With trails, mountain ridges, and fields, your ride with Gold City Corral in the North Georgia mountains will be as picturesque as it is fun.

When to Go: Daily through Oct. 1, then on a more limited schedule during winter months.

Price: Starting at $40 for a 1-hr. standard trail ride, they also offer family pricing (for four riders) at $130 per hour long ride. 

Minimum Age: 8

49 Forrest Hill Road
Dahlonega , GA 30533
706-867-9395
Online: goldcitycorral.com

Serenbe Trail Riding

Bruno Thethe via Pexels

A one-hour guided trail ride at Rolling Hills Horse Ranch will lead you beside flowing waters, through shaded woods, and across green pastures. With groups of 4 or fewer, you'll enjoy a relaxing and peaceful experience.

When to Go: Trail riding is available by appointment only from Mon.-Sat., with the last ride of the day during summer occurring around 8 p.m.

Price: Starting at $65 for a 1-hr. standard trail ride.

Minimum Age: 13, but younger riders—when guided by a trained staff member of Rolling Hills Horse Ranch—may also ride.

Southwest Atlanta
Address provided upon reservation of ride time.
678-421-4591
Online: rollinghillshorseranch.com

Roosevelt Stables

Krysty74 from Pixabay

You'll find 28 miles of horse trail riding near FDR State Park, with plenty of guided trail rides to choose from.

When to Go: Tues.-Sun. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Price: Starting at $40; varies by trail choice

Minimum Age: 6

1063 Group Camp Rd
Pine Mountain, GA 31822
706-628-7463
Online: serenbetrailriding.com

Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides

engin akyurt via Unsplash

Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Rides at Hells Hollow offers trail rides from beginner to expert, pony rides, pony-go-round, riding lessons, sunset & custom rides, special packages, birthday parties, pony parties, pond fishing and gem mining.

When to Go: Available 7 days a week by appointment. Make reservations online or call 706-408-7433.

Price: Starting at $35 for a 1-hr. standard trail ride.

Minimum Age: 8

319 Hells Hollow Rd.
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-408-7433
Online: blueridgemountaintrailrides.com

Featured image by Alexander Dummer from Pexels.

—Shelley Massey

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How to Help Make a Family Vacation Fun for Everyone

By Sienna Penfold

Do you envy those families who come back from their trips with hundreds of amazing photos and wonderful memories while your family trips end in tears, scrapes, and siblings not talking to each other? Well, here’s how you can plan your family trip that will guarantee zero tears and broken relationships.  

1. Plan with the youngest family member in mind. When planning your day, keep your youngest kid in mind. Know that your little ones can’t walk all day and they won’t suddenly develop different needs and wishes just because you’re not home. Keep your schedule simple and have the patience for plenty of breaks. If you need to have a play stop at every local park in order to prevent meltdowns, do so! 

2. Choose one big activity/destination per day. A city bus tour, natural history museum, horseback riding, no matter what you choose, make sure to keep your schedule very simple and opt for only one main activity per day. Older kids are willing to spend the entire day walking and exploring, but kids will not be ready to cooperate. With only one task for the day, you will feel amazing after you accomplish it and will have a lot of time for relaxation. 

3. Don’t go anywhere without snacks. Kids can be unbearable when hungry, so don’t risk anything when going on adventures. Almost any problem can be solved with tasty snacks and treats, so stock up on Tupperware and pack your backpacks well. The fuel will always put a smile back on your kids’ faces. 

4. Hit restaurants during off-hours. When the place is mostly empty, it will be so much easier to seat your big group and get the best service. When you’re done eating and ready to hit the road, let one adult take the kids outside while the other one stays to pay. These few minutes, while you’re waiting for the bill, is when most issues come up, so make sure to skip the scene and get your kids outside. 

5. Don’t over plan. Tired kids, tired parents and a tight schedule do not mix together. It’s best to have a loose plan than a family that’s too busy to have any fun on their trip! Sometimes plans and schedules don’t work, so go with the flow and enjoy your time anyway. 

