Full of history and outdoor adventures, Casper, WY, should definitely be on your list for your next family vacation. We spent a long weekend there checking out all the amazing museums, learning about the area’s history and trying our luck at fly fishing. Here’s what you need to add to your must-do list when you visit Casper.

1. Visit the Tate Geological Museum.

Casper College is home to this awesome (and free!) museum that the whole family will enjoy. Little paleontologists will be amazed from the minute they walk in and spot Dee the Mammoth. Discovered nearby in 2006, Dee is part of the museum's Pleistocene Exhibit where kids can learn the difference between mammoths, mastodons and elephants. Little visitors will especially love visiting the Dino Den where they can explore touchable fossil casts, do fossil rubbings and play with dinosaur toys. 

Tate Geological Museum
Online: caspercollege.edu

2. Book a guided fly-fishing trip.

Give yourself a view of the gorgeous Wyoming landscape from a boat on the North Platte River when you book a day with Crazy Rainbow Fly Fishing as your guide. Half-day and full-day trips are available where even beginners can experience the fun sport of fly fishing.

On our recent visit, our guide John started the day by giving us an overview of the basics of fly fishing before we set off down the river to try our luck. He knew all of the best spots for catching rainbow trout and provided instruction along the way that led to catching four fish under less-than-ideal circumstances (snowmelt made the river cloudy). We saw Bald Eagles and other wildlife along the way and stopped for an included lunch. This was definitely a trip highlight and an experience we'd recommend to Casper visitors.

Crazy Rainbow Fly Fishing
Online: crazyrainbow.net

3. Head downtown for some shopping and dining.

You'll love the quaint feel of downtown Casper and all the small shops like Donnells Candies and Mustard Seed where you can find unique gifts and treats to bring home with you. Wyo Shirt & Gift is your go-to stop for all the beanies and Wyoming hoodies that your crew is looking for. 

If you are downtown for mealtime, head to the Branding Iron for fried green tomatoes, wings and burgers (there's over a dozen to choose from). We recommend the Yellowstone burger—a bison burger that's topped with Cajun aioli and pepperjack cheese for a spicy kick. It goes particularly well with a rootbeer float. 

 

4. Explore history at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center.

You'll love your visit to this free museum from the moment you arrive as its vantage point provides an expansive view of Casper and the mountains that surround the city. This museum's exhibits bring you information about the Oregon, California, Mormon and Pony Express Trails that brought over 400,000 pioneers west from 1841-1868. Kids will especially love the interactive exhibit where they can test their strength at pulling a covered wagon to see how they'd fare as pioneers (we wouldn't have made it, that's for sure!). Special kids programs are offered on Saturday mornings and they have tons of free enrichment activities, especially in the summer months. 

National Historic Trails Interpretive Center
Online: nhtcf.org

5. Take a drive to Fremont Canyon.

Do yourself a favor and put Fremont Canyon on your must-see list while you are in Casper. A little less than an hour's drive from Casper, you'll be amazed by the gorgeous sandstone and limestone formations in this area of Wyoming. Bring a picnic to enjoy along the shores of Alcova Reservoir and bring your mountain bikes to enjoy the landscape on two wheels. 

6. Visit Independence Rock.

While you're on the road, continue past the town of Alcova a little while and you'll come to Independence Rock State Historic Site. This monument tells more of the area's history with thousands of names of hopeful pioneers carved into the rock. You can follow the trails around the large rock to look for names yourself. The oldest recorded inscription (now weathered away) was carved into the ancient landmark in 1824 by M. K. Hugh. What's the oldest inscription you can find? 

7. Stay awhile.

There's plenty to explore in Casper, WY no matter when you visit. Make sure you head up Casper Mountain to the lookout to take in a view of the city from above during your stay. There are hiking trails nearby that are perfect for all levels. 

The Hampton Inn & Suites is your ideal home base in Casper as it's just a short drive from the airport and downtown. An expansive breakfast is included with your stay (hello, waffle bar!) and the kids will love spending their evenings in the hotel's indoor pool. Right up the road from the hotel is another great dining option for families, Ludovico Farm to Flame. Serving loads of kid favorites like pizza and pasta, the restaurant is located in the Gruner Brothers Brewery. 

For more information on what to do and see while you are in Casper, head to the Visit Casper website

—story and images by Kate Loweth

Editor’s Note: This trip was paid for by Visit Casper but all opinions belong to the writer. 

RELATED STORIES

Insider’s Guide to the Best Family Trips for Every Age & Stage

20+ Places to Take Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

18 Trips in the USA That Will Make Your Kids Smarter

The Country’s 20 Best Science Museums for Kids

I love babies. Seriously, I’m what you might call a “baby person.” I love nothing more than the feel of a newborn on my chest, their tiny body cozy in footed pajamas. I always knew I would be a mom and I always knew I wanted a bunch of kids. What I didn’t realize is that a time would come when that desire would completely end. Don’t get me wrong—I’m still the first to volunteer to hold someone’s baby. I’ll rock him to sleep, change her diaper, sing “Open Shut Them” a thousand times. But I have no desire to have that in my own house. And here’s why.

1. My Kids Can Wash Their Own Hair 

Yes, bathtime is adorable. Rubber Ducks, bubbles, Barbies. But after 11 years of bathing children, I nearly threw a party the first time my daughter insisted on taking a shower and washing her own hair. The fact that all three of them can be sent upstairs—(after arguing that they really don’t need to take a shower because they took one three days ago) to bathe and get ready for bed while I finish my second glass of wine (oops!) and stalk Mormon families on Instagram—has seriously changed my life.

2. We Can Leave Our Kids Home Alone

There was a time when schlepping one kid to soccer meant dragging all three. Or running out to the grocery store for milk meant strapping everyone into their booster seats. Having a twelve-year-old in the house is like having an au pair—only better because I don’t have a stranger living in my house. Running errands or sneaking out to an adults-only happy hour hasn’t been this easy since pre-kid life. And they love that they get to hang out with the dog and watch TV and play Fortnite on the Xbox. Everybody wins!

3. The Kids Can Leave Us Home Alone

The flip side is that our kids can now venture off without us. One of the benefits to living in town is that they can walk to the local candy store– even though, ironically, the owners don’t like when kids walk in. Or they can ride their bikes with their friends to the playground. They feel independent and free, despite the fact that they’re only a few blocks away. And we can send them to pick up dinner or something from the CVS. Again, everybody wins!

4. Traveling Is So Much Easier

We were never the family who stayed home because we had kids. Our oldest was on a plane at 10 weeks. Our kids are phenomenal travelers, which is good because I have a serious problem where I’m either on a trip, planning a trip or researching destinations to travel to before I’m 50. But there was a time when the things we had to bring actually outnumbered us. Suitcases, carry-on backpacks, strollers, car seats. Insane. The first time we went to Disney without a stroller, my husband and I practically skipped down Main Street.

This summer we have three vacations where we are only flying with carry-ons. No checked luggage. All five of us. I’m almost more excited about that than the actual trips. When we share a hotel room, my husband and I used to sit in the bathroom with our wine and magazines until the kids would fall asleep. Now we say goodnight to them and head down to the hotel bar. A date night on a family vacation? Yes, please.

5. I Have Rediscovered My Marriage

My husband and I have an amazing marriage. Through the sleepless nights of newbornhood, the absurd tantrums of toddlerhood, the stress of homework and school projects and the beginnings of hormonal adolescence, we’re a good team. But that doesn’t mean that we haven’t had times when that “spark” wasn’t there or weeks where we felt like we barely had the chance to have a conversation. But over the past year (and after turning 40), I’ve felt a shift. Our kids’ independence has allowed us to reconnect.

We find ourselves talking about an interesting story we read while the kids are out riding their bikes. Or we’ll take the dog out for a walk while they’re home watching a movie. This shift isn’t one I thought we necessarily needed, but at the same time, it’s one I’m grateful for. It’s nice to remember that you really like that guy across the room who is scraping burnt eggs off a pan.

So while I get teary-eyed when I watch an old home movie, or when a Facebook memory pops up and reminds me of how delicious my kids were when they were tiny, I’m ready for this next phase. I like that my kids are actual people who have their own interests and things going on. I like that we can discuss current events as a family and that my husband and I feel like a couple again. As for the smell of a newborn, or those ridiculous baby clothes I sometimes find myself looking through at Nordstrom Rack? That’s what grandkids are for… eventually!

I'm Missy, a mother of three and a middle school drama teacher at a private school. I'm obsessed with my Vizsla (dog), traveling, and the musical Hamilton. I also enjoy writing and sharing fun parenting stories, which is what brought me here.

