31 Family Resorts with Jaw-Dropping Water Features

by Kate LowethJanuary 31, 2024

Just casually mention “water park” and your otherwise glacially paced kids are dressed in their swimsuits, primped, and ready to race out the door. So why not channel their enthusiasm into a family vacation destination? From giant slides with trap doors to steamy outdoor hot springs, there’s something for every water lover at one of these amazing family resorts with water parks in the U.S. and beyond. Fair warning: you may not be able to get the kids to leave.

West Coast Family Resorts with Epic Water Parks

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells | Indian Wells, CA

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The waterpark at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa offers guests a 450-ft. lazy river, dueling waterslides, and seven expansive swimming pools. The four-star resort, set against the backdrop of palm trees and scenic mountain views, now features outdoor fun, under 300 days of sunshine for all the family at the waterpark including HyTides Plunge Waterpark, Desert Twist Lazy River, and a family splash area with interactive water features and a smaller slide for young children.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch | Scottsdale, AZ

Guests can enjoy the many recreational amenities this desert oasis has to offer including a 2.5-acre water extravaganza complete with 10 pools including a sand beach, 30-foot 3-story high-speed waterslide, poolside cabanas, and H2Oasis. If that is not enough, guests can play a game of water volleyball or basketball or relax in the Grecian-style water temple—a jetted tub that accommodates 25 people—surrounded by four plunge pools.

Terranea Resort | Rancho Palos Verde, CA

There's so much to love about this gorgeous property on the Palos Verdes Penninsula and one of our favorite amenities at Terranea Resort is the heated pool. And not just a smidge over the outside air temperature. Legit, heated to 80-degree pool (and handy glass-wall windbreakers). But that’s not all. There is a 140-foot waterslide at the pool and a splash pad for little ones. And hot tubs. And cabanas you can rent! And lawn games like ping pong, Connect Four, and foosball! The list goes on and on.

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa | Rancho Mirage, CA

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This Palm Springs resort is known for its world-class spa, but with 240 acres to wander, you’ll soon find the grounds feature a whole lot more. There are three pools including Splashtopia—a two-acre water playground that includes a lazy river, two giant water slides, a cliff-side Jacuzzi, a sandy beach, and a splash pad full of fountains and sprinklers. The resort also features a 27-hole golf course and five different restaurants so you really don’t need to leave.

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa | Phoenix, AZ

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Your kids will probably spend most of the day trying to duck, dodge and ride the waves at the Oasis Water Park’s wave pool, but we think the eight-story-tall tower water slides are more your speed. Or would lounging side by side down the rolling Zuni River be your trip? Either way, families will find plenty of ways to get and stay wet in the sunshine at the Arizona Grand.

Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort | Phoenix, AZ

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Take refuge from the desert heat at the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. The hotel offers seven sparkling pools, including a reimagined Paradise Pool with the new 65-foot triple “The Twist” water slide and fun children’s splash pad, as well as 15 luxury, air-conditioned private cabanas. The resort offers daily family yoga, lawn games, live music, and more.

Suncadia Resort | Cle Elum, WA

The secret is out for Pacific Northwest families' favorite resort: Suncadia. Their indoor pool boasts two, two-story-high water slides so rain or shine, the fun is on! The outdoor pool’s backdrop is hard to beat: mountain views and poolside activities including arts and crafts and snacks from the resort’s own food truck. For water play of a different kind, rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to try out on the on-site alpine lake. It’s perfect for kids and newbies thanks to the calm waters. Click here to read our family guide to all they offer.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort | Glenwood, CO

For something a little different, check into the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. Located between Aspen and Vail, Colorado, people have been flocking to this hot spot since 1888 to soak in the fifteen mineral springs and take in the view of the surrounding mountains. Home to the World’s Largest Hot Springs Pool, you’ll find the pool open year-round and into the night so you can soak under the stars. There’s also a kiddie pool and two waterslides, a poolside grill, a renowned spa, and comfy rooms, although day passes are an option if you just want to head into the pool.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa | Maui, HI

Guests staying at Hyatt Regency Maui can embrace the stunning location and enjoy the resort’s six free-form pool areas with waterfalls, all surrounded by lush tropical plants at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. The resort’s water oasis includes a 150' lava tube waterslide, a whirlpool, a rope bridge, and an interactive children’s pool.

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Midwest Resorts with Jaw-Dropping Water Features

Kalahari Resorts | Multiple U.S. Locations

Whether you live in the Midwest or traveling there is on your summer adventure list, staying at a Kalahari Resort (in the Wisconsin Dells; Sandusky, Ohio, or Pocono Mountains) makes it worth the trip! Each resort is African Safari-themed, and in addition to eye-popping water features like Crocodile Cove’s water walk or the trap door that leads riders down the Extreme Rush water slide, there’s too much additional fun to be had. We’re talking escape rooms, virtual reality experiences, and traditional kid-tastic sports like bowling and mini golf. So whether your crew wants to don their swim gear and find adventure poolside or towel off and thunder through the resort, they’ll stay busy all week long.

Wilderness Resort | Wisconsin Dells, WI

With four indoor and just as many outdoor water parks, you need a whole week to pack it all in at the Wilderness Resort. The only question is where to start. If adventure is what the kids are looking for, try Klondike Kavern where thrill slides like the Hurricane and Mine Shaft Drop will get their adrenaline pumping. For baby beach bums and their parents, the country’s largest indoor wave pool, Wild WaterDome, is the place to plant your beach towel. And everyone in the fam will find ways to get wet at Cubby’s Cove and the Wild West water parks that combine sports, rides and typical splash pad fun for the whole fam.

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Southern Resorts with Jaw-Dropping Water Features

The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton | The Woodlands, TX

The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton water park — The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Woodland Resort keeps guests and locals alike cool during summer’s heat with its Forest Oasis Waterpark & Lazy River. The year-round destination features a family-friendly activity pool, a 30-foot tower with waterfalls and a racing waterslide, a lazy river, a lagoon-style pool, a zero-entry kids’ pool with sprayground, and three whirlpools.

Gaylord Opryland Resort Nashville, TN

An exciting water experience awaits at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Music City. SoundWaves offers four acres of combined indoor and outdoor attractions and activities, so you can go from inside to outside and back again all day long. In addition to 11 water slides for all ages, indoor surfing, and an activity pool with rock climbing and basketball, there are rapid and lazy rivers depending on your mood. There's live music from country, pop, and classic rock artists too. Every. Single. Day.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort | New Braunfels, TX

Situated in the heart of Texas, Schlitterbahn’s New Braunfels location (the original!) sits on the banks of the Comal River and has over 51 attractions on 70 acres that include the original section’s famous black tubes (powered by the Comal’s current), as well as the Boogie Bahn and Sky Coaster, thrill rides guests can find in the Blastenhoff and Surfenburg sections. But you don’t have to be a daredevil to have fun here. The pace is just right for pint-sized pool goers too when you hit Kinderhaven, with its soft play structures and gentle waves or Han’s Hideout that turn your neighborhood spray park into a five-story funhouse experience.

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa | San Antonio, TX

If everything’s bigger in Texas, this resort is no exception, and we promise you won’t mind that one bit. Not only will you find a 36-hole golf course and an adults-only infinity pool, but you can also go wild with the kiddos at the on-site nine-acre water park that includes an 1100-foot long lazy river, water slides, a 650-foot rapid river ride, a children’s pool with toddler-sized slides, fountains, and splashy fun, a beach-entry swimming pool which includes a sandy spot to build sandcastles and play. When you’re tired out from playing all day, fill up on some Texas BBQ and make s’mores at the fire pit before passing out in your deluxe room and then waking up to do it all over again.

Grande Cayman Resort | Myrtle Beach, SC

The oceanfront Grande Cayman Resort located on the north end of Myrtle Beach was totally renovated in 2020. Because of its location, it has a much less crowded and wider beach than most hotels on the Grand Strand, yet still just a short drive away from the iconic attractions. Squeals of laughter can be heard from the Silly Sub Water Park, as buckets randomly splash water onto tiny heads, a serpent hisses an endless spray to the enchantment of the young ones, and they can twist and turn down the three-story water slide. Climbing in and out of the submarine will provide hours of amusement for the children, as parents can choose to bask in the sun or recline from the shade while watching kids play.

Orlando World Center Marriott

Voted one of the "World's Coolest Hotel Pools" by Forbes, you may have a hard time peeling yourself away from it long enough to enjoy the 575-foot lazy river, private cabanas and daybeds, and all the other poolside fun the Orlando World Center Marriott has to offer. The kid-friendly resort features a dedicated Kids' Splash Zone with fun aquatic pieces and a slide sized just for them. If there are any thrill seekers in your family (adults and kids who are at least 48” tall barefoot), you can enjoy 6 unique waterslides that range from "That was fun!" to "OH MY!"

TradeWinds Island Resorts | St. Pete, FL

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You want something beachy, but they never want to get out of the pool. TradeWinds Island Resorts, located on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico side, is calling your name. The property is 25 acres, with two resorts connected by the fine white sand of St. Pete Beach. Not only do you get pools with sweet features like Dive-In Movie Nights and a smaller pool just for smaller kids, but you’ll also have a chance to take on the High Tide Slide: a three-story inflatable waterslide. There’s an entire floating water park, too, with floating trampolines and climbing structures, a jungle gym, splash mats, runways, balance beams, and even floating cabanas for the parents to chill while the kids are all thrill. And if you happen to tire of this, you’ll find paddle boarding, diving, kayaking, pirate play, and more.

Grande Lakes Orlando | FL

Grande Lakes Orlando, the 500-acre luxury resort in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, is a luxury oasis fit for families and guests of all ages. At the doorstep of some of Orlando’s most famed attractions and enveloped by lush greenery, the resort is anchored by two luxury hotels, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.

Fresh off the heels of a multimillion-dollar renovation, JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes unveiled its new Grande Lakes Waterpark. The redesigned aquatic experience features a variety of private, full-service cabanas, a transformed outdoor space with six distinct zones that include a signature lazy river, and Headwaters Slide Tower with three waterslides. With immersive outdoor activities available across the 500-acre resort including 11 onsite lakes and unique experiences such as falconry, mountain biking, and fishing, Executive Family Suites that offer spacious two- or three-bedroom accommodations and tailored in-room amenities for families,

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Northeast Resorts with Jaw-Dropping Water Features

The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark | Monticello, New York

An easy drive from several major cities in the Northeast and minutes from the ski slopes, this indoor water park offers non-stop fun come rain, shine, or snow. The water park is covered by a transparent roof for year-round tanning, and the temperature stays at a balmy 84 degrees, so it feels more like the Caribbean than the Catskills. After you've zoomed down the Krakken or Nor'Easter, sit back, relax, and enjoy a ride along the lazy river. There's also a FlowRider surf simulator, toddler-friendly pools, several hot tubs, and a spa. If your crew has got any energy left, there are plenty of other exciting entertainment options at the Kartrite Resort including an arcade, bowling alley, and ropes course.

Camelback Lodge and Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark | Tannersville, PA

There’s a reason why Camelback Resort made our list of best water parks in America—it’s built for families who love to play! Because its two water parks, plus a whole lot more, will guarantee your kids go to bed worn out every day you stay. With 52 water slides, 12 pools, and two flow riders, they can enjoy water play all day long indoors (or out when the sun is shining). Then if they need a break from the water, simply book time on the zip lines, aerial obstacle course, or pottery painting studio. So if you want to add skiing, snowboarding, and tubing to your water-drenched adventures, think winter vaycay spot.

Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico | Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is one of the most accessible destinations for travelers from the U.S. right now with the convenience of travel without a passport. Famed against the backdrop of the nation’s only tropical rainforest, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is THE dreamy destination to stay in Puerto Rico with all-suite, bungalow-style accommodations ideal for larger families, which include private plunge pools, outdoor showers, an outdoor dining area and direct access to the beach. The property is home to Puerto Rico’s largest lagoon-style pool offering plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family.

Great Wolf Lodge | Multiple U.S. Locations

From wild rides like the Howlin’ Tornado and the epic Coyote Cannon water slide to toddler splash zones and lazy rivers, the Great Wolf Lodge offers something for everyone at their indoor water park. With over a dozen locations throughout the country including Boston, Atlanta, Kansas City, Wisconsin Dells, Colorado Springs, and Anaheim, the chances are there’s one driving distance from you. The resorts offer themed rooms like Wolf Dens and Kid’s Cabin Suites featuring a log-cabin-like sleep area just for your half-pints and upgraded deluxe rooms with fireplaces.

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International Resorts with Epic Water Parks

Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun

Royalton Splash is a resort with a great water park — Royalton Resorts

With 14 water slides, a splash park, two lazy rivers, and what seems like an endless infinity pool, this new resort in the Riviera Maya is a dream for kids. Take a drop off the stories-high slides, float the river that wanders through the resort, or hang by one of two infinity pools that seem to meet the ocean's edge.

There's other fun to be had in Game Up, the indoor play area with laser tag, trampolines, bowling, and more. Kids will also love the nightly entertainment in the auditorium located in the heart of the resort, as well as the wood-fired pizza, the gelato shop, the made-to-order quesadillas, and other snacks perfect for little palates.

Nickelodeon Hotel and Resorts Punta Cana | Dominican Republic

If you're looking for an all-inclusive resort that will wow even the most hard-to-please youngsters, Nickelodeon Hotel and Resorts Punta Cana is a dream come true. Along with swim-up suites and luxe villas inspired by Bikini Bottom, Spongebob's pineapple-shaped home, plus a rather gorgeous infinity pool, it has its very own water park, Aqua Nick offering all-out fun for all ages. Here you'll find winding slides, splash pads, and a lazy river. Add to this mass slimings, carnivals, a kids' club, and being able to hang out with Dora the Explorer or Paw Patrol, and your crew will think they're in heaven. When you feel like ditching them for some adult-only time at the spa or maybe the bar, there's a huge kids' club with an impressive activity program.

Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, Curacao

Aquatic fun at Mangrove Beach feels almost endless with four pools, an on-property Aqua Park with six waterslides, and a splash playground. Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton also offers loads of opportunities to get out in the ocean from Scuba diving to snorkeling.

Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino | Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Costa Bavaro resort is a family resort with a water park — Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino

With seven freshwater pools to choose from, you're definitely going to want to plan for lots of water play time at Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino. Situated along the award-winning white sand Bávaro Beach, the five-star all-inclusive resort offers families a luxurious vacation stay. In addition to a kids' pool with mini slides and sprayers, you can head to the property's onsite Splash Island waterpark, which touts multiple waterslides for kids and adults alike.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino | Palm Beach, Aruba

Located in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, Aruba may not have the name recognition the area’s more popular islands do, but there’s a reason it boasts the most return visitors of any Caribbean destination. Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino is the perfect getaway for a family of all ages with amenities including a spectacular outdoor three-level pool complex with an exciting 8,000-square-foot recreational escape with a swim-up bar and grill, waterslide, waterfalls, pool volleyball, and private cabanas.

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas | St. Thomas, USVI

Embark on an idyllic retreat to the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas at this jewel among hotels in the US Virgin Islands, where you will discover endless views over Great Bay, and a variety of water features like a remodeled infinity pool positioned to look as if it is flowing directly into the ocean, a new pool with a water slide for families and fun splash pad area, a luxury catamaran for sunset cruises, snorkeling tours and private events, and a Seaside Spa Cabana for those parents seeking outdoor pampering.

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar | Nassau, The Bahamas

This 1,000-acre family-friendly oceanfront oasis, featuring 1,800 spacious rooms and 40+ international dining options, also has a wide range of water-centric amenities for families, including seven elaborate pools tailored to every interest—from waterfalls and cliff jumps to a little poolside rain—to snorkeling with marine life at the on-site Beach Sanctuary. You'll love the family-friendly luxury waterpark, Baha Bay, situated on 15 acres along the beachfront and offering families unlimited complimentary access to enjoy 24 water slides, interactive rides, and a variety of al fresco culinary experiences.

Atlantis Paradise Island | Nassau, Bahamas

Be prepared to be blown away at Aquaventure, a 141-acre water park at the Atlantis Bahamas that takes awesomeness to a new level. Twenty million gallons of water, extreme water slides, a mile-long river ride with swirling rapids, 11 swimming pools including three kids' pools, a kids' water-play fort and 20 swimming areas are just some of the incredible attractions that will provide non-stop fun for all ages. If that's not enough excitement, you'll find the largest open-air marine habitat in the world and there's also close encounters with dolphins, sea lions and even sharks. When you want some "me time", sign the kids into the kids' club and head to the spa for some pampering.

Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha | Qatar

The Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha features an on-site water park, Wadi Lusail, that offers water fountains, an adventure trail, and water slides. Kids will especially enjoy stopping by the Aloha Surf Club to ride the waves and boogie board. The property has the only private beach in Lusail offering water sports like jet skis, wake boarding, and banana boat rides.

—additional reporting by Janine Clements, Allison Sutcliffe & Amber Guetebier

Best Bay Area Swimming Holes for a Refreshing Summer Dip

by Sarah McDonaldJuly 26, 2023

It’s the perfect outing for a hot day

Cooling off in a natural swimming hole or creek on a hot day is a classic summer experience, bringing joy to adults and kids alike. Next time the forecast is set for scorching, head to one of these nearby swimming holes as a fun alternative to your local pool, splash pad or the beach. Whether you love a swim after a hike or you’re looking for a toddler-friendly beach without sharks (yikes!) read on for all the best swimming holes in the Bay Area.

Best Natural Swimming Holes in Santa Cruz/South Bay/Peninsula

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Junction Park: The swimming hole at Junction Park is perfect for families. Steps lead down to the sandy beach, where young children can splash safely in the shallow San Lorenzo River water. Older kids and adults can venture into the middle of the river, where the water gets deeper, and even jump from the smooth granite boulders lining the banks.

The beach is located near a grassy area, perfect for picnics and grilling. There are also public bathrooms within the park. You should be able to find free parking in the residential streets around the park.

13264 Middleton Ave.
Boulder Creek

Highlands County Park: Ben Lomond’s Highland County Park has trails, tennis courts, a skate park, picnic spots and a play area, which already makes it a great sunny-day family destination. Add in a beautiful waterfall and you’ve got a recipe for a truly memorable summer adventure in the mountains.

The water in this stretch of the San Lorenzo River is shallow, so it’s not suited for swimming, but creates a perfect splash pad for small children. If you didn’t bring a picnic, head to Ben Lomond for lunch at the Tyrolean Inn for delicious German food, or Spanky’s for classic American diner fare.

8500 Highway 9
Ben Lomond

The Garden of Eden: Take a short hike into the trees, along the train tracks and down to the river for some real forest bathing. The Garden of Eden is an apt name for this unspoiled natural gem, deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Although not the most family-friendly swimming hole—there’s a mile-long hike to get to this spot and it’s popular with 20-somethings who ignore the no alcohol sign—adventurous kids will love discovering this secret forest playground.

Find the swimming hole along at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park on Highway 9, about four miles outside Santa Cruz on the way to Felton. Look for the Ox parking lot, or park on the road (watch out for speeding cars), then grab your gear and go through the green gate. Walk down the fire road, making a right when you get to the train tracks. The trail down to the river is marked with signs banning alcohol and campfires.

CA-9
Felton

Memorial Park: Deep in the mountains, yet not far from the cities of Silicon Valley, Memorial Park is a wonderful spot to get away from it all. Pescadero Creek runs through the heart of Memorial Park, winding past campsites and an outdoor amphitheater.

Although the dam that created a popular swimming hole has been removed (it was preventing endangered coho salmon from making their way to the ocean), this area is a nice spot to paddle. In fact, the dam removal means you can spot the silver-colored fish as you splash around. The old swimming spot can be found by taking the Tan Oak trail from the campground. Look out for the steps that lead down to a gravel and sand beach.

Pescadero, the tiny beach town on Highway 1, is only 20 minutes away. Grab some tasty artichoke garlic bread at Arcangeli’s Market before heading home.

9500 Pescadero Creek Rd.
Loma Mar

Best Natural Swimming Holes in the East Bay

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Lake Temescal: Originally created as a reservoir for drinking water, Lake Temescal in Oakland’s Temescal Regional Recreation Area is open to swimmers spring through fall. Lifeguards are on duty during popular times. This beautiful lake, surrounded by lush greenery, is ideal for families looking to cool off on a hot day.

There is a grassy picnic area next to the lake, bathrooms, changing rooms, plenty of parking and two playgrounds to keep the kids entertained. The lake is stocked with trout and catfish, making it the perfect spot to learn how to fish.

North Entrance: 6500 Broadway Oakland, CA
South Entrance: 6502 Broadway Terrace Oakland, CA
Online: Lake Temescal

Cull Canyon: Cull Canyon is another man-made swimming hole, created from a reservoir and chlorinated to keep the water clean. The sandy-bottomed lagoon is popular with families, especially on sunny weekends, so pre-register to ensure entry—people are turned away after capacity limits are reached.

Kids who find the water too cold will enjoy building sandcastles on the white-sand beach, while older kids will have a blast jumping off the floating dock into the deeper water. Lifeguards are on duty to ensure everyone stays safe, and non-swimmers remain in the shallow areas. There’s a $4 entry fee for adults 16 and over, while kids pay just $2 each. There’s tons of free parking, but bring a wagon if you’re bringing lots of gear, as it is a bit of a walk from the lot.

18627 Cull Canyon Rd.
Castro Valley, CA
Online: Cull Canyon

Lake Anza: Back open for 2023! Lake Anza is a natural, spring-fed lake located in Tilden Regional Park. In the summer, the sandy beach and freshwater swimming area are popular with families across the East Bay. There is a lifeguard on duty, plus you’ll find bathrooms, changing rooms, picnic areas, and plenty of parking.

This lake is a real urban oasis and although the beach can get crowded in the summer, you’ll be surrounded by forest, maintaining the wilderness vibe.

Lake Anza Road off of Central Park Dr.
Berkeley, CA
Online: Lake Anza

Best Natural Swimming Holes in the North Bay

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The Inkwells: Go for a natural swim in the poetically named The Inkwells, a series of deep, inky-black pools. Although unmarked, they’re simple to find. Park on Sir Francis Drake Blvd., close to Shafter Bridge, or in the parking lot at Leo T. Cronin Fish Viewing Area, and hike down the small dirt path to Lagunitas Creek where you’ll see the swimming holes.

The creek is fed with fresh water from nearby Lake Kent and is a popular spot on a sunny day for a refreshing swim in the chilly waters. There are three pools, some deep enough for jumping. The Inkwells are best suited to older kids and teens, due to the steep path down and the deep water.

Lagunitas, CA

Bass Lake: If your kids are avid hikers and like the idea of a mid-hike swim, take the beautiful Coast Trail to Bass Lake in Point Reyes. This gorgeous lake can only be reached by hiking 2.5 miles along a trail, which winds through shady forest and past stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The reward at the end is a blue lake with an inviting rope swing.

Like The Inkwells, this hidden gem is amazing but better for older kids who can handle a five-mile hike and swim confidently in cold, open water. If your family is up for an even longer hike, continue along the Coast Trail to the stunning Alamere Falls, a waterfall that cascades directly into the ocean.

Palomarin Trailhead
Bolinas, CA

Good to Know: When swimming in lakes or creeks, remember many do not have lifeguards and the water could have hidden dangers, so keep a close eye on the kids. Also, some of these spots are deep in the forest where mosquitos like to hang out, so bring bug spray. I also highly recommend bringing water shoes to keep little feet happy when scrambling over rocks.

11 Cozy Winter Cabins near Boston for Your Next Getaway

by Allison SutcliffeNovember 28, 2022

Plan a quick weekend getaway at one of these cabins near Boston that maximize winter fun

If winter break has you planning your next weekend getaway with the kids, we’re right there with you. That’s why we rounded up a bunch of our favorite family-friendly winter cabin rentals near Boston that are perfect for your next family vacation. From ski cabins in the mountains to remote cabins where families can get away from it all, these nearby cabins have everything you need to escape the hustle and bustle of Boston.

a kitchen is filled with morning light in a cabin near boston you can rent — airbnb.com

1. Classic Mid-Coast Farmhouse—Friendship, ME

This family farm has been completely restored with high-end amenities but still retains its classic character. Only 3 hours from Boston, it's a short walk to the water in Friendship, Maine with large, bright, airy rooms, 5 bedrooms, 2 living areas, 2 fully stocked kitchens and a designated workspace (with high-speed internet) on 11 beautiful acres.

Sleeps: 9
Cost: $316/night
Online: airbnb.com

A cabin with a red door and a snow shovel popped against it with snow on the ground — Airbnb

2. Peaceful Cottage on Acreage—Hinesburg, VT

Plan an unplugged winter getaway at this cozy cabin that's perfect for a family of three or four. Just minutes from Burlington's skiing and snowshoeing spots, this 700-square-foot abode has all you need to chill this winter (including a charger for your EV). Hot plates, a toaster, and microwave allow you to cook quick meals in between all your outdoor adventuring. And best of all, if your dog is well behaved, your furry friend is welcome to join you here.

Insider Tip: Beds can be brought in if you need to sleep more than two; they even have a pack-n-play for babies and toddlers.

Sleeps: 2-4
Cost: $125/night
Online: airbnb.com

3. Cozy Catskills Cabin—Poenicia, NY

Rustic charm and modern amenities are what you'll find at this recently renovated 1920s fishing cabin in the Catskills. It's the just-right distance from Boston for families who want to really getaway from it all. The nearby ski mountains offer lots of afternoon activity, and the firepit outside beckons after a long day of schussing on the slopes.

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $185/night
Online: airbnb.com

4. Berkshires Suite—Lanesborough, MA

Settle in to the very private, wooded six acres at this downstairs suite, affectionally called "Sheeps Heaven View." Explore the area and enjoy the winter activities you'll find all around. Then return to the suite to enjoy card games, board games or a family movie night. Please note, there isn't a full kitchen here (a great excuse to eat out!) and all your dishes will be washed (and returned) by the host. The perfect perk for parents.

Sleeps: 6
Cost: $150/night
Online: airbnb.com

5. Lake Winnie A-Frame—Gilford, NH

This recently updated A-frame chalet is just minutes from Gunstock Mountain. And it's got winter (and summer) sports in mind. A place to store your skis is part of the A-frame design, as is a secret play nook, right off the living room that'll have your kids squealing with delight. The hot tub on the deck is for use year-round and a great spot to enjoy the cold night air once your kids are asleep.

Sleeps: 7
Cost: $225/night
Online: airbnb.com

6. Luxury Chalet—Bartlett, NH

This peaceful cabin combines a fantastic location with amenities that appeal to families, and it's all in the heart of New Hampshire ski country. Located just 15 minutes from Wildcat Mountain, it's a great spot for families looking for a ski vacation. Also nearby is Jackson Falls, a wonder any time of year. Plan to grill out, snuggle up to screen a few flicks or break out board games to play as a family during your stay.

Sleeps: 8
Cost: $242/night
Online: airbnb.com

7. The Dogtown Cabin at Applecart Farm—Rockport, MA

Applecart Farm is one of the most private residential properties in Rockport. The property is surrounded by close to 2,500 acres of protected woodlands and miles of trails, but is only a 5-minute walk to the train station and 10-minute walk to downtown Rockport. Kids will love visiting with the friendly miniature horses that live on the property and exploring the area around them. Bring your cross country skis or snowshoes to make the most of this wintry wonderland.

Sleeps: 5
Cost: $194/night
Online: airbnb.com

8. The Little Lake Cabin—New Fairfield, CT

Settle in at this New Fairfield, Connecticut cabin across from Candlewood Lake and a two-minute drive from Squantz Pond State Park. This little house has stylish touches all around, as well as a fire pit and an inflatable hot tub to keep you warm when the snow flies.

Sleeps: 5
Rate: $225/night
Online: airbnb.com

9. Plymouth Log House—Plymouth, MA

Only minutes from historic Plymouth and the Cape, this log cabin is on an acre of private, wooded property. Located across the street from cranberry bogs and walking trails, you'll have plenty to do with your family while you are there. A large, raised outdoor deck with gas BBQ overlooks the backyard, a great place to cook even when it's cold outside. Plus, we hear the hosts make a memorable cranberry bread. Please note, this listing is no longer pet-friendly.

Sleeps: 6
Cost: $200/night
Online: airbnb.com

10. Mountain Chic New Hampshire Family Getaway—Conway, NH

This perfectly-located North Conway cabin is both dog and family friendly. You'll never be bored being 5-10 minutes away from downtown North Conway and the abundance of winter activities at Cathedral Ledge. The cabin's floor to ceiling windows facing Cathedral Ledge are worth the trip alone, but we suggest bringing your skis (downhill or cross-country, take your pick) or your snowshoes to keep everyone active and outside on this vacation. For a change of pace, why not rent snowmobiles to enjoy in the park?

Sleeps: 5
Cost: $228/night
Online: airbnb.com

11. White Mountain Getaway Cabin—Franconia, NH

Bring your family and friends for a weekend in the heart of the White Mountains, nestled in the woods off a winding road near the snowy riverbank. A great place to stay if winter sports are your family's jam, the cabin is across the street from Gale River and close to Franconia Notch State Park, Crawford Notch, Cannon Mountain and multiple other ski mountains. Local breweries abound for some apres that's pretty kid-friendly, and we suggest checking out local tubing hills and the Woodstock Ice Caves in the winter.

Sleeps: 8
Cost: $274/night
Online: airbnb.com

Please note, prices listed were valid at the time of publication but rates can fluctuate at different times of the year. If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

27 Farm Stays Every Family Should Experience

by Kate LowethAugust 4, 2022

Yearning for a few green acres to roam? Dreaming of farming organic lavender, or perhaps of yodeling with the yaks? At these farm stays across the nation, you’ll finally get your chance. Keep reading for all you need to know about planning your next family vacation at a working farm.

Working Horse Farm | Seymour, TN

Farm in Tennessee that you can visit with your kids — Airbnb

This little farm home is in the perfect area to get away, yet close enough to enjoy the city attractions as well. Front porch sitting is beautiful with a perfect view of a pasture full of horses. The covered outdoor riding arena makes it a great place to stay if you are traveling with horses, or if you’d just like to schedule a horseback riding lesson.

Sleeps: 7
Cost: $129/night
Online: airbnb.com

Treehouse on a Farm | Celeste, TX

Farmstay treehouse inside kitchen — Airbnb

This property doubles down as it's both a treehouse and a farmstay. Sleep in the trees and walk through a fairy forest in the midst of the lavender fields. During your stay, have a picnic or wander the gardens and visit Simon the donkey and Henry the goat. Bring your gear and fish in the well-stocked pond.

Sleeps: 7
Cost: $353/night
Online: airbnb.com

Farm Stay at African Hoofstock Preserve | Point Arena, CA

The kids will be delighted when you bring them to stay at one of the cottages at B. Bryan Preserve. African antelope, zebra and giraffe, along with eclectic lodging await you in Point Arena on the beautiful Mendocino coast. Take a tour to meet the animals and then enjoy your time in the cottage or hot tub.

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $296/night
Online: airbnb.com

Blue Pepper Farm | Jay, NY

Blue Pepper Farm is a working sheep dairy in the Au Sable Valley of the Adirondack Mountains. This 46-acre farm sits across the valley from the hamlet of Jay and its historic covered bridge. Guests will enjoy a staggering mountain panorama from the porch, deck, or pool overlooking the lush pastures where sheep and laying hens graze. Harvest dinner straight from the garden in the summer and fall to accompany fresh organically raised lamb, pork and eggs right from the farm.

Sleeps: 9
Cost: $599/night
Online: airbnb.com

The Silo House at Laughing Llama Farm—Troy, TX

Located near Waco, Texas and about 20 miles from the downtown area, this expansive farm stay includes an incredibly unique converted grain silo with all the amenities, including a sleeping loft, full bathroom, kitchen and a fishing pond on site. Visit with the sheep and llamas and relax in the peace and quiet.

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $258/night
Online: airbnb.com

White Lotus Farm | Port Ludlow, WA

Seventy acres of serenity is what you’ll find at White Lotus Farm & Inn, just over the Hood Canal Bridge. Established in 2017 by owners Niall and Natalie, farm animals are the big draw for kids here. They’ll make fast friends with the sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks and Cue, the farm llama. When it comes to navigating the space, look to Niall, who gives tours and explains the farm’s “beyond organic” practices. There’s a good chance he’ll also invite the kids to help feed the animals and look for eggs.

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $128/night
Online: airbnb.com

For more farm stays in WA, check out this link.

Serenity Sheep Farm Stay | Belgrade, MT

Head to Big Sky Country to experience life on a working sheep farm. You'll sleep in an antique sheepherder's wagon, and rise to experience a day of spinning at the wheel, hanging with the sheep, or just relaxing (they don't judge).

Sleeps: 2
Cost: $105/night
Online: serenitysheepfarm.com

The Silos at Prairie Vale | Green Ridge, MO

Come experience a silo-style tiny home living on a family-owned Missouri Farm ... complete with Nigerian Dwarf goats, miniature donkeys, cows, chickens and more. Cook dinner on the outdoor fire pit and borrow some bikes to tool around the property.

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $157/night
Online: airbnb.com

Mission Peak Winery Guesthouse | Fremont, CA

For a farm stay of a different sort, book a weekend at Mission Peak Winery. There are tons of things for kids to do on the property including a trampoline, swimming pool (season), fishing lake and canoes. Meet the local horses and stroll through the vineyards.

Sleeps: 8
Cost: $538/night
Online: airbnb.com

Arctic Roots Farm | Fairbanks, AK

Guests are welcome to roll up their sleeves and help with the chores on this 75-acre working farm, but they don't mind if you prefer to soak up the pristine views that include yaks, horses, sheep, chickens, geese, and the Northern Lights, instead.

Cool Tip: Go in the winter and enjoy mushing, skiing, and the World Ice Art Championships.

Sleeps: 3
Cost: $129/night
Online: arcticrootsfarm.com

Fickle Creek Farms | Efland, NC

Don't let the title "bed and breakfast" fool you. This working farm near Chapel Hill is only five minutes from the interstate, but offers 61-acres full of gardens, laying hens, sheep, goats, steers and pigs. And for overnight guests, the fresh farm breakfasts are really something to write home about.

Sleeps: 3
Cost: $95/night
Online: ficklecreekfarm.com

Gooserosa B&B | Mt. Vernon, WA

We’ve got three words for you—Skagit. Valley. Farm. This quintessential farm has got it all. Twenty-two chickens and roosters roaming the property, and a duck named Sage who answers (with a sweet quack) when kids call her name. Families will find seasonal flowers and veggies available to pick and fields for sports, challenge coursing and general play that’ll wear your little farmers out. Plan picnics right on site, or explore local restaurants when hunger strikes (word on the street is that local favorite Whidbey Island Bagel Company will soon call Mt. Vernon home). They even have a pack ‘n’ play if you need one.

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $185/night
Online: airbnb.com

Long Dream Farm | Lincoln, CA

Animal lovers, rejoice! This farm is Animal Welfare Approved for humane practices of its cows, chickens, emus, pigs, ducks, alpacas, donkeys, guinea fowl, dogs, cats and an Icelandic Horse. So go on! Enjoy a morning milking, feeding and brushing the calves, and pitching in around the farm. And for the small set, there’s even a playground with an antique firetruck.

Sleeps: 8
Cost: $165/night
Online: longdreamfarm.org

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Holualoa Inn | Holualoa, HI

When you're staying at a working coffee plantation, the odds of actually getting to drink your cup of coffee in the morning—despite being in the throes of parenthood—increase significantly. In addition to staying caffeinated, guests at the Holualoa Inn enjoy perks like tours of the orchards and roasting mills.

Don't Forget: Since you won't want to miss all that the Big Island has to offer (and since you'll be plenty wired to tackle it), check with your hosts before planning your excursions. They're happy to help you arrange outings to the local beaches and trails.

Online: holualoainn.com

Tanque Verde Ranch | Tucson, AZ

Sunset family horseback ride at dude ranch

In this all-inclusive dude ranch of your dreams, you'll find horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, yoga, swimming, gourmet meals, and cowboy cookouts. But it's not all fun and games. Tanque Verde Ranch is a working cowboy ranch that dates back to 1868 and is home to around 200 horses.

Don't Miss: While there is plenty to do together as a family, your little buckaroos will love the authentic Western experience of the Daily Kids Club, where they can interact one-on-one with the ranch’s horses while mom and dad get downtime.

Online: tanqueverderanch.com

Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm | Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM

Experience luxury on a working organic lavender farm, where you'll enjoy suites creatively carved into the farm's mainstays, including one in a 1930s dairy building with a pitched tin roof and white stuccoed walls. In addition to the lavender fields (dreamy, right?), you'll find a significant portion of the agricultural offerings at Los Poblanos dedicated to the farm's own kitchen. Translation: stay here for some seriously good eats.

Don't Miss: The farm's resident honey bees produce honey tinged with lavender during certain times of the year.

Online: lospoblanos.com

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Willow-Witt Ranch | Ashland, OR

Even the wall tents at this farm are furnished with fine linens and comfy beds, sort of like Old MacDonald's version of glamping. Bring your binoculars and play the silent game while bird-watching on a morning stroll. Sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship are core values here, and both kids and adults will learn about animal husbandry practices and wetland restoration on farm tours.

Don’t Miss: Goats are fun and helpful backpacking companions. Take a pack goat on the trail to lighten the load for little ones.

Online: willowwittranch.com

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The Greer Farm | Daingerfield, TX

This working farm is built around family activities for farmers of every age. Your bitty agrarians will get their farm fix by feeding chickens, gathering eggs, feeding the cows and horses and learning about the daily operation of a farm. And at the end of a long day in the fields or at the barn, what could be better than jumping into the lake (or if it’s cooler temperatures, taking a kayak, paddleboat, or canoe out for a spin)? Top off the day with a round of s’mores at the fire pit, and there’s no doubt your crew will be sleeping soundly.

Online: greerfarm.com

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Hull-O Farms | Durham, NY

Chores become a novel game when they include gathering warm eggs, feeding baby animals and milking cows at a seventh-generation working farm in the Catskills. When the hard work is done, little ones can play with kittens or go for a hayride while older siblings play badminton and fly kites. After a hearty farm fresh dinner, wind down by roasting marshmallows for s’mores outside your private guesthouse.

Don’t Miss: In September and October, explore the corn maze with the whole family and pick your own pumpkins.

Online: hull-o.com

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The Inn at Serenbe Farms | Chatt Hills, GA

This planned community an hour outside of Atlanta has the farm (and sustainability, and organic practices, and animal husbandry) at its core. Guests at The Inn at Serenbe can take a tour of the working 25-acre CSA-certified farm, go on hayrides, help feed the animals and go on trail rides. And after all that hard work, you and the kids can relax at the pool, hit the spa, and dine on fresh food prepared by some of the nation’s most acclaimed chefs.

Don't Miss: The farm has a weekly Farmers Market (from March-October) that you won't want to miss, as well as Goat Yoga for teens and adults.

Online: serenbeinn.com

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Nettles Farm | Lummi Island, WA

With drumsticks and chicken nuggets, you may have only ever eaten one breed of chicken in your life—Cornish Cross. Rediscover the clucking variety chickens on this tiny Washington chicken farm, where you can meet and compare 20 specialized breeds. Stay in the two-room bed and breakfast (each room sleeps four) and learn about breeding and butchering chickens or simply relax on the peaceful beach.

Don’t Miss: In addition to checking out the chickens, guests can harvest berries, fruits, some vegetables, and even meet an Italian truffle-hunting pup!

Online: nettlesfarm.com

For more farm stays in WA, check out this link.

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Blackberry Farm | Walland, TN

Situated on a 9,200-acre estate in the Great Smoky Mountains, there is no place like Blackberry Farm. Undoubtedly swanky, Blackberry is agrarian at its core and offers families a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature. And in between a visit to the Wellhouse for pampering, fly fishing, biking, hiking, boating or general meandering, your family can learn about what life on a working farm is all about through gardening, livestock, and farm production lessons.

Insider Info: Don’t visit Blackberry without a visit to the kennels and their famous Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, as well as the truffle orchard.

Online: blackberryfarm.com

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Schnepf Farm | Queen Creek, AZ

It might be easier to get the kids to eat their fruits and veggies when they pick it them themselves in the seven-acre organic gardens. In the spring and summer, there are strawberries, melons, radishes, peaches and more. In fall and winter, cauliflower, carrots, turnips, kale, squash and more abound. In sunny Arizona, the farms’ campgrounds are open year-round, with restrooms, showers and on-site laundry.

Don’t Miss: Stay in one of their seven completely refurbished vintage airstreams—circa 1940 to 1970—as part of their new "glamping experience."

Online: schnepffarms.com

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The Inn at East Hill Farm | Troy, NH

Family weekends throughout the year include activities for younger kids: barnyard scavenger hunts, bread making and arts and crafts. Come through any time and enjoy pony rides, sheep shearing, cheese making and other classic farm activities. Basic rooms and private cottages are available, with enough room to sleep 140 each night.

Don’t Miss: Learn to do-si-do from professionals specializing in square dancing, line dancing and country Western.

Online: east-hill-farm.com

Kinnikinnick Farm | Caledonia, IL

Impressively thick canvas tents can sleep up to six at this small organic farm northwest of Chicago. There’s no gas, electricity or running water, but you can cook on a wood-burning stove or order a scrumptious homemade meal. Kids can pet and feed smaller critters at the animal paddock, swing on the rope swing and climb apple trees for rustic fun.

Don’t Miss: Buy products straight from the farm at The Farm Larder, along with locally sourced goodies from small food producers. A lifesaver if you don’t feel like cooking.

Online: kinnikinnickfarm.com

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Liberty Hill Farm | Rochester, VT

This working dairy farm is one of the leading milk producers in Vermont and is famous for its herd of 270 Robeth Holsteins cows. Guests can help with the twice-daily milking of cows or feed newborn calves. Float down the White River in summer or explore the snowy Green Mountain National Forest come winter. The inn has seven guestrooms with four shared bathrooms and common areas.

Don’t Miss: Try the Cabot Creamery cheddar. Liberty Hill is part of the cooperative that makes this award-winning cheese.

Online: libertyhillfarm.com

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Naylors Organic Farm | Dinuba, CA

The Naylors will welcome you into their ranch home and give you a personal tour of their 80-acre stone fruit farm. Organic fruit is ripe for the picking from mid-May to mid-August. Wake up to a full breakfast each morning—fresh fruit, hooray!—and savor that complimentary evening snack. Older kids will have fun picking peaches while the toddlers can enjoy the juicy fresh fruit.

Don’t Miss: The Squaw Valley Herb Gardens are a half-hour drive away, where you can make wreaths, lavender sachets, and a vegetarian, herb-inspired lunch.

Online: naylorsorganicfarmstay.com

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Dive In: Seattle’s Coolest Indoor Pools

by Allison SutcliffeJune 5, 2022

Here’s where to take the kids for open swim, family swim, and lots of fun indoor pool playtime

It’s that time of year, parents. The time where we all crave a little bit of sunshine and a much needed break. When you need places to play on a rainy day, take the kids to a nearby spot to go indoor swimming, Seattle families. Better yet, take them to pools that are tricked out with resort-like amenities. With everything from lazy rivers, surf machines and twisty slides, these indoor swimming pools offer the coolest water play in town. Dive in to find your new favorite family swim spot.

Swimming Pools with Serious Perks

1. Snohomish Aquatic Center

The Snohomish Aquatic Center is your one-stop destination for family fun. This enormous indoor facility boasts a giant corkscrew water slide, lazy river, spray area, and FlowRider surf machine so your kids can hang ten year-round. The best part? The water here is kept at a toasty 84-86 degrees. Not only is it heaven getting in, but it feels so nice you may never want to get out. Looking for something a bit warmer? The warm water pool is even toastier at 102 degrees.

516 Maple Ave.
Snohomish, WA
Online: snohomishaquatic.com

2. Mountlake Terrace Pool

There’s a good reason the Mountlake Terrace Pool is a favorite birthday party spot. Where else can your little ones take a trip to "Toddler Island," float along a lazy river, or splash in a shallow end filled with geysers and built-in spray toys? No need to wait for a birthday party though—just go during one of their recreation or leisure pool and river swim times. During recreation swim, the leisure pool, lazy river, and main pool are all open, and they include amenities like flotation devices, water toys, life jackets, and basketball hoops.

5303 228th St. S.W.
Mountlake Terrace, WA
Online: cityofmlt.com

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3. Lynnwood Recreation Center & Pool

If you need a reason to head north, the Lynnwood Recreation Center & Pool is it. This super popular spot includes two big water slides, sprayers, a lazy river, inner tubes, a water playground, spray fountains, and a family hot tub. Plus, there's a lap pool and a warm-water therapy pool. Little ones will especially love "Beach Swim" when the shallow play area is open with a water depth of up to two feet. If you're thinking this place sounds a lot like Great Wolf Lodge, but a lot closer and a lot cheaper...you're absolutely right.

18900 44th Ave. W.
Lynnwood, WA
Online: lynnwoodwa.gov

4. McMenamins Anderson School Pool

Take your little fish for a dip in The North Shore Lagoon, McMenamins Anderson School's on-site pool. Once it's time for your swim session, you can splish and splash around the tiki-themed pool before changing into street gear to grab some delish eats at the restaurant upstairs. We love that the pool has plenty of shallow play areas where even the most timid toddlers can test the waters with ease.

18603 N.E. Bothell Way
Bothell, WA
Online: mcmenamins.com

5. Federal Way Community Center Pool

Families who live south of the city have long loved the Federal Way Community Center Pool, with its lazy river, toddler waterslide, and shallow area that makes splashing and playing a possibility for kids, no matter what their age. The leisure pool is getting a new slide and play structure and should be reopened by the end of December (check their social media for updates!).

876 S. 333rd St.
Federal Way, WA
Online: itallhappenshere.org

6. People’s Pool

Little water bugs looking for a place to splash around on a cold or rainy day can find tons of fun at the People's Pool in Tacoma. This awesome pool is home to Tacoma’s first indoor splash pad, loaded with ground sprayers galore and plenty of run-around room for big imaginations to roam free. This is just one of the reasons it has quickly become the go-to indoor pool for South Sound families. The unique L-shaped design that divides the pool into three distinct sections—a shallow area, a current channel, and a lap lane area, that transforms into two basketball courts and a water-walk play area during open swim sessions—is a hit among parents and kids alike.

1602 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Tacoma, WA
Online: metroparkstacoma.org

7. Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center

For families on Bainbridge Island or Seattle families looking for a fun island adventure, the Bainbridge Aquatic Center is loaded with pool perks that are worth the ferry ride. Built in 2001, the pool includes a 180-foot water slide, lazy river, sloped beach entry, tot pool, water features, a toddler frog slide, diving boards, and four 25-yard lap lanes. The facility also boasts a spa and steam and sauna rooms.

8521 Madison Ave.
Bainbridge Island, WA
Online: biaquatics.org

Go Beyond Lap Swim at These Indoor Public Pools

a girl goes down a waterslide at a seattle indoor swimming pool — Seattle Parks and Recreation/TIA International Photography

8. Seattle Parks and Recreation Pools

Seattle Parks and Recreation pools are currently offering public swim time, where at least a portion of the pool is open for all ages, and family swim time, where families can play, often with flotation devices, and pool toys. Others, like the Ballard Pool, Madison Pool, and Meadowbrook Pool have Pool Playland times, where only the shallow end is open for cautious swimmers, tots, and babies. The special features of some of the city pools are pretty cool too. Rope swings and diving boards make a public swim session special for big kids. And the lazy river, waterslide, and spray and play park at Rainier Beach Community Center Pool add a bit of a thrill to your typical swim session.

Online: seattle.gov

9. Bellevue Aquatic Center

This one-of-a-kind aquatic center was built for therapy and rehabilitation but is available for public open swim. The Bellevue Aquatic Center has two pools with six lap lanes, a diving tank, a 10-foot slide, and a 5-foot mini slide for little tadpoles. The Warm Springs pool has a wheelchair ramp and average waters temps of 92 degrees. Now, that’s what we’re talking about on a cold winter’s day. Bring the kids for Family Swim at either pool.

601 143rd Ave. N.E.
Bellevue, WA
Online: parks.bellevuewa.gov

10. Wave Aquatics

Splash down at one of two Wave Aquatics pools on the Eastside. Whether you head to the Redmond location or the Juanita Beach Aquatic Center in Kirkland, you and the kids can dive into the fun during Family Swim. Register in advance to enjoy both the shallow and deep ends of the pool (lane markers shouldn't be a problem as they're usually moved). Keep the kids busy with diving boards, kickboards, and fins, or bring your own noodles and dive toys from home.

Redmond Pool
17535 N.E. 104th St.
Redmond, WA

Juanita Aquatics Center
10601 N.E. 132nd St.
Kirkland, WA

Online: waveaquatics.org

11. Mary Wayte Pool

On Mercer Island, the Mary Wayte Swimming Pool offers family swim, lap swim, and swim lessons. The pool's schedule changes seasonally with the school year and competitive seasons, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule before you go. We love that Family Swim is offered daily at this pool, and there are evening hours too, so you can wear out the kids, hit the showers, and change them into jammies before heading home. Reservations are needed for any swim session.

8815 S.E. 40th
Mercer Island, WA
Online: mercerislandpool.com

12. Julius Boehm Pool

Another easy option for Eastside families is the Julius Boehm Pool where you'll find Recreation Swim hours. It's a chance for families to frolic in the shallow end of the pool, where it's just three to four feet deep. Family passes are available online or at the front desk.

50 S.E. Clark St.
Issaquah, WA
Online: ci.issaquah.wa.us

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13. Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center

Known as the venue of the 1990 Seattle Goodwill Games, the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center (WKCAC) is a 2,500-seat facility that hosts a number of competitive swimming events annually. It has been the site of the Olympic Trials, top national and international competitions, and the Pacific Northwest's premiere events. But in addition to prestigious swimming and diving programs, WKCAC is currently open to the public for recreational swimming and lessons.

650 S.W. Campus Dr.
Federal Way, WA
Online: kingcounty.gov

26 Natural Swimming Holes to Put on Your Bucket List

by Amber GuetebierMay 8, 2022

Natural swimming holes might sound quaint, but the best are natural works of art that’ll make you want to dive right in. Some are tranquil while others exist beside a roaring river. From waterfalls to tranquil pools and refreshing hot springs, scroll down to see discover aquatic spots that will make summer memories a little more memorable.

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Devil's Waterhole - Burnet, TX

Located in the beautiful Inks Lake State Park, this swimming hole is located at the end of a short hike on the east side of the popular Burnet County destination. The swimming hole is fed by the Colorado River, so it's a little colder than the warm lake temps of a Texas summer.

Costs: $7 for a day pass (kids ages 12 & under are free)

3630 Park Road 4 West
Burnet, TX 78611

Online: tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake

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Sliding Rock - Brevard, NC

Sliding Rock is just what it sounds like. It’s a giant nature-made and natural waterslide. The “slide” is a 60’ slanted rock with a pool at the end that's about six feet deep. As you can imagine, it’s a very popular place, so if you go during the hottest days of summer, pack your patience with your picnic lunch. Even waiting can be fun watching others slide. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Other than that, you’re on your own so be careful!

Costs: $3/person. (Kids 3 and under get in for free)

7 Pisgah Hwy.
Pisgah Forest, NC
Online: ncwaterfalls.com/sliding_rock1.htm

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Warren Falls - Warren, VT

Warren Falls is an old-fashioned swimming hole located on Mad River. Here you’ll find a number of cliff-jumping locations with varying heights offering 10, 15 and 20-foot jumps. It’s a beautiful spot, but it's also home to big crowds and limited parking space, so coming early is recommended. Even so, this natural swimming pool is a site to see and a place worth experiencing.

Route 100
3916
Warren, VT
Online: outdoorproject.com

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Chena Hot Springs - Fairbanks, AK

Visiting a hot spring during the summer might seem like a bad idea for those who live in warm climates, but for those who live or will be visiting the Northwest where the summers tend to be much cooler, hot springs sound very inviting. If you still have some energy after soaking in nature’s hot tub, check out the nearby recreational area which is full of hiking trails and places to explore. Moose are often seen along the road!

Costs: $15 Adults, $12 Kids (6-17), Free Kids (5 and under)

17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd.
Fairbanks, AK
Online: chenahotsprings.com

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Cummins Falls - Cookeville, TN

Cummins Falls State Park is considered by some as an “idyllic but rugged” 282-acre park and has been a favorite swimming hole for over 100 years. Above the falls you’ll find trailheads, picnic areas and restrooms. Down below is where the fun happens. However, since the trail down to the bottom of the waterfall is a steep one, this day-use park is not recommended for little ones.

Note: Gorge Access Permit is required to visit the base of the waterfall.

390 Cummins Falls Lane
Cookeville, TN
Online: tnstateparks.com/parks/cummins-falls

Big Hollow Recreation Area - Des Moines, IA

Only about 10 minutes away from Burlington, the 178 acres that make up the Big Hallow Lake is a welcoming haven from the rest of the busy world. The spot includes a nice sandy beach, and a little further up you’ll find a boat ramp and multiple fishing jetties. The lake recreational area includes a sprawling sandy beach and is alcohol free.

18853 152^nd Ave.
Sperry, IA
Online: dmcounty.com/522/Big-Hollow-Recreation-Area

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Barton Springs Pool - Austin, TX

Located within Zilker Park’s 358 acres, you’ll find the Barton Springs pool that is fed from the underground Edwards Aquifer springs, keeping the water at an average temperature of 68-70 degrees all year round. The depth of the pool ranges from 0’ to 18’. Note that the pool is closed every Thursday for cleaning. Next to the pool bathhouse you’ll find “Splash,” an educational exhibit where you can learn about the history and biology of Barton Springs.

Costs: $9 Adults, $5 Teens (12-17), $4 Kids (1-11). Discounts for residents.

2201 Barton Springs Rd.
Austin, TX
Online: austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool

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Little River Falls & Martha Falls - Fort Payne, AL

There are almost 12 miles of swimming holes to explore in Little River Canyon Preserve, and one of the most popular is Martha Falls. It's an easy trek from the road (free parking!), which means you can carry your cooler and chairs to make a day out of it. If you prefer more privacy, keep hiking and set up camp at one of the other, more secluded swimming holes on the trail. Another popular spot in the preserve is Little River Falls. Note: Be sure to check the water before you head out though, as it can be dangerous at high levels.