By following these tricks, you’ll see that traveling with your kids can be a happy adventure for everyone.

 

My name is Sienna, and I am a full-time mum and proud owner of two beautiful dogs, Coco and Hulk. I am passionate about my pets and writing too, and found a way to help others by sharing my experience and writing about topics that are found useful. 

 

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Experience the Wild West in Cheyenne

by Annette Benedetti

Every kid wants to know what the Wild West was really like. You can let yours experience it for themselves on your next family vacation. Cheyenne is filled with opportunities to transport your crew back in time to the days when cowboys and girls frolicked on the wide-open frontier. From feeding bison, to horseback adventures and gunslinger shows, a trip to Cheyenne is guaranteed to ignite your young buckaroos’ imaginations and have them shouting, “Yee Haw!”, all the way home. Read on for our guide to Wyoming’s capital city Y’all.

STAY

Finding the perfect outpost for your Cheyenne adventures is key to and epic western experience. There is no better place for your posse than Little America. This resort features a golf course, pool and cozy suites that make you feel at home.

Set down your lasso and pick up your putter for a round of nine holes on Little America’s executive golf course. Surrounded by 80-acres of landscaped terrain, you get your game on while taking in the local wildlife. When you are done, head to the clubhouse and take a break.

While you’ll surely want to explore Cheyenne’s food scene, Little America has several restaurant options on site. Hathaway’s Restaurant is considered one of Cheyenne’s premier restaurants and serves up a popular lunch buffet, dinner and Sunday Brunch with an elegant approach to classic western comfort foods. Parents can relax in Hathaway’s lounge and enjoy an evening cocktail. For a quick bite and coffee, Carol’s Cafe serves up pastries and 75 cent ice cream cones.

When you aren’t golfing, swimming or dining, you can relax in your beautifully appointed suite. The rooms at Little America are known for being extremely spacious and extra comfortable. There’s more than enough room for the whole family to get comfortable. Located on a campus-like setting, your family isn’t likely to experience cabin fever, even during an extended stay.

PLAY

Cowboy & Cowgirl Up!
The first thing you need to do when you hit Cheyenne is head to the iconic The Wrangler store. It’s been around since 1982 selling ranch and western wear. Here you’ll not only find clothing you’ll love, but you can pick your own cowboy or cowgirl hat from their skylit hat room with its nearly 500 hats! Once you know which one you want, you can have it shaped and fit to your head. Now you are truly ready for adventure.

Go to the Ranch
There are so many adventures to be had in Cheyenne, it’s challenging to know where to start. We suggest kicking off your frontier adventure with a trip to Terry Bison Ranch. The Ranch offers families a variety of unforgettable adventures. We suggest hopping on their train for a Bison Train Tour that takes you around the ranch. Your trip includes a chance to see ostriches, camels, and horses. The highlight is a chance to hand-feed bison! It’s likely the closest you’ll ever get to these amazing beasts.

When you are done with the tour, go for a a horseback or pony ride. Or, hop on an ATV for a motorized adventure. The ranch also has a fishing post and a shop with memorabilia that you can purchase. Then grab a bite at the Tombstone cafe.

Outdoor Adventures.
There are so many places to explore in Cheyenne. Scenic hikes are abundant. Nearby, Gowdy State Park has miles and miles of beautiful trail and three reservoirs that are perfect for fishing and boating. The Vedauwoo Recreation Area  is home to trails that wander through towering rock formations that draw climbers and campers from around the nation. So strap on your hiking boots or grab your mountain bikes and get ready for incredible outdoor adventures.

While you are exploring the outdoors, don’t forget to checkout some of the area’s coolest sites, like the Lincoln Highway Monument (a giant head of Lincoln) which marks what was once the highest point of the Lincoln Highway. And did you know that there is a pyramid in Wyoming? Only a short distance away, you can see the Ames Brothers Pyramid which stands on a treeless plateau as a reminder of the Ames Brothers’ sordid tale as both a Union Pacific’s president and a corrupt congressman. It’s an exciting story and awesome site.

Catch a Show
From gunslingers to melodramas, there’s no shortage of family-friendly entertainment. But we suggest getting your first dose of fun on the local Trolley Tour where you can learn all about the history of Cheyenne. The wild west tours are sure to hold even your youngest family members’ attention. With guides who know how to tell a tale they way they did sitting around a campfire after a long day on the frontier.

It wouldn’t be the Wild West without a gunslinger shoot out! And you can see one every day in downtown Cheyenne. Your hole family will be on the edge of their seats as they watch the small battles go down, but the best part of the whole event is the very serious lesson on gun safety they outlaws and lawmen give prior to each show. They speak specifically to the kiddos in the audience.

For a whole lot of family fun, head to the Historic Atlas Theater where you can catch a variety of shows year-round. From melodramas to classics like Beauty & the Beast. There’s something to see year-round.

EAT
Get ready to fill your bellies with some serious western fare while you’re in Cheyenne because the eatin’s good! Ok, so not all of the food is western focused, but all of the eateries are amazing. We suggest starting your day at the beloved Tortilla Factory with a filling breakfast burrito made with hand-made tortillas. When lunch rolls around, you want to head over to the Bunkhouse where you can feast on swinging sirloins (RMO), sandwiches, 1855 burgers! The menu items are traditional and taste like home-cookin.

For an upscale meal, you’ll want to heat to the Metropolitan where you can order from menu items like Ahi Sashimi, the Met Filet, and a stuffed portabella mushroom burger. Another incredible dinner options is the Rib & Chop House where you can dine on fried green tomatoes, grilled oysters, and your kids will love the chicken and pasta dishes. If you find you need a little break from traditional menu items, head to Napoli’s Italian restaurant where you will find lots of pasta dishes and home-made bread! You will not be disappointed!

The wild west was a time of great adventure on the wide-open frontier. There’s no better way to teach your young’uns about the history of America, and what it was really like as our great country was coming to be what it is today, than by taking them to where the old lifestyle and it’s traditions are being preserved and remembered daily. A vacation to Cheyenne is sure to leave its impression on your whole family, while giving you a family adventure of a lifetime.

—Annette Benedetti

Special thanks to Visit Cheyenne for assistance with accommodations and entertainment. All opinions here expressed are the writer’s own. 

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This New Trail Will Let You Bike Across America (Yes, Really!)

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Does your family wish those weekend bicycle rides would never end? Soon you’ll be able to bike or hike across the United States on a 3,700 mile multiuse trail!

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has just unveiled the full trail map for The Great American Rail Trail which will cross 12 states and the District of Columbia from coast to coast. The Great American is the nation’s first cross-country multiuse trail built from existing rail trails. The route is now more than 52 percent complete and hosted by 130 existing trails.

photo: Courtesy of Rails-To Trails Conservancy

The trail starts on Washington, D.C.’s Capital Crescent Trail and ends up 35 miles outside of Seattle. Along the way riders will pass through Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Parks, Nebraska’s Cowboy Trail and the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes through Idaho’s panhandle, among others. In addition to Washington D.C. the 12 states along the route include Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Washington state.

What makes the Great American unique, besides crossing the entire country, is that rail-trails are multipurpose—or multiuse—public trails created from former railroad corridors. The paths are flat or gently sloping, making them easily accessible and a great way to enjoy the outdoors for explorers of all ages and abilities. Rail-trails are ideal for many types of activities, including walking, bicycling, wheelchair use, inline skating, cross-country skiing and horseback riding.

photo: Courtesy of Rails-To Trails Conservancy

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy spent the past several years working with state agencies to find the best routes and connect the trails. While it will likely be decades before it is fully completed, each year more sections of the Great American will become active as it will be continuously developed. You can learn more about the initiative and pledge your support at greatamericanrailtrail.org.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Rawpixel via Pexels

 

 

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Martha Stewart Wants to Make Your Cruise Better & Here’s How

by Erica Loop

Martha Stewart can pretty much make anything better—whether it’s turning a plain piece of paper into fab party decor or whipping up holiday dessert perfection. Now Stewart is tackling the ocean adventure, and if you’re considering a cruise, here’s what you need to know.

The crafting and culinary genius has launched a partnership with MSC Cruises, a luxe cruise line voted one of the best by Travel + Leisure. If you’ve been considering a cruise in the near future, you’ll want to keep reading.

Stewart’s MSC partnership includes a variety of curated activities and excursions, including cooking classes (obviously), hikes, lessons from local fishermen, craft market day trips, horseback riding (in the ocean!) and so much more. For a full list of Martha Stewart & MSC Cruises Excursions, visit MSC’s website here.

Along with her curated excursions, Stewart is also partnering with the cruise line for special “celebration surprises.” Starting in June 2019 you can surprise your fave family member, friend or other loved one onboard one of MSC’s cruises with a personalized letter from Stewart, a special dessert and a recipe card. The $10 to $30 cruise add-on is available for birthdays, honeymoons and anniversaries. For $89 you can also get wine specially selected by Stewart, a free photo taken by MSC’s photographer, a photo frame and a canvas beach tote.

Foodies can also take advantage of Stewart’s celebration dinners with MSC. These three-course holiday meals are available for Easter, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s. Happy cruising!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Martha Stewart via Instagram

 

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This Is the Most Family-Friendly Hotel in the World & BRB, Going to Costa Rica

by Erica Loop

Before booking your next globe-trotting vacay, we’ve got a place for you to stay. Hideaway Report’s best family-friendly hotel in the world is the Hacienda AltaGracia, in Costa Rica. You have to check out this place, because wow.

Tucked in the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains, this hotel has plenty to do for both parents and kiddos. Horseback rising is a prime activity at this little piece of paradise. But that’s not all. Along with a rad riding adventure, you can try out jungle hiking or, for the more extreme families, an ultralight plane ride!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqkiCJTAlnH/

Not only you keep the kids busy on-site, but the hotel staff can help you to find additional activities nearby to the resort. If you’re all about the adrenaline rush, try a whitewater rafting trip or go zip-lining. Families looking for something more chill can visit a local farm or a traditional, indigenous village.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoJzbPXny3q/

When it comes to the accommodations, this pick is filled with awesome places to stay. The two-bedroom casitas and suites include two queen beds and come with a setup that’s perfect for families.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrGE931gIhL/

Wait that’s not all! As if the Hacienda AltaGracia isn’t filled with enough family fabulousness, it gets better. When you need a little grownup-time, the resort has separate adults-only pools. Yep, go ahead and get your swim on, bask in the soothing sun or float the afternoon away without the fear that a precious preschooler will canonball straight into you!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Courtesy of Hacienda AltaGracia

 

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Saddle Up for These 11 Cowboy (& Cowgirl) Destinations

by Amber Guetebier

If you’ve got a crew with spurs that jingle jangle jingle, then you’re in the market for a cowboy vacation. From open prairie to luxury ranches, we’ve found 11 places worth hopping along to. Click through the gallery to find your next home on the range.

Ely, Nv

For living cowboy history, Nevada still takes center stage. The Ely and White Pine area in Nevada is original Pony Express Territory, along US Hwy 50. Every summer the old express route is ridden between St. Joseph, MO to Sacramento and Ely is along the way. This is ranching country, too so there’s no shortage of cattle and sheep as far as the eye can see. Spend a day horseback riding in Great Basin National Park and then rest your weary bones at Hidden Canyon Retreat. You can explore nearby wagon train trails, historic log cabins, caves, warm springs, abundant wildlife including wild mustang viewing and more. But the real gem of Ely is the Northern Nevada Railway Museum, which offers different themed train rides designed to take riders back to that Wild West experience. There's a Pony Express mail experience and even a staged robbery! It's open year round and worth the trip alone. 