Nothing warms a cold night like the sparkle and glow of a holiday light display. Get out the hats and gloves and prepare to bundle the babies for an illuminating night of Christmas wonder. Take in the largest light maze in the world or stroll through the free display at the National Zoo. Read on for the best places to be LED-dazzled in the DMV.

photo: Dani Burnett via Immortal Beloved Photo

Enchant
Billed as the largest light maze in the world (the. world!), this holiday spectacular boasts over 90,000 square feet of sparkling lights. Get lost in a labyrinth of holiday cheer while you search for Eddie the Elf and his sidekick, Sparky! While you’re there, take a moment to snap a pic with Old St. Nick at Santa’s Landing, cross off your holiday shopping to-do list at Christmas Market and don’t forget to take a spin on the Ice Skating Trail.

Cost: $14.99-$33.99; kids 3 & under are free.
Date: Daily from 4:30-10:30 p.m. now through Dec. 29
Where: Nationals Park, 1500 S. Capitol St SE
Online: enchantchristmas.com/dc

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run
Take a stroll through a tunnel of rainbow lights, walk under sparkling arches and around illuminated trees and—if you catch a chill—be sure to pop in a heated igloo. After you walk through the 20′ tree, be sure to test out your skating skills at the near-by rink.

Cost: $5
Dates: Daily 5-10 p.m. now through Jan. 5
Where: 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA
Online: novaparks.com

 

photo: William Folsom via NovaParks

Winter Walk of Lights
This Vienna garden becomes a twinkling wonderland at dusk when a half-mile walk becomes illuminated with animated lights. After you’ve toured the property, be sure to roast marshmallows by the fire. Timed tickets are required for entry.

Cost: $8-14.50
Date: Daily from 5:30-9:15 p.m. now through Jan. 5 (including holidays)
Where: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA
Online: eventbrite.com/e/meadowlarks-winter-walk-of-lights

photo: Brookside Gardens/Montgomery Parks 

Garden of Lights at Brookside Garden
While there are plenty of places to see lights for free, the dazzling display of over one million bulbs makes the entry fee at Brookside totally worth it in our book (you pay per vehicle, so bring the minivan and pack ‘em in!). In keeping with the botanical theme, Brookside offers a colorful parade of animals, flowers and more. After you’ve enjoyed strolling from garden to garden, be sure to check out the model train display inside the Conservatory.

Insider tip: on weekends the wait time can exceed an hour, so try to go during a weekday.

Cost: $25 per car ($30 on Fri.-Sat)
Date: Daily from 5:30-9 p.m. through Dec. 31 (closed Nov. 25-28 and Dec. 24-25)
Where: 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD
Online: montgomeryparks.org

photo: Smithsonian’s National Zoo

ZooLights at the National Zoo
For eco-friendly festivities, head to the National Zoo where more than 500,000 LED lights are on display along side a new exhibit of glowing lanterns depicting everyone’s favorite zoo animals. Each evening, guests can also visit the Small Mammal House and the Reptile Discovery Center.

Cost: Free
Date: Daily from 5-9 p.m. now through Jan. 1 (closed December 24, 25 & 31)
Where: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
Online: nationalzoo.si.edu/events/zoolights

Lights on the Bay
Grab your footed pajamas and a thermos of hot chocolate; this light display is a drive-thru attraction that features over two miles of lights along the Chesapeake Bay. Lights on the Bay boasts over 70 animated and stationery exhibits. For an additional fee, guests can purchase 3-D glasses for a truly unique experience.

Cost: $20 per car
Date: Daily from 5-10 p.m. now through Jan. 1
Where: Sandy Point State Park, 1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD
Online: lightsonthebay.org

 

photo: LaDonna G. via Yelp

Festival of Lights at the DC Mormon Temple
Over 650,000 lights illuminate the grounds of the temple, making this one of the largest light displays in the DC area. Guests can also view internationally-inspired Christmas trees and nativity scenes. Nightly performances require a free event ticket, which are handed out on a first-come basis starting 60 minutes prior to performances.

Cost: Free
Date: Daily 10 a.m.to 9 p.m.now through Jan. 1
9900 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensignton, MD
Online: churchofjesuschrist.org

photo: Georgetown Glow DC 

Georgetown Glow DC
You won’t find illuminated snowflakes or walk-thru Christmas trees at this light art exhibit. For one month, bright lights and neon colors brighten up the streets of historic Georgetown with a curated outdoor installation that is sure to dazzle and delight. If you’re looking for some Santa-free time that still has some seasonal sparkle, be sure to take a stroll down M St.