Cost: Free!

4322 Little River Trail NE #100
Fort Payne, AL
Online: nps.gov/liri/planyourvisit/little-river-falls.htm

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Battle Ground Lake State Park - Battle Ground, WA

Named for a 19th century battle between U.S. Army soldiers and Klickitat Indians that was expected but never occurred, Battle Ground Lake State Park is a favorite among boaters, anglers, equestrians and, of course, swimmers. At the center of this 280-acre forest park is a spring-fed volcanic lake (sometimes referred to as a miniature Crater Lake) that has a ramp for non-motorized boats, 60 feet of dock space and a thriving trout population. Add in horseshoe pits, badminton and volleyball courts, a baseball field and 10 miles of hiking trails, and you have the makings of a memorable afternoon. A Discover Pass is required to visit this state park.

Cost: $10 Discover Pass (for 1 day)

18002 N.E. 249th St.
Battle Ground, WA
Online: parks.state.wa/battle-ground-lake

Beaver Dam Swimming Club - Cockeysville, MD

This old marble quarry was flooded and turned into a swimming destination in the 1930s. The 40-feet deep waters still offer the type of old-timey fun you see in movies (think rope swing, rolling logs and floating platforms). The thirty-acre park also has two swimming pools, a volleyball park and picnic tables.

Costs: $17-20 adults, $14-16 Youth (age 11 and under)

10820 Beaver Dam Drive
Cockeysville, MD
Online: beaverdamswimmingclub.com

Homestead Crater - Midway, UT

A geothermal spring located inside a 55-foot-tall, beehive-shaped rock, you won’t find a more unique spot to dive, float, snorkel or splash about in the mineral waters. You can even take a paddleboard yoga class. With a constant temperature of 90-96 degrees, there’s just enough sunlight to illuminate the bright blue water through a hole at the top of the dome. But don’t worry, you won’t have to rappel into the pool, there’s side cave access. Located on the grounds of the Homestead Resort, anyone can visit during open hours but reservations are highly recommended. Fun fact: The crater is the only warm scuba diving destination in the continental U.S.

Costs: $13-$16 depending on the day you choose.

700 North Homestead Dr.
Midway, UT
Online: homesteadresort.com/homestead-crater

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Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park—Lesterville, MO

A reader’s tip led us to discover this gorgeous gem about two hours south of St. Louis, Missouri. From this park, you can access the East Fork of the Black River, and you’ll find plenty of swimming spots along with pedestrian trails, picnic sites and interpretive shelters. The main valley of the park has amenities including a retail store and park center. While you’re in the area, take a day trip over to nearby Elephant Rocks State Park to see the elephant-shaped granite rock structures!

148 Taum Sauk Trail
Lesterville, MO
Online: mostateparks.com/johnsons-shut-ins-state-park

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Jacob’s Well - Wimberly, TX

Artesian spring water you can swim in? Yes, please! This refreshing beautiful spot in the Texas Hill Country will beckon you with its average temp of 68 degrees and plenty of shady grottos. The “well” is a deep hole in the middle of the swimming hole that invites adventurous divers, but there are plenty of shallower splash spots for the kids, too. Maintained by the county park’s system, Jacob's Well is only open from May 1 through September 30 and by reservation only.

Costs: $9 adults, $5 kids (age 12 and under), Free (age 4 and under)

1699 Mount Sharp Rd.
Wimberly, TX
Online: hayscountytx.com

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Rock Pool at Malibu Creek State Park - Agoura, CA

Pack a lunch, swimsuits and sunscreen and head out for a leisurely stroll down an oak-lined lane (3.5-mile round trip) to this sparkling pool, one of the L.A. area’s best. Lined with volcanic rock, you may recognize the setting from the Planet of the Apes. Be warned: the water is cold so make sure it's a hot day. If you don't want to swim, it's a great spot for a picnic, skipping rocks and marveling over the bravery of the cliff jumpers and rock climbers. There's also another lake with a slightly longer hike that veers off to the right. Just ask the Ranger for directions when you pay for parking. And when you realize you can't stand to leave, you can come back the next weekend and camp here.

Costs: $3-12 for parking (depending on how long you plan to stay.

1925 Las Virgenes Rd.
Agoura, CA
Online: hawaiigaga.com/kauai/attractions/queens-bath

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Queen’s Bath - Princeville, Kauaʻi, HI

For those times you want to feel like a bonafide mermaid, there is nothing quite like swimming in a giant tidepool. While high tide can bring crashing ocean waves, at low tide this pool makes the perfect swim spot and is teeming with natural wonders. Just exercise caution with the tide tables: you are still dealing with the ocean, after all, and wear sturdy shoes for the rocky descent. Not an ideal climb for kids under 6. Nearby you’ll also find the pristine Hideaways Beach.

Kapiolani Rd.
Princeville, HI
Online: hawaiigaga.com/kauai/attractions/queens-bath.aspx

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Panther Falls - Suches, GA

Panther Falls is about seven miles total, so it’s more ideal for more experienced hikers ages 7 and up. Kids will enjoy spotting wildflowers and ferns by streams perfect for fishing. The main swimming hole for families is a large, shallow sand bottom pool where shorter legged swimmers can wade and get their head under the delicate falls. We promise they will sleep like babies after a trek here.

Costs: $4 parking

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
Suches, GA
Online: atlantatrails.com

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Moulton Falls Regional Park - Yacolt, WA

If Moulton Falls Regional Park looks familiar, you probably recognize its gorgeous waterfalls and three-story arch bridge from your Instagram feed. But this heavily forested 387-acre park is an ideal place to swim as well, thanks to its position at the confluence of Big Tree Creek and the East Fork of the Lewis River. Your kids will also delight in a swing bridge over the creek, volcanic rock formations, nine picnic areas and glimpses of the passing trains on the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad.

27781 N.E. Lucia Falls Rd.
Yacolt, WA
Online: clark.wa.gov

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The Blue Hole - Santa Rosa, NM

It’s no wonder The Blue Hole is called “Nature’s Jewel.” A natural wonder along Route 66, this bell-shaped pool of aquamarine water is a hot spot for diving enthusiasts as it is 82 feet! If that's too deep for your young swimmers, just dip your toes into the water and snap photos to prove how blue the water is. Then head to the nearby Park Lake has a water obstacle course for the kiddos.

1085 Blue Hole Rd.
Santa Rosa, NM
Online: santarosabluehole.com

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Madison Blue Springs State Park - Lee, FL

Florida locals and visitors love spending their entire day at Madison Blue Springs. The water at this huge (82 ft wide, 25 ft deep) limestone basin is extremely crystal clear and a quintessential spot for swimming, scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing ... and underwater caves! Of course, that is just a magnificently cool perk the littles will have to wait to explore, but for now, they’ll love splashing around the shallow ends and catching glimpses of wildlife. You can actually descend into the water down a set of wooden steps, too. Open from 8 a.m. to sunset 365 days a year.

Costs: $4-5/vehicle, $2/person

8300 NE State Road 6
Lee, FL 32059
Online: floridastateparks.org/madison-blue-spring

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White Rock Park - St. Paul, IN

Known to be a family favorite for generations, White Rock Park's three quarry watering holes make for an epic family time of swimming, fishing, camping and diving. There are docks for easy entry, and many budding swimmers are known to don lifejackets before wading into the water. Psst—there’s ziplining for the most adventurous member of the fam!

Costs: $15-20 (age 10 and up), $12 (6-9-year-olds), free (age 5 and under)

7080 S 750 E
St Paul, IN
Online: stpaulcliffs.com

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Firehole River—Yellowstone National Park, WY

Roadtrippers crossing through Yellowstone National Park must make a stop along Firehole River. It’s approximately 21 miles long, with amazing sights like geyser basins, waterfalls and two swimming areas. Despite its name, the water here is not hot. Kids will enjoy jumping in a little way downstream or simply wading in the shallow waters of the main pool.

Yellowstone Natl. Park, WY
Online: yellowstonepark.com

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Falling Water Falls - Ozarks, AR

Forget the strollers and baby carriers. Not having to hike in with kids may be the most attractive part of this spectacular waterfall spot. It’s an excellent place to dip your toes during the family drive along Buffalo National River, which also has many other swimming holes. Just beware: There are many canoers who find the falls thrilling to rush over.

Smyrna Township, AR
Online: exploretheozarksonline.com

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Cunningham Falls State Park - Thurmont, MD

Trek into the park for cascading falls over seventy feet high and dipping pools. These swimming holes are the real deal and will make your family members feel like they are a part of Tom Sawyer’s adventures. If those tiny feet haven't quite mastered the balancing act needed to get there, take them to splash around Hunting Creek and participate in local events like a pancake breakfast!

12698 Catoctin Hollow Rd.
Thurmont, MD
Online: dnr.maryland.gov

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Treman State Park - Ithaca, NY

Known for its gorges, Ithaca’s watering hole at Treman State Park is on The Weather Channel's list of “Best Swimming Spots in Every State.” Kids can dive from a supervised diving board or navigate the rock shelf underneath gushing water. This area is also so popular that there’s an ice cream truck around the area. This all-natural location is a definite winner!

Costs: $8 parking

105 Enfield Falls Rd.
Ithaca, NY
Online: parks.ny.gov

Switzer Falls/Bear Canyon - Tujunga, CA

There’s nothing like dipping into a pool of cool water after a hike with the kids. A fave spot with our L.A. families, Switzer Falls/Bear Canyon has plenty of mountain-fed water and stream spots to splash in. Families like to settle by the entrance for picnic time as well. Psst! Find other amazing swimming holes near L.A by clicking here.

Angeles National Forest
Tujunga, CA
Online: fs.usda.gov/angeles

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Tenino Sandstone Quarry Pool - Tenino, WA

This swimming spot is a little different from your average watering hole. The sandstone pool is man-made, but after it was abandoned, nature took over, feeding spring water into the beautiful pool. Now moss and trees grow all around, adding a unique touch to the atmosphere of diving boards, kiddie pools and waterfalls.

Costs: $5 per person

149 Hodgden St, S
Tenino, WA
Online: cityoftenino.us

—Jeffrey Totey & Amber Guetebier with Meghan Meyers and Maura O’Brien

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Camp Navarro’s Weekend in the Woods Is the Perfect Family Adventure

by Kate LowethSeptember 14, 2021

Already thinking of summer 2022? Yeah, us too. You are in luck as our top adventure from summer 2021 is back for another year and you can get in on the action. We checked out Camp Navarro’s Weekend in the Woods and it was quite possibly our favorite camping experience, ever! Gourmet meals cooked for you, a massive property for exploring, archery, rope swinging into the river and so much more. Read on for the full scoop on how you can add this to your summer 2022 must-do list.

Everything You Love about Camping & MORE

This former Boy Scout camp typically welcomes corporate groups, weddings and wellness retreats but COVID changed everything. For the first time in Camp Navarro's 100-year history, they opened the camp up to families for a few select summer weekends. Camp Navarro introduced their Weekend in the Woods protram and families in attendance got to explore the property's 200+ acres from Thursday through Sunday. Here's what the weekends brought:

The friendly and helpful staff was there to welcome you the minute you arrived on the property. What you'll love about Camp Navarro's Weekend in the Woods is that there are just enough planned activities to keep the kids from jumping on the (super fast) WiFi, but not so much that you have flashbacks to family camps of yesteryear with mandatory crafting and skits.

During our weekend, activity highlights included an amazing stargazing night hike, trying our hands at archery and scurrying up the rock wall. Everything was optional and all could participate! There was a crafting station if you wanted to paint some rocks and there were hiking trails for exploring. Everyone enjoyed picking blackberries that grew along the creekbed and watching the deer visit in the meadow.

Water Play

While the summer of 2021 brought low water levels at Camp Navarro, there was still plenty at the rope swing area to keep the kids busy. Parents set up their camp chairs on the rocky creekbed while kids climbed trees, swung from the rope swing and tried to catch minnows. The rope swing was just a 10-minute walk from the main camp area and super easy to access along the property's trails.

The Best Part of Camp Navarro: The Food!

What's your least favorite part of camping? If you said cooking then this is the camp for you! Weekend in the Woods come with a delicious breakfast and dinner service and it's way beyond any family camp meal service you might have had before. Scrambled eggs with goat cheese and chives, fresh berry yogurt parfaits and hot coffee topped the breakfast menu. When the staff overheard my son ask about cereal, homemade granola magically appeared. They really were there to make your experience the best it could be.

Everyone's favorite dinner was definitely the night they made TONS of pizzas on the woodfire oven. Each kid pretty much got their own along with grilled peaches and a number of salads.

During the evening hours, you could order up a bottle of local wine or a pint of beer to go along with your meal. Exactly what you wanted after a day in the sun!

S'mores were offered in the evenings (a kid highlight, for sure!).

The Sleeping Options

When you come to a Weekend in the Woods, the big decision is whether you want to sleep in a cabin, teepee or Adirondack. There are options for families up to six or you can snag two neighboring cabins for bigger groups. The cabins and Adrinodacks have bunk beds for sleeping and you bring your own sleeping bags, pillows and linens.

You'll find hammocks and picnic tables scattered throughout the property and there are gathering areas near the cabins if you come with a group. While none of the sleeping options have their own bathrooms, the communal bathrooms were large and exceptionally clean throughout the weekend. You can even choose the outdoor shower if you want to shower under the redwoods!

Nearby Adventures

Located in Navarro, the camp is 2.5 hours north of San Francisco just past Booneville in Mendocino County. A 20-minute drive will get you to the coast. Navarro Beach is a great spot to set up your gear and enjoy the water. Temps are often significantly cooler here so definitely bring layers.

If wine tasting is more your style, there are plenty of options in Navarro and Booneville. Then swing by the farm stand at the Philo Apple Farm to snag some apple cider and dried apples to take home.

Pennyroyal Farm is another fun stop along the road to Camp Navarro. Here you can do wine tasting (they have a grape juice flight for the kids!), see the resident goats and try their delicious goat cheese.

How to Sign Up for Weekend in the Woods 2022

The good news: Weekend in the Woods will be back for summer 2022! While the dates have not yet been released, you can sign up on the Camp Navarro website to be the first notified when the dates are announced. You definitely won't want to miss it!

Camp Navarro
901 Masonite Industrial Rd.
Navarro, CA
Online: campnavarro.com/witw#weekend-in-the-woods

—Kate Loweth

Editor’s note: This trip was hosted by Camp Navarro but all opinions belong to the author.

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4 Ways to Turn Your House into Your Kid’s Dream Home

By Christina Elroy

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

March 22, 2021

Photo: Kids Room via Unsplash

Most parents want their children to have everything we wished for when we were growing up. We’re not talking about a swimming pool next to their bed or a roller coaster on the roof here. But we do want to provide them with a space of their very own, where they can have fun and play while they learn. From building a treehouse to indoor rock climbing, here are some amazing DIY ideas for making your home the most magical place for your kids to grow up happy.

1. Hidden Playroom
All children love anything that involves imagination, so your kids will love the idea of having their own secret little world. In fact, creating a hidden play area for your kid will pretty much turn a normal bedroom into the coolest spaceship, princess castle, or playroom your kid has ever seen. Secret passageways and hidden rooms are exciting for children because they love thinking they know something that adults don’t. Plus it makes them feel adventurous like they’re Indiana Jones or Dora The Explorer.

The good news is that you can make this project as easy or as difficult as you want, and there are even options for rental properties too! Homeowners can go all out by building new walls with a hidden access passageway, whereas renters can simply push some old cupboards into a corner. If you can find a closet that looks like the real deal, just remove the back to give your kids their own private Narnia! You can also use an elevated loft bed and create a little cubby underneath by putting walls up around the sides. There are so many cool ideas for hidden playrooms and your kid will love them all.

2. Indoor Rock Climbing
A rock-climbing wall can be built outside of course, but installing it inside is great because it helps ensure your kids can keep themselves occupied and exercising indoors. Even if it’s raining outside! Plus it will help them with their mental development as they’ll have to use their brains when they’re figuring out their climbing strategy for how they’re going to make it all the way to the top. And then they’ll be using the majority of the muscles in their body when they’re climbing their way up there.

All of this is great for your kids as it helps them to create good habits while they’re young, so they’ll want to stay fit and healthy for life. While it can be an excellent way to improve their cognitive thoughts and teach them all about scientific ideas, like gravity, rock climbing is mostly just a heap of fun for kids.

Before you start installing your rock climbing hardware indoors, it’s really important you make sure the wall you choose is going to be strong enough for you to install the specific hand-holds for indoor rock climbing. This really is the most perfect activity for indoors when you have an outdoor kid or two.

3. Treehouse Cubby
Treehouses have been every kid’s ultimate play area since forever. There’s just something that’s so cool about the combination of climbing a tree in their backyard that resonates with them. Probably because not only does it give children their own space, but they also feel a sense of freedom as well. Start with a sturdy tree in your backyard, and ask your children for their input with the design by asking them to draw their ideas.

If you’re not a fully qualified builder, it’s probably a good idea to find a simple treehouse design online to follow. Or maybe you can start by just building a basic platform with a ladder and a swing, so you can then just add to it as you learn how over time. If you don’t have an appropriate tree, another great alternative is a cubby house on the ground. Whether they’re playing in a cubby house up there among the trees, or a tiny home of their very own on the ground, your kids will get hours of sheltered playtime right there at home. Just be warned that a treehouse in your backyard will probably turn them into the coolest kids on your street, so expect their friends to be coming over all the time!

4. Indoor Slide
Because most kid’s bedrooms are where they spend most of their time playing, why not add an indoor slide to create the ultimate playroom for them? If they have a loft or bunk bed, it can help them get out of bed each morning. Most parents want their kids to spend less time looking at screens anyway, so it really makes sense to add something inside the house that they’ll actually want to play on. You can make sure they’ll have hours of fun and exercise, even on a stormy day, simply by adding a few other playground items like a rope swing, rope bridge, a rope ladder, or something like gymnastics rings.

A child’s surroundings at home can have a big impact on their physical growth, mental development, and overall happiness. So when you’re following these ideas, start by letting out your inner child again. And not only will your kids end up loving their own adventure playland, but your house will probably become the coolest place in town.

Christina Elroy

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Christina is a proud mother, entrepreneur, author and world traveller. Previously a successful businesswoman who gave it all up to raise children, Christina spent a lot of her free time during those years flipping through books. She hopes her books will inspire and motivate others.

Grow On Vacation: Nearby Farms Where You Can Spend the Night

by Angelica KajiwaraMarch 4, 2021

Editor’s Note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, sometimes closures occur at the last minute due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the spread of Covid-19. At the time of press, the destinations below were taking reservations. Stay safe!

Got “getaway” on your mind? Consider a rural retreat for the ultimate socially-distant family vacation. Rural farm stays offer a resort-like experience off-grid. Your kids will enjoy a host of activities — like hiking, fishing, feeding farm animals and more — free of the peopley part of an actual resort. Scroll down for our places to bunk with cows, sheep and bison.

Trinity Bison Farm

Buffalo truly roam on this private 72-acre little piece of heaven. You can watch the sunrise over the Smoky Mountains or cheer on the herd of buffalo as they come in for their morning oats. You might even get to enjoy a hot cup of coffee on one of the decks of the gorgeous log cabins. Located in Clyde, North Carolina, the property is a quick drive from Asheville (25 miles) – Maggie Valley and Waynesville are only 12 miles away. Your family will love all the local fun if you want to leave the farm. But there’s no need. You’ll have everything you need right there. Want to take work or school on the road? Trinity Bison Ranch has got you covered with a strong wi-fi connection.

408 Harriet Ln
Clyde, NC
828-550-0960
Online: trinitybisonranch.com

PandA Homestead

The owners of this beautiful homestead are passionate about the animals they raise, the food they grow and the relaxing getaway they provide. Their organic farm houses rabbits, chickens, pigs, turkeys, goats and an adorable 2-bedroom cottage with everything you need for a fun family vacation. Your kids will love feeding their goats and chickens. PandA Homestead offers the possibility to see how food is raised and grown and how it is all possible without using heavy machinery and chemicals. Grab your camera because the newest Virginia LOVE sign is on their beautiful farmland. It is such a fun photo op. 23332 Felton Dr. Capron, VA 434-658-0516 Online: pandahomestead.com

Verdant View Farm

toddler picking eggs from a green basket inside a nesting box — Toddlin' Across America

Conveniently located in the heart of Lancaster County’s Amish country, Verdant View Farm is the perfect setting for your family to explore a family-owned farm, interact with farm animals, enjoy local hospitality, and taste homegrown foods. Join in on some seriously fun morning chores – milk a cow, feed a calf and venture inside the chicken coop. Play fetch with the farm border collie, cuddle adorable kittens, stroll around the farm, or relax while watching the cows graze in the pasture. Wave to the train engineer as the Strasburg Rail Road passes through the farm fields. Or, get your own tickets to ride a real steam engine. Overnight accommodations include a farm-to-table breakfast, featuring homegrown and locally sourced foods. 429 Strasburg Rd. Paradise, PA 717-687-7353 Online: verdantview.com

Rocky Acre Farm

two children holding two chickens — Toddlin' Across America

The owners of Rocky Acre Farm have seamlessly run a bed-and-breakfast style experience alongside a working farm for over 50 years. Rooms are clean and well-equipped, with most having bunk beds and queen beds together so families can share quarters. The farm attracts visitors who often make this their home away from home, coming year after year (and some multiple times a year). Breakfasts are homemade and hearty and often include pancakes, waffles, fresh farm eggs, sausage, homemade jams and baked treats. Kids will enjoy getting hands-on experience collecting eggs, tending to baby calves, and helping with basic farm chores. Other amenities include an onsite playground and hayrides.

COVID-19 Update: Additional tables have been added to outdoor areas to allow for social distancing while dining. There is also gloves and hand sanitizer located on the farm.

1020 Pinkerton Rd.
Mount Joy, PA
717-653-4449
Online: rockyacre.com

Willet Ponds Farm

Feed the flock of chickens, gather eggs, swim and fish in the ponds, hike, and wake to the rooster’s crow (if that happens before your little ones wake up). Willet Ponds Farm offers clean accommodations for your vacation in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. More than a place to stay: an Appalachian farm experience. It’s all about the farm, and the peaceful, educational experience your family will have together. Interact with a few farm animal favorites: Josephine the pot-bellied pig, Penelope the long-eared donkey, several horses and some very friendly dogs. Treat yourself to the simple joys in life down on this 100-acre farm.

1595 Willett Miller Rd.
Todd, NC
Online: willetpondsfarm.com

Belle Meade Farm

The owners of this sustainable farm (think free range animals) affectionately call the Belle Meade a holistic retreat. Set on nearly 140 acres, you are sure to find an activity to capture the heart and mind of each and every person in your brood. There is an outdoor pool for little ones, an old fashioned swimming pond with a floating deck and rope swing for the bigger kids and a hot tub for moms and dads. For those wishing to get their hands dirty, you can help tend to pigs, horses, cattle, chicken and rabbits. Nearby you’ll find hiking and canoeing in Shenandoah National Park. Breakfast, which is included with room reservations, is made from locally sourced foods and farm fresh ingredients. Rates for single rooms start at $160; there are four guest rooms in the main house. A separate cottage rents for $210 a night.

353 F.T. Valley Rd.
Sperryville, VA
540-987-9748
Online: bellemeade.net

Mountain Quest Inn

This West Virginia Inn offers the opportunity to roam 450 acres, 150 of which are utilized as a farm. You and your kids will discover horses, llamas and cattle. A gentle hike up the mountain gives visitor’s a chance to gaze down on a fresh, green valley, which is a refreshing sight for those used to the congestion and development of the DC metro area. Other outdoor activities include biking, trout fishing, and star gazing. For those struggling to completely unplug, the onsite community center offers movies, books and arcade games. Room reservations include a breakfast buffet and start at $129.

303 Mountain Quest Ln.
Marlinton, WV
304-799-7267
Online: mountainquestinn.com

Allegheny Mountain Institute

This farm is home to chickens, cows and bees. School aged kids will enjoy the hands-on workshops offered (almost) every Wednesday at this Highland County farm. Guests can learn about a range of topics, like beekeeping, seed saving, mushroom cultivating and more. The Institute suggests a Tuesday and Wednesday evening stay for those wishing to attend a workshop. Classes are an additional small fee and include meals. A continental breakfast is included; guests who stay midweek are also welcome to participate in family style meals at no additional charge. The property’s lodge, which accommodates up to 8 people, can be rented for $250 a night. Rooms can also be rented individually.

2599 Bear Mountain Rd.
Hightown, VA
540-468-2300
Online: alleghenymountaininstitute.org

Berriedale Farms

Berriedale holds an unusual title. It’s the only farm in the United States that is protected by both land and breed conservation. You’ll find The George Washington National Forest to the east of this little hamlet and the Highland Wildlife Management Area to the west. The farm itself is home to heritage cattle, which means these cows are on the brink of going extinct. Berriedale is a great place for kids to learn about the importance of breed diversity in our agriculture system. It’s also ideal for families that want to “get away from it all.” You won’t get cell reception here. Or have access to a television. The log cabin accommodations are rustic (but they do have electricity).

10245 Cowpasture River Rd.
Williamsville, VA
540-925-2308
Online: berriedalefarms.com

Oakland Green Bed and Breakfast

This working cattle farm is just an hour west of DC, in Loudoun County. Built nearly 300 years ago, this rural retreat boasts over 200 acres to explore. Spend your summer days playing lawn games, exploring the gardens, taking a dip in the swimming pool or fishing in the pond. While there isn’t a lot of hands-on opportunities at Oakland, nearby JK Community Farm, which provides organic food for children, families and seniors in need through donations to hunger relief organizations and shelters, offers those interested in hands-on farm work a chance to volunteer. Guests can rent the oldest section of the house, Log House Suite (starting at $125).

19192 Oakland Green Rd.
Lincoln, VA
Online: oaklandgreen.com

—Angelica Lynne Kajiwara and Meghan Meyers

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When You’re on the Clock: Awesome Family Fun in Under an Hour

by Lenya McGrathSeptember 28, 2015

Being tight on time doesn’t mean you have to miss out on having some family fun. There are plenty of things to do around San Diego that will get you maximum fun and you’ll be done in under an hour. So when you see the family calendar filled up with sports, classes and nap times, don’t be afraid to schedule in one of these awesome family activities. Tick tock!

Image Credit: Leah Singer

Putt it Out at Pelly’s Mini Golf Course
Nothing says good old family fun like a bit of putt putt golf, and Pelly’s Mini Golf Course can have the whole family swinging their 18 holes in under an hour flat. There are two courses to choose from: the sea-themed course is great for beginners with gentle bumps and curves while skilled pros will enjoy the surfers course where you can test the waters of the shark cage. Pelly’s is eco-friendly and puts a focus on educating players around conservation so it’s not only fun but factual. It’s worth noting that there isn’t much shade on the course, so be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen.

Time Spent: 55 minutes of putting fun

Dates: Mon. – Thurs., Sun.: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri. – Sat.: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: Starts at $7.50/person

15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar, Ca 92014
858-481-0363
Online: delmargolfcenter.com

Image Credit: Lynn T. via Yelp.

Do An Hour of Power at Sky High Sports Trampoline Park
If you’re looking for some active fun, an hour spent at Sky High Sports Trampoline Park might be just the thing for you. Book a one-hour slot and you’ll have access to San Diego’s largest trampoline park where you can jump across their trampoline field, fly into their foam pit or swing from the rope swing. While the kids are jumping sky high, you can take a load off in the parents lounge with free wi-fi or pick up a coffee in their cafe. To maximize your hour, book and pay for your timeslot online up to two days in advance. Kids of all ages are welcome and the courts are divided based on age if it’s busy. Bare feet are okay for jumping (and mom, feel reassured as each trampoline is disinfected nightly), or grip socks are available for purchase.

Time Spent: 1 hour of maximum fun

Dates: Mon. – Thurs.: $15/one hour; Fri. – Sun.: $16/one hour

8190 Miralani Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92126
858-693-5867
Online: sdo.jumpskyhigh.com

Image Credit: Leah Singer

Get it Farm Fresh at the La Jolla Open Aire Market
Head down to the La Jolla Open Aire Market on a Sunday for a taste of the farm fresh life. Growers, boutique food shops and food trucks from all across the county have booths with plenty of fresh fruit, veggies, baked goods and take-away food. You can share a picnic table under the pergola or put down your picnic blanket on the grassy field while you watch the school concerts. If there’s time left over, check out the two play structures for the kiddos to play on or the face painter. All proceeds go to the La Jolla Elementary public school so you can feel good about putting your money where your mouth is. You’ll find plenty of parking on Girard Street.

Time Spent: 50 minutes of delicious fun

Dates: Sunday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Corner of Girard and Genter St.
La Jolla, Ca 92037
Online: lajollamarket.com

Image Credit: Chris C. and Calvin U. via Yelp.

Visit A Bit of Hidden San Diego – The Spruce St Suspension Bridge
Get ready for a short and sharp adventure! Walk down First Avenue turning west and you’ll hit Spruce Street. Look towards the inconspicuous opening at the end of the street and you’ll find a tiny bit of hidden and historic San Diego. The Spruce Street Footbridge, one of the seven structures in the Bridges of San Diego walk. Known to locals as “Wiggly Bridge,” this footbridge is suspended 75 feet over Kate Sessions canyon. Families not afraid of heights will love walking over the wooden planks, feeling the slight sway of the bridge with each step. Be on the look-out for the Little Free Library tucked away at the beginning or end of the trip. There aren’t any bathrooms here, so its best to do any bathroom breaks or water stops before you hit the bridge.

Time Spent: 20 minutes of high-time fun

Spruce St. and First Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92103

Image Credit: Love C. via Yelp.

Pick Up A Tasty Treat at Donut Bar
Head downtown and pick up a tasty treat at Donut Bar. The donut menu is set daily and shared the night before on their Facebook and Instagram page, so kids can go to sleep that night dreaming of what’s to come. Chef Santiago loves to create unique (but seriously yummy) donut creations like salted caramel and maple bacon. Plus, you can also pick up a good cup of coffee, tea or a shake for the kids. On the weekends they offer a free themed donut for kids with any order. Allow an extra five minutes for street parking downtown and be prepared that there may be a line. We’d suggest getting down there early, because they close up shop once the donuts are sold for the day!

Time Spent: 30 minutes of donut fun

Dates: Mon. – Fri., 7a.m. – sell out, Sat. – Sun., 8 a.m. – sell out

631 B St.
San Diego, Ca 92101
619-255-6360
Online: donutbarsandiego.com

What are your favorite family things to do in under an hour? Let us know!

— Lenya McGrath

West Coast Family Resorts with Epic Water Parks

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells | Indian Wells, CA

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch | Scottsdale, AZ

Terranea Resort | Rancho Palos Verde, CA

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa | Rancho Mirage, CA

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa | Phoenix, AZ

Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort | Phoenix, AZ

Suncadia Resort | Cle Elum, WA

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort | Glenwood, CO

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa | Maui, HI

Midwest Resorts with Jaw-Dropping Water Features

Kalahari Resorts | Multiple U.S. Locations

Wilderness Resort | Wisconsin Dells, WI

Southern Resorts with Jaw-Dropping Water Features

The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton | The Woodlands, TX

Gaylord Opryland Resort Nashville, TN

Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort | New Braunfels, TX

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa | San Antonio, TX

Grande Cayman Resort | Myrtle Beach, SC

Orlando World Center Marriott

TradeWinds Island Resorts | St. Pete, FL

Grande Lakes Orlando | FL

Northeast Resorts with Jaw-Dropping Water Features

The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark | Monticello, New York

Camelback Lodge and Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark | Tannersville, PA

Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico | Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Great Wolf Lodge | Multiple U.S. Locations

International Resorts with Epic Water Parks

Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun

Nickelodeon Hotel and Resorts Punta Cana | Dominican Republic

Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, Curacao

Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino | Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino | Palm Beach, Aruba

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas | St. Thomas, USVI

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar | Nassau, The Bahamas

Atlantis Paradise Island | Nassau, Bahamas

Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha | Qatar

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7. The Dogtown Cabin at Applecart Farm—Rockport, MA

8. The Little Lake Cabin—New Fairfield, CT

9. Plymouth Log House—Plymouth, MA

10. Mountain Chic New Hampshire Family Getaway—Conway, NH

11. White Mountain Getaway Cabin—Franconia, NH

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