Online: visitely.com

 

photo: Visit Ely Nevada 

 

What’s your favorite cowboy destination? Tell us in a comment below so we can add it to our list! 

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5 Awesome Pacific Northwest Road Trips

by Annette Benedetti

If you want a family vacation that guarantees rugged landscapes, outdoor adventures and memories that will last a lifetime, then it’s time to take your clan on a road trip across the Pacific Northwest. There are an endless number of routes, destinations and famous sites to see—we picked our five favorites to help get the planning started. Click through for details on where to go, stay and play on your getaway.

The Idaho You Didn’t Know—Boise to Sun Valley to Coeur d’Alene, Id.—595 Miles

The Route

Boise to Sun Valley: From Boise take I-84 E, US-20 E and ID-75 N 155 mi. to Sun Valley.

Sun Valley to Coeur d'Alene: Take ID-75 N/N for 60.1 mi. Continue on ID-21 S for 91.3 mi. Then take ID-55 N/State Hwy 55 N and US-95 N to Coeur d'Alene.

The Starting Line

If you have time to kill in Boise, check out the Boise Art Museum or get a day hike in Boise National Forest.

Sun Valley

Do
When the summer months hit, Sun Valley can get pretty hot. Stay cool at the Rain Maker Splash Park. This family-friendly splash park is home to water features that spray—your kiddos can play for hours without overheating. It's situated among the trees, so you can relax in the shade and stay cool too.

Explore the area on horseback starting at Sun Valley Stables where you will feed and pet your transportation before going on a 1 or 1.5 hour guided tour.

Stay
Sleep under the stars! Camping in Sun Valley is affordable and even free in some areas. Boundary Campground has nine sites located on Trail Creek about two miles northeast of Sun Valley Village. If your tribe prefers to sleep indoors, book a stay at one of Sun Valley Lodge's cottages, condos or historic lodges.

Eat
Enjoy classic American fare at Perry's. This family owned eatery has a breakfast, lunch, and kid's menu, and serves up hearty specials like biscuits and gravy, French dip and mac 'n' cheese. If you are looking for something casual, Wise Guy Pizza Pie is the place to go. This place makes salads, sandwiches, and pies with ingredients like bacon, meatballs, bbq chicken and feta. Don't feel like any of the above? Get the bbq chicken wings for a meatier meal.

Coeur d'Alene

Do
Coeur d'Alene is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. If your family likes to bike, hike, ski or swim, then you won't have a problem filling your time in this Idaho town. Silver Mountain Resort is open year-round with slopes for skiing and snowboarding in the winter and a bike and water park for swimming and biking during the summer. If you still have time to fill, check out the golf range or take a gondola ride.

If your clan wants a taste of the old west, head to Rider Ranch where you can explore Idaho by horseback, go on wagon and hay rides, or enjoy a family barn night.

Stay
At the end of this long trek, you are bound to want to end your days in a relaxing setting. Check into the Coeur d'Alene Resort where you can enjoy a room overlooking a lake, swim in an infinity pool or play golf on the world's only floating green. Triple Play Resort is another fantastic option. The suites are located close to Silverwood Theme Park, and they are attached to Triple Play Family Fun Park and Raptor Reef Indoor Waterpark. With this option, you may have a hard time getting the kids to leave!

Eat
Both Triple Play and The Coeur d'Alene Resort have on-site family dining options. If you feel like hitting the town to mix it up, Cedars Floating Restaurant is a great option. This dining establishment floats at the confluence of Lake Coeur d'Alene and Spokane River and provides some of the best seafood meals available in the area. For dinner with a view, it's hard to beat this option.

photo: Stones 55 via flickr

What is your favorite PNW family road trip? Share it with us in the comments below.

—Annette Benedetti

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