Cost: Free
Date: Dec. 6 through Jan. 5
Where: Throughout the commercial district of Georgetown
Online: georgetownglowdc.com/map

Baltimore’s 34th Street 
Fondly referred to as the Miracle on 34th Street, the residents of the 700 block (between Chestnut Avenue and Keswick Road) of 34th Street in Hamden have been decorating their homes since 1947 (the same year the movie by the same name was released). Decoration themes this year include: compassion, unity, love and kindness.

Cost: Free
Date: Daily from 5:45 now through Dec. 31
720 West 34th Street (Baltimore, MD)
Online: christmasstreet.com

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

RELATED STORIES:

The Ultimate DC Guide to Christmas Tree and Menorah Lightings

March On! 9 Holiday Parades Worth Braving the Cold For

Timber! 12 Farms to Chop-Your-Own Christmas Tree

 

 

The turkey is roasting, the fire is crackling, and you’re trying to get your family into the holiday spirit. Whether they’re super psyched like the Griswolds or grumpy like the Grinch, we’ve got your must-check out events (that just so happen to be free, too) that will help take that holiday spirit to a whole new level.

Photo credit: Reston Town Center via Facebook

#1 Reston Town Center Holiday Parade
Families from across Northern Virginia (and beyond) gather to kick off the Christmas Season with a fun parade and Christmas Tree lighting. And, word on the street is that Santa himself is supposed to show up!

When: Nov. 28, 11 am
Reston Town Center (Reston, Va)
Online: restontowncenter.com

#2 National Christmas Tree Lighting and the Pageant of Peace
Little ones who just can’t wait another moment for Christmas, might be pacified at the National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse. Combined with the Pageant of Peace, families can watch the First Family light the “Nation’s Christmas Tree,” which features ornaments sent from all 50 states, territories and the District of Columbia, while local choirs belt out familiar holiday tunes.

When: Dec. 4, 5 pm
The Ellipse between 17th and 15th Sts., NW
Online: thenationaltree.org

#3 Middleburg Hunt Christmas Parade
Animal lovers will adore the Middleburg Hunt Christmas Parade. The famous Middleburg Hunt Review will ride down Main Street with red coated horseback riders and their hounds to kick off the winter season with holiday revelry. Draught horses are available for hayrides later in the day, while Mom is off shopping at the craft fair.

When: Dec. 6,  8 am–6 pm
Main St. (Middleburg, Va)
Online: christmasinmiddleburg.org

#4 Zoo Lights at the National Zoo
Lit up by more than half a million LED lights, the National Zoo becomes a winter wonderland for the animals and their guests. Live music, yummy treats, a choo choo train, ice sculptures, and a brand new light show will wow the kids and tucker them out for bedtime!

When: Nov. 28–Jan. 5, 5 pm-9 pm
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW (Woodley Park)
Online: nationalzoo.si.edu

Photo credit: United States Botanic Garden via Facebook

#5 Season’s Greetings at the U.S. Botanic Gardens
Privateers and buccaneers should set sail for the Botanic Garden’s annual Christmas display that will feature 33 lighthouses that explore the world’s oceans—with plants. Grab your spyglass and keep watch for the pirate ship or walk the plank to check out the model trains winding their way through a snowy village.

When: Nov. 27-Jan. 5
100 Maryland Ave., SW (National Mall)
Online: usbg.gov

#6 Santa Fly In
Wannabe pilots can watch Santa fly into the College Park Aviation Museum to do arts and crafts, take pictures, and of course, listen to little one’s Christmas wish lists.

When: Dec. 6, 12 pm-4 pm
1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr. (College Park, Md)
Online: collegeparkaviationmuseum.com

#7 Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long
Drag your kids away from The Voice and take them to a real sing-along. The United States Marine Band will lead carolers (that’s YOU) in various renditions of Christmas and Hanukkah songs leading up to the last song of the night—Silent Night—where participants are invited to light candles during the last verse.

When: Dec. 7, 4 pm
Filene Center
1645 Trap Rd. (Vienna, Va)
Online: wolftrap.org

#8 National Hanukkah Menorah
Celebrate Hanukkah by watching as the first candle is lit on the National Menorah to start the weeklong festival of lights. Little ones can munch on donuts and latkes as they listen to the US Air Force Band.

When: Dec. 16,  6 pm
The Ellipse
Between 17th and 15th Sts., NW
Online: nationalmenorah.org

Photo credit: Campagna Center via Facebook

#9 Scottish Christmas Walk
If your little ones are gaga for “Brave,” then be sure to check out Old Town’s Scottish Christmas Walk where hundreds of clansmen march through Old Town to celebrate their heritage and welcome the holiday season. Little ones can see re-enactment groups, pipe and drum bands, Scottish dancers, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

When: Dec. 6, 11 am
St. Asaph and Wolfe Sts. (Alexandria, Va)
Online: campagnacenter.org

#10 Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Mini sailing buffs will love seeing all the boats decked out for Christmas as they light up the night along the Potomac. More than 50 boats, including Alexandria’s fireboat, the Vigilant, and D.C.’s fireboat, the John Glenn (it spurts water 70 feet into the air!) will join the procession to celebrate the winter season.

When: Dec. 6, 5:30 pm
Alexandria Marina, behind the Torpedo Factory (Alexandria, Va)
Online: visitalexandriava.org

#11 13th Annual DAR Christmas Open House
Celebrate the Christmas season by taking the kids for a history lesson so fun they won’t even know they’re learning! The Daughters of the American Revolution open Memorial Continental Hall—a Registered Historic Landmark—so that holiday revelers can tour rooms adorned in period décor, enjoy Christmas music, and discuss wish lists with the man in red while Mom and Dad get a jump on some holiday shopping.

When: Dec. 10, 5:30 pm-8 pm
DAR Memorial Continental Hall
17th and D Sts., NW (Farragut)
Online: dar.org

Photo credit: North Beach Maryland via Facebook

#12 Christmas on the Beach
Families who are already wishing for warm summer beach vacations, should head over to North Beach’s Christmas on the Beach parade featuring Santa, a parade and enough holiday cheer to make kids pretend they’re wearing a swimsuit (instead of a parka).

When: Dec. 6, 12 pm
8916 Chesapeake Ave. (North Beach, Md)
Online: ci.north-beach.md.us

#13 Festival of Lights at the Mormon Temple
Frequent riders of the Capital Beltway get a chance to hop off, and take the family to visit the Mormon Temple (the beautiful white building with gold spires on the north side) and its annual Festival of Lights. The temple is lit with more than 600,000 lights and features concerts, an outdoor nativity, crèche exhibits from across the world and themed Christmas trees.

When: Dec. 4 through the New Year, 10 am-10 pm
9900 Stoneybrook Dr. (Kensington, Md)
Online: dctemplelights.lds.org

#14 Breakfast with Santa
Little ones looking to sit on Santa’s lap and tug at his beard should visit Del Ray United Methodist Church’s annual Breakfast with Santa. Families can enjoy French toast, eggs, and coffee while the little ones giddly await the man himself. Kids have their picture taken with Santa after breakfast, and get the chance to see one of Santa’s elves! Tip: The event is free, but canned goods for donation to Rising Hope Food Bank are appreciated.

When: Dec. 6, 9 am
100 E. Windsor Ave. (Alexandria, Va)
Online: delrayumc.org

Photo credit: Bethesda Urban Partnership via Facebook

#15 Bethesda’s Winter Wonderland
If your little ones have ever wondered what it takes to carve ice sculptures then be sure to stop by the Bethesda Winter Wonderland celebration to take in the live ice sculpting presentations. Kiddos can listen to Christmas carols and get a visit from Santa after the masterpieces are finalized.

When: Dec. 6, 12 pm
Veterans Park
Woodmont and Norfolk Aves. (Bethesda, Md)
Online: bethesda.org

#16 Kids Euro Festival
Jetsetting parents, or those wishing to relive their study abroad days, can pretend they’re traveling for the holidays by taking the kiddos to this festival. Celebrating more than 27 countries, there will be over 200 free performances for little ones scattered throughout the city. Everything from Spanish mime theater to Bulgarian puppets and The Italian Fairy to Slovakia’s version of Cow Story.

When: through Nov. 9
202-862-9500
Online: kidseurofestival.org

#17 Holley TrolleyFest
Train crazy kids will go bananas for the National Capital Trolley Museum’s annual Holly TrolleyFest where they can ride the rails with Santa Claus, and check out a trolley themed holiday village.

When: Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, 12:30 pm-4:30 pm
1313 Bonifant Rd. (Colesville, Md)
Online: dctrolley.org

#18 Water Skiing Santa
You’ve never seen Santa like this before—his sled turns into water skis as he glides across the Potomac and heads straight for the National Harbor. Little ones may also catch sight of a knee boarding reindeer, flying elves, a jet skiing Grinch and a Snowman in a boat!

When: Dec. 24, 1 pm
Woodrow Wilson Bridge (National Harbor, Md)
Online: waterskiingsanta.com

What’s on your holiday to-do list? Tell us in the Comments section below. Bonus points if it’s something free!

—Hilary Riedemann