There’s a new addition to this list of fee-free national parks days

As we navigate a crazy winter season, the thought of a getaway in 2024 sounds pretty magical. Once the dust has settled, heading to a national park is an awesome way to enjoy the great outdoors, especially when it’s free! Get your kids set up with the Junior Ranger booklet in your park of choice and see what the whole family can learn about these amazing areas of the country.

The National Park Service has just announced the list of days when all national park will waive their admission fees. New for 2024, Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19) has been added as a national parks fee-free day. Juneteenth was signed into law as a national holiday on June 17, 2021, commemorating the abolition of slavery in the United States.

“National parks are places that awaken senses, inspire curiosity, encourage reflection, and foster joy,” National Park Service Director Chuck  Sams said. “The entrance fee-free days expand opportunities for people to visit their national parks and experience the beauty and history of our country.”

When can you get into the National Parks without paying?

family in yosemite national park
istock

The 2024 free admission for everyone days include:

  • Mon., Jan. 15: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
  • Sat., Apr. 20: First day of National Park Week
  • New for 2024: Wed., June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
  • Fri., Aug. 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
  • Sat., Sep. 28: National Public Lands Day
  • Mon., Nov. 11: Veterans Day

With more than 400 parks across the country, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re planning a fall foray, a winter getaway, a spring fling, or a summer trip, you can find a free admission day for every season.

Even though admission is free on these special days, other paid activities are not. You may need to pay amenity or user fees where applicable. These fees include the cost of activities, such as camping, as well as boat launches, transportation, or touring fees.

If the six annual free days don’t fit your schedule, some of the national parks are fee-free every day of the year (or at least every day they’re open). Some of the most notable entrance fee-free parks include:

Got a fourth grader? You can grab a free pass to the national parks for their entire fourth-grade year. This includes visits to places like Alcatraz, Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains, and more. The Every Kids Outdoors program is an excellent way to teach your kids about the national parks and get everyone out in the fresh air at the same time.

Ride the rails, set sail for adventure, take in the big city, and so much more

We know that families are eager to get out there and see the world—and 2024 is going to be the year that they do it in a major way. We expect to see lots of families taking those big trips with both domestic and international destinations on the agenda for 2024. Airfare prices continue to remain high but there are more and more ways to find cheaper flights including a bunch of lower-cost airlines that have added US routes this past year. Road trips aren’t going away either as families pretty much have these down by now. Where will 2024 take you?

Low-Cost Airlines Can Get You Where You Need to Go for Less

istock

Chances are you are familiar with low-cost domestic airlines like Southwest, Frontier, and Spirit but did you know that there are low-cost airlines that will take you to Europe, Tahiti, Japan, and loads of other spots beyond the U.S.? Airlines like French bee, PLAY, Norse, and ZIPAIR have been adding routes from the U.S. in recent years and they are a great option for families looking to spend less on airfare.

We've flown French bee to Paris and Tahiti with kids and found it to be very comparable to other carriers like American Airlines and United. Just make sure you know what is included in your fare and what will incur an additional cost (like checked baggage, seat selection, and meals) before you book with these airlines so there are no surprises. 

Credit Card Points Offer a Way to Hack the System

Not everyone is interested in playing the credit card points game but those who know how to work the system often share that they can get some pretty great deals using signup bonuses. Websites like The Points Guy and NerdWallet are great places to start learning about what credit cards work best for travel and what deals are on the horizon. If you time your credit card sign-up right, many programs will gift you enough miles for free tickets. Plus, these travel cards often offer perks like free Global Entry or TSA PreCheck which are key in making your travel experience the best it can be. 

Families Want to Ride the Rails

Wendy Altschuler

According to Pinterest, 2024 brings slow travel to the forefront. After the busyness of 2023 with everyone getting back into travel in a big way, 2024 will have families slowing it down and looking for more mellow ways to travel. We predict that this will lead to more families will riding the rails for their next vacation. Nobody has to drive, your sleeping quarters are included, and you get to see some of the most gorgeous areas of the country. Bonus: it's super eco-friendly. From trains that take you to five national parks, to those that take you from New England to Florida, there's so much exploring to do. 

All-Inclusives Are Worth the Money

Club Med

Once thought of as a honeymoon-only extravagance, families are turning toward all-inclusive properties for vacations, especially when traveling with grandparents. Nobody has to cook, you know what you're going to spend in advance and kids will love getting to order mocktails from the swim-up bar. Some of our favorite spots: Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic, Villa la Valencia Beach Resort & Spa in Los Cabos, and Margarita Beach Resort Ambergris Cay in Belize. 

Cruising Is Back in a Major Way

Cruising has seen a major uptick in the past year and we are looking forward to checking out new ships like Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas in 2024. Set sail for Alaska to catch the salmon run or book your vacation on the Disney Wish for a trip that's full of character breakfasts and kid activities. 

Those looking to cruise on a smaller scale should look to adventure cruise companies like UnCruise and Adventure Canada where you can expect small ships, small crews, and only a few hundred passengers. Bonus: Families will find that expedition cruising offers a level of personalization that you can't get on other cruises. 

Back to the Big City

Kate Loweth

The last few years have seen road trips and national parks vacations getting their time in the spotlight. According to Expedia, cultural capitals like Edinburgh, Lisbon, Tokyo, Dublin, and Sydney are going to see a lot more travel focus for 2023. We can get on board for that! 

Spend Some Time in a National Park

family hiking in a national park
istock

With over 400 national parks in the United States, chances are there are quite a few nearby that you have yet to explore. According to Airbnb, national parks travel will be a huge focus for 2024 and we can understand why. National park trips are particularly fun for families as they give kids (and parents!) a little history lesson and a big dose of fresh air at the same time. Check out these national parks that are particularly kid-friendly from California all the way to Maine. While you are at it, check this list to see what days are free at the national parks for 2024

Road Trips (Still) Reign Supreme

The past few years really brought back our love of the road trip. If you are itching to find a new destination for 2024, check out this list of our favorite road trips in the U.S. and find unique Airbnb rentals you can reserve along the way. Before you head out, peruse this list of road trip hacks to get your crew prepared for the long journey, and download some of our favorite podcasts for kids so you don't have to fight over the radio station. 

Head to the Trees

Airbnb

Whether it's the need to get as far away from civilization as possible or a Swiss Family Robinson obsession, families are taking to the trees and booking a night or two in a treehouse. There are loads of treehouses you can rent across the country with a ton of options, especially in California. There's even a brand-new treehouse resort near the Smoky Mountains that just opened in 2023. 

More Travel with the Grandparents

We expect to see a continuation of the multi-generational travel trend in 2024 with families looking to get out and travel with grandparents. Whether you send the kids off on their "gramping" adventure without you or are looking for somewhere that three generations can enjoy, there are plenty of options out there. 

Guided, Small-Group Trips

Exodus Travels

We want to go big with our travel plans but the actual planning of the trip is most definitely not part of the fun. Leave the planning and execution of your trip up to experts like Exodus Travels. You can book a private trip for your family, or join in a small group with other families that have similarly-aged kids to make it even more fun. Whether you go self-guided or have an expert there to show you the way, this type of travel is definitely the way to go for families. 

Another great option for a customized travel experience is Costa Rica Escapes, a company that specializes in creating family adventures based on the needs of your family. Definitely something you'll want to explore in 2024. 

Off-the-Grid Adventures

Many of us have developed our love of the great outdoors these past few years and we'll be looking for off-the-grid adventures for our 2024 trips. Think about a kayak trip in Yellowstone or a ranch vacation complete with a hot spring pool in Idaho. There are tons of awesome options out there with no WiFi in range. 

Ride Off into the Sunset in an RV

Kate Loweth

While most of us never considered RV travel as a fun option for a family, it has exponentially increased in popularity in recent years and we expect this trend to continue into 2024. If you are a total RV newbie, we suggest leaving the planning to the experts when you book your first RV trip. Think you can handle it on your own? Rent an RV, grab yourself a WiFi hotspot, and head out on the road to give road schooling a try. You can even try out the rad stylings of a camper van

Cozy Cabins to Get Away from It All

There's something so restorative about a weekend in the woods. Cabin rentals have become super popular and we don't expect that to change in 2024. They offer families time together, many times without WiFi, and you can even bring your dog. 

Make It a Micro-cation

If time and money are tight (hello, inflation), consider a micro-cation for your next family trip. These four-day-or-less trips allow you to see someplace new and get a break from everyday life. It's a good way to get the kids used to traveling without having to pack a ton of gear for everyone. Surprise the kids with a last-minute trip and see a new part of the country.

Take the Family Glamping

Mendocino Grove

Glamping gives you the best of both worlds—the smell of a campfire in your hair and an actual bed to sleep on. You won't have to schlep all of your camping gear with you, everyone gets a better night's sleep, and you still get time out in the woods away from WiFi and civilization. Check out some of our favorite spots for glamping including loads of options in California.

Spoiler alert: If your kids can read, do not let them read about how to send letters to Santa. Read this post in secret!

You stay up late wrapping presents in secret and make a show of setting out cookies and milk, but there’s one more thing you can do to prove Santa is real. This year, take the classic letter to Santa to a new level by not only sending it but also making sure your kiddos receive a response from the Jolly Old Elf himself. The USPS has an awesome program in place and if you’ve never done it before, this is your year. Here’s what you need to know.

Step 1: Write the letter to Santa!

First things first: write the letter to Santa. Kids that can’t write yet can dictate to parents and spend a little time decorating the letter with stickers or a drawing. If your kiddos are learning their letters, you can always have them trace over some of the words. For kiddos that can write, make sure they have enough paper on hand but try and keep it to one page. Remember, this does not have to be a list of all the things they want for Christmas. They can also just send a letter thanking Santa for his hard work or asking him what his life is like. Be creative!

Have them put their letter in an envelope, addressed to: 

Santa Claus
North Pole

Try to avoid sealing this envelope without being too obvious.

 

Step 2: Write a response to your child.

iStock

Okay, here’s the spoiler part! Using your stealth parenting-in-the-night skills, the same ones that power you to wrap presents and fill stockings undetected, you will need to write out the response from Santa (disguise your writing if you think necessary) and place it in an envelope addressed to your child with a return address of Santa Claus, North Pole. 

Make sure you put a stamp on this envelope: The current rate is 66 cents, or use a Forever stamp.

Tip: USPS suggests writing the response from Santa on the back of your child’s letter to save space and to make sure your kiddo will remember what they wrote (plus this way you get to keep it without giving anything away!).

Related: Do Your Kids Write Letters to Santa? They’re Not Alone 

Step 3: Mail it.

iStock

Place everything into a larger envelope (like a Priority Mail Flat Rate or manilla envelope) and make sure there is adequate postage. A flat rate is great because you can buy the postage online and print the label, saving you a trip to the post office. 

Remember, in your envelope, you will have:

1 letter to Santa in an envelope addressed to Santa

1 response from Santa in an envelope addressed to a child with an actual postage stamp (and Santa’s return address)

Address this larger envelope to:

North Pole Postmark
Postmaster
4141 Postmark Dr.
Anchorage, Ak 99530-9998

The rest is up to Santa’s busy elves at the Postal Service. 

Important: The USPS recommends having the letters sent no later than Dec. 1 so that they can arrive at the Anchorage, AK office in time. 

Learn more here

Good to Know:

The USPS also operates Operation Santa, a letter-writing program for any kid in need. Children can write to a specific address and make requests. They even have a letter-writing kit. To learn more about this program, or to answer letters and donate to kids in need, click here.

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These brilliant ideas will help you survive—and even enjoy—your next family adventure

When it comes to a road trip, it’s often about how you get there, not where you’re going. Make sure that journey is memorable for the right reasons with a few tips and road trip hacks we’ve road-tested ourselves. They might not prevent the inevitable “Are we there yet?” but we know they will ease some of the other trials of taking a long car ride with kids. And to mix it up, try our list of car games when they need a break from the screens!

1. Give the kids the map. Hand over your GPS during times of the trip when you actually know where you are going. Let the kids “navigate” and tell you which way to turn. Or hand them a road map and have them help figure out the route. Get tips on teaching kids how to read a REAL map here.

2. Bring enough headphones for each kid. It will ward off any complaining or whining. If your crew likes to listen to or watch the same thing, try BuddyPhones, kid headphones that come with an audio splitter for sharing.

3. Surprise observations. During the trip, have each person write down an observation or memory from the day. If you’re traveling more than one day, do it each day of the journey, there and back. Don’t share what you’ve written until you are home. Then have each family member read out loud their main “thought” for the day. It’s okay if it’s, “I wish we were there” or “I saw a giant clown on the side of the road.” You’ll get some laughs and relive the trip in a new way.

4. Use a shower caddy for mess-free eating. Tired of balancing lunch on your lap? Give each kid—and yourself—a caddy so that meals are contained in one neat place.

5. Stash plastic cutlery and napkins in the glove box. It’ll make eating in the car that much easier.

6. Make a killer playlist. It can make or break a road trip. Trust us. Find family friendly tunes, starting here.

7. Beat the sniffles. Use a rubber band to lash a full tissue box to an empty one. Use the empty one to dispose of used tissues right after using, so they don’t end up all over the car/on the floor/in your snacks.

8. Make up some car bingo. Purchase a stack of ready-made car bingo games, or go the simple route by making a “checklist” of cool things you see on the road. The first person to fill up a checklist gets to pick where you make a pit stop for dinner.

9. Hang a shoe organizer on the back of each front seat. Big kids will be able to reach for books, snacks, and games on their own (and ideally they’ll be able to put everything back, too).

Related: The Ultimate Guide to the American Road Trip

campers in an RV using road trip hacks
Adam Clark

 

10. Kick off your shoes. For long rides, many kids like to take their shoes off. Let them, but have a bag handy to stash the shoes or keep them by the door of your RV, so they’re easy to find for pit stops.

11. Download Sit or Squat. You’ll be able to scout clean bathrooms on your route. This is a road trip hack you can’t live without.

12. Chuck garbage into a plastic cereal container or old wipes box. They usually have lids so your vehicle won’t smell like Eau de trash. Put them throughout your RV or car!

13. Pack clothes in stackable laundry baskets (instead of suitcases). The idea is that each traveler has their own basket filled with clothes and other belongings (diapers, lovey, etc.). It’s much easier to see if you’re forgetting anything and it’s a cinch to load and unload.

14. For impatient travelers, use “Sticky Note Time Tabs.” How it works: Write increments of time (i.e. 1:15, 2:15, 3:15) on sticky notes and adhere them to the center console below the clock. Kids pay attention to when the clock time matches the sticky note time. When they notice it, you remove the sticky note (and give them a surprise, if you’re feeling generous).

15. Organize a glow stick dance party while driving at night. There’s nothing fun to see out the windows, so might as well bring the fun inside your vehicle. Hip hop hooray to kiddos’ fave tunes and score major brownie points for your efforts.

16. Cover seats with a fitted sheet. Be prepared for a mess by stretching a sheet over the seats. When you get to where you’re going all you have to do is shake the sheet out and BAM!… your ride is spotless once more. One of our more genius road trip hacks if we don’t say so ourselves.

17. Make edible necklaces for the journey. String flavorless floss with things like cereal, grapes, and pretzels. It will fill their bellies and keep them busy at the same time.

18. Get snap happy. Give the kids disposable cameras (or old smartphones) so that they can take pictures of what you’re driving by for a travel log.

19. Let the creative juices flow. Since playdough can get stuck in floorboards (and hair … and under fingernails), bring along a roll of aluminum foil and/or a box of pipe cleaners—both can be molded into shapes, animals, and skyscrapers.

20. Nip car sickness in the bud. If you or your kiddo gets nausea from reading on the road, simply tilt your head from side to side for it to go away. Just try it!

21. When you see a fun road stop… stop! This is how road trip memories are made. If you’re the planning type, visit roadtrippers.com to map out a few awesome layovers, and be sure to check out our favorite roadside attractions, too.

22. Pack a potty. This is an important road trip hack if you’ve got potty-trained littles: Open and lay a disposable diaper into the bottom of a toddler potty. If you’ve got miles to go before the next rest stop, pull over and let them use this—the diaper will soak up a #1 and contain a #2 until you find a proper spot for disposal.

23. Have plenty of other screen-free activities on hand. When your kids are bored of playing car bingo (it’s inevitable), have something else from our list ready to go.

Related: 16 Roadside Attractions You’ve Got to See to Believe

 

Get ready to binge season 7

It seems like only yesterday we were flipping out over the new trailer for season six of Workin’ Moms on Netflix. The show officially wrapped in September, not only for season seven but for the series as well. CBC fans have already been able to see the season—it premiered on CBC in early January. Netflix fans will be thrilled to hear that the network just announced that the seventh and final season will drop on April 26.

In June 2022, creator, executive producer and star Catherine Reitman announced the show was officially coming to an end.

In a press release, Reitman remarked: “To our incredible fans, making this show has been the ride of my life. Philip and I hit the ground, day one of season one, with a three-month-old and a two-year-old, watching as we pressed forward on one mission: to tell the stories of four flawed mothers, who dared to be something beyond their nurseries. Going to work every day, whether in the room with our brilliant writers, on set with our extraordinary cast or in post with the best producing team in the business, has cemented in me the importance of telling stories that have meaning, surrounded by artisans who get it.”

“But like any story, there must be an ending. And so, it is with love and gratitude that I’m announcing season seven as our final season. The biggest thank you to our partners, CBC and Netflix, for getting behind a show that points a flashlight into the darkest corners of motherhood. To those of you who’ve stopped me on the street, to share your love of the show—I see you. I hear you. And I thank you. Go get ’em mamas…”

Workin’ Moms Season 7 Plot

Per the release, season seven “will see the women confront demons from their past in order to move forward into their future… As we bid farewell to Kate, Anne, Sloane, Jenny, and Val, it’s up to each of them to decide the impact they’ll leave with their work, the traits they’ll pass on to their children, and ultimately, how much more sh*t they’re willing to take as workin’ moms.”

If you weren’t already familiar, the hit mom-com, which airs on Canadian network CBC before making its way to Netflix, follows Toronto moms as they navigate motherhood, maternity leave, relationships and being a professional. To get an idea of what you’re in for, you can check out the season six trailer below. (Full disclosure: It’s for mature audiences so make sure there are no little eyes and ears in the room when you click “play!”)

Developed by Black-ish star Reitman and based on her own experiences as a working mom, the show delves right into some of the more hilarious aspects of motherhood: baby yoga, those blasted baby strollers and dealing with the hilarious devastation of spilled breast milk. But that was just the beginning.

As the kids have grown over the last six seasons, so do the moms and their scenarios. For all its hilarity, the show still manages to touch on some serious and all-too-real topics, like postpartum depression, post-baby relationship struggles and the drive to be a successful career woman and a mom—all at the same time. It handles these topics with honesty and grace and makes it totally binge-worthy.

Workin’ Moms Season 7 Cast

Season seven sees the return of Dani Kind as Anne, Jessalyn Wanlim as Jenny, Philip Sternberg as Nathan, Ryan Belleville as Lionel, Sarah McVie as Val, Sadie Munroe as Alice, Peter Keleghan as Richard, Nikki Duval as Rosie and Enuka Okuma as Sloane Mitchell.

Workin’ Moms Season 7 Release Date

CBC’s Workin’ Moms is available in its entirety (seasons 1-6 at least) on Netflix. Season seven premiered on CBC and CBC Gem in January 2023, and its global premiere on Netflix is on April 26th, 2023.

While visiting the beach can be a year-round treat, especially when you’re targeting East Coast beaches, we’re leaning into starting new habits in advance of the new year. In the travel realm, this means booking ahead. 

No matter if it’s a couples getaway or a caravan road trip with your entire family, there are many reasons why planning your spring and summer travel now is a great idea. 

Picture yourself with toes in the sand, warm sun on your face and a day full of opportunities ahead of you. Now log on to visitmyrtlebeach.com and bring that mirage to life with major “book ahead” benefits.

Reasons to book your travel in advance

1. Better and more affordable travel options 

Having some flexibility when it comes to travel is a real gift. You’ll find that booking in advance yields great rewards across the board from airfare to car rentals to hotels. Picture yourself planning from a place of calm versus competition for availability.

Another key element is having more time to save up. As the holidays round the corner, you can incorporate travel experiences into your gift list without having to pay right now. Have your kids been begging for a visit to an amusement park, or do you think they’d jump for joy when handed a full day of adventure on the water? You can wrap up these experiences in fun packaging and gift them over the course of the holiday season.

2. More time to research your destination and activities

The beauty of a destination like Myrtle Beach is that there is so much to do. That’s why it’s called The Beach after all. Locking in your travel accommodations in advance allows you to have more fun and freedom figuring out your itinerary. Plus, purchase tickets to any events, museums, theme parks or shows, and enjoy early bird perks as they pop up. To get you started, we’ve built some sample itineraries for you to explore. We’ve got your vacation inspiration covered across the board with ideas for adventure seekers, culture and history buffs, and foodies, as well as all of you beach and sun lovers.

3. Longer lead time to coordinate travel plans with family and friends

Need anyone to water the plants or watch the pets while you’re gone? Maybe you’re hoping to travel with another family or bring the grandparents along. Gift “future you” the ease of coordination by having those conversations now.

4. Bask in the anticipation of fun to come

Studies show that having something to look forward to on the calendar can actually affect your brain chemistry and make you feel happy in the present. If science is in support of creating these anticipatory moments, then so are we. Time to mark the family calendar and circle it twice.

Trip planning can also become a fun family activity when you have time to approach it that way. Host family planning sessions and let everyone drop in a “must-do” to create the ultimate getaway for all.

Head to visitmyrtlebeach.com to start your travel planning today!

If you can dream it, you can put it on your vision board for the new year.

It’s almost 2023, yikes! Spend an afternoon focusing on dreams and goals for the year (hello, travel!) by making a vision board with the kids. From learning a new skill to going on a fantastic trip, there’s no end to the awesome things you can manifest for yourself and your family. 

What You’ll Need to Make a Vision Board for Kids

Painting canvas in any size

Old magazines

Mod Podge (or similar decoupaging paste) 

Scissors

Paintbrush

How to Get Started

If you can see your aspirations on a daily basis, they are more likely to become a reality. Start by writing down goals and ideas, and have your kids do the same! 

vision board for kids

Browse old magazines for words, phrases, and images representing each goal. 

 

Use the Mod Podge to paste each clipped item onto the blank canvas. Be sure to brush a coat of gloss over each image. Don’t worry, it will dry clear!

Have Them Show Off Their Vision Board

how to make a vision board for kids

Once it's done, your kids can decide where to hang or place their vision board, and remember, it should be a place they can see clearly!

Thanks to The Artful Parent for inspiring this post.

 

Pack the minivan and consult with the experts for the best time to head out on a fall foliage-viewing adventure

Fall is just around the corner and along with the pumpkin spice everything comes something truly magical, fall foliage! There’s nothing quite like the fiery autumn colors as the leaves change and the joy of watching your kids’ faces as they leap into a heaping pile of them. If you’re planning a special trip to see this spectacular sight, you’re definitely going to want to check out this interactive map for the optimal place and time to see fall leaves at their peak.

courtesy of SmokyMountains.com

SmokyMountains.com has created this fall foliage map, using data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to predict the peak of the leaf season across the country to help you plan the perfect road trip. The data is based on years of information on the peak season and the forecast ahead. Data scientist and map creator, Wes Melton, explained, “The SmokyMountains.com data model continues to improve and become more accurate each year. This is due to our expanding historical database and our ability to analyze past predictions versus historical trends. Our aggregated historical and current database now includes hundreds of thousands of unique data points giving us the ability to predict more accurately than ever before.”

When will the leaves change color this year?

Many factors go into whether leaves will change early or late. We know that areas where warmer temps persist will often have a later peak (and this was the third-hottest summer on record according to NOAA). But lack of rainfall can make leaves change earlier. So, we’ll have to wait and see how it all plays out.

Check out the interactive map here and use the sliding bar at the bottom to see what changes you can expect across the country from now until the end of October. The site also features scientific explanations of why leaves change color and free coloring pages you can download, as well as local lodging, restaurant, and attraction listings.

Embarking on a long road trip with little ones can make even the most seasoned parents nervous. But having fun and keeping everyone entertained (without plugging in) is easier than you think. Here are 22 boredom-busting road trip activities and car games for kids to ensure backseat moaning and groaning are kept at bay. Screen-free fun for the win!

iStock

1. Plan it out. Before hitting the road, catalog the kitschy, weird, and wonderful sights to see along the route. World’s largest ball of twine, anyone? Wall Drug pit stop? You bet! Then, make sure to stop and gawk a while so the kids can stretch their legs and you can grab a few family selfies to post. Find memorable roadside attractions that made our list or choose your own landmarks.

2. Keep little hands busy. A toddler's hands are best kept busy between those hypnotic highway naps. A large plastic yogurt container with a rectangle cut out of the top combined with a Tupperware full of colorful pom-poms—little hands love to stuff fuzzy balls into the container. Or, try threading oversized buttons onto a ribbon when the second wind hits.

3. Map out your trip. Pick up a few of the classic, old-school paper maps (one for each kid) and let them mark it up, highlight routes, check off milestones—whatever they’re interested in—as you go along your trip. It’s a great way to get them involved in the journey, instead of just focusing on the destination.

4. Play 20 Questions.
This classic road trip activity is easy even for your tiniest passenger. Make sure the answers are only yes or no and keep the answer simple for toddlers (in fact, give them a hint ahead of time: family pet, relative, favorite toy, etc.).

5. Pack a building kit. Building toys like LEGO are always an awesome and fun way to keep kids happily busy. But on road trips? That can be a challenge. This little container not only has a small drawer for important bricks, but it also has a handle and a building plate on top, which is ideal for car or plane travel. Buy it here.

6. Dress up dolls. Paper dolls sure have come a long way, baby. But what hasn’t changed is the way they engage the imagination over and over again. That’s why we love them for travel; you can check som out here

7. Fold paper. Hit the craft store before hitting the road to snatch a pack of origami paper for the six and up gang. Make sure you have a flat surface, and you’ll be swimming in Chinese stars, fortune tellers and pirate hats before you’re even out of town!

8. Bring travel games and toys.
When it comes to the toys you'll bring along for the journey, there are a ton of fun classic and new options to choose from, like marble runs, magnet learning letters and more. See our favorites by clicking here.

Asian kids looking out window of car on family road trip
iStock

9. Let them decide. Kids love having choices and getting involved in decisions. Give them an hour or so out of each day of your road trip and let them dictate where you stop and what you do (with certain limits, of course). It may mean taking a whole bunch of extra stops, but it’ll be worth it to keep the peace. Plus—sometimes it’s just fun to say yes a lot more than you say no.

10. Stick it up. When you see windows, think blank canvas for your littlest road trippers. Dollar Store gel clings and window markers work great when the only view around is farmland and open country. You can even break out a pack of removable stickers to kick it up a notch if you’re feeling brave.

11. Make them work. Okay, so maybe not work, but put the kids into action with a scavenger hunt—like this easy printable one from Schooling a Monkey. It’s a great road trip activity that keeps kids busy searching for water towers, purple cars, a flock of birds—you name it! Grab stickers to check off the squares as you go, then sit back and watch how excited your kids get when they spot things like farms and traffic signs.

12. Play the counting game.
From big rigs to farms or flags, there are things you can count on while driving. Let your kid decide, and you can even make this road trip activity more challenging by narrowing the category (red cars instead of any car).

iStock

13. Play classic road trip games. Three words: License Plate Game. Bring this vintage fave back into fashion with your mini crew. Find plates from all 50 states (C’mon Alaska and Hawaii!) or modify it into an alphabet game starting from A to Z, using the plates you pass along the interstate. See our other favorites here

14. Tell a tale. Spin a yarn to rival Homer’s Odyssey by creating an epic story-in-the-round with your little literati. One person begins the story (think once upon a time or in a galaxy far, far away…) and takes it to a cliffhanger moment (gasp!) before passing it to the next bard of the car. Keep it going as long as you can. Imaginations, engage!

15. Play with puzzles. These super cute magnetic wooden blocks from Tegu help pass the miles for the preschool bunch. Plus, they win the road trip trifecta. Easy to pack? Of course. Great for open-ended play? You bet. Tons of fun in a small space? Check!

family on a road trip will enjoy games you can play in the car
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16. Listen up. There’s no better time to sit back and get comfy for some good old, mesmerizing story-telling than on a long road trip. Queue up a few great audiobooks beforehand. Or, check out these podcasts for curious kids before you head out on the highway. With a mix of something for everyone, the entire family can get in on the fun!

17. Go old school. A good retro road trip deserves good retro toys. Thank goodness so many are making a comeback. Etch-a-Sketch equals mess-free drawing (and a whole slew of questions about how it works) for the older bunch, and a View Finder takes the edge off for the kids who want to watch something.

18. Get crafty. Make your preschool teacher proud and pull out felt boards for your journey. These individual boards (look for them at your local craft store or indie toy shop) lend themselves well to car travel. Scenes can be continually recreated and the felt sticks to itself, but nothing else.

Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

19. Start clicking. One fun road trip activity is to unearth an old Polaroid camera or get a few disposable ones before the trip. Have your kids snap pictures when the mood strikes. From the car, at a rest stop, when there are just 10 miles to go. Then, use these photographic masterpieces to create a journal of the trip when you return.

20. Hide trinkets. Set up your own Hidden Object game around the car before heading out. Place little trinkets (think leftover plastic spiders from Halloween, colorful paper clips, vintage buttons) in plain view around the car. Then when your road trippers are getting antsy, challenge them to see how many they can find.

21. Tell more stories. Get inspired to tell tales along the road by using story blocks. Make your own ahead of time or grab an adorable set, like these wooden story blocks from HABA. What you do from there is as open as the road. Pick them randomly from the tray they come in and let fate determine the direction of your story, or let the munchkins lay them out first and create a story from there.

22. Hand out rewards. Inject a little motivation into the trip with a prize box. Try playing the quiet game if things get too loud. Or offer a dip into the prize box if they can make it 10 more miles without a squabble. Prizes can be simple like getting to pick the next song or choosing the next activity, or you can stock up on a few dollar store items before heading out of town.

—Allison Sutcliffe & Heather Dixon

 

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When was the last time you and the kids played tourist in the Emerald City? If it’s been a while, now is a great time to reintroduce your family to the Seattle Waterfront. With the removal of the old viaduct and the promise of a new city park, the waterfront is looking better than ever. On a sunny day, you can’t beat it. And if we’re being honest, it’s just as fun (and maybe less crowded) on a rainy day. From the Great Wheel to Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, there’s a treasure trove of things to do for families of all ages. Just mix and match any of our favorite spots to plan the ultimate Seattle Waterfront outing.

The Great Wheel and Miner's Landing are two of the main attractions at Seattle Waterfront park

What to Do on Land

For our guide, we found places that are within walking distance of each other along the Seattle Waterfront, but parents with toddlers know that’s not always a standard measure. Don’t sweat it; you don’t have to do it all in one trip. Pick one or two attractions that fit your family and you’ll have a great time without feeling pressured to “do it all.”

Close up of a harbor seal at the Seattle Aquarium along Seattle Waterfront

photo: Seattle Aquarium

Swim with the Fishes
The Seattle Aquarium is home to all kinds of colorful tropical fish, shorebirds, jellyfish, otters and a giant Pacific Octopus that kids can’t seem to resist. Its newest residents include Casey, a harbor seal who is friends with two others, Barney and Hogan; and Chiidax, a male northern fur seal and is friends with Flaherty. (We are not making this up.) The most impressive exhibit here is the Underwater Dome, where you’re surrounded by all kinds of sea life. Other exhibits include the Family Activity Center and the ever-popular tide pool where kids are encouraged to reach in and touch sea urchins, anemones and other underwater wonders.

Miners Landing with the Great Wheel above at Seattle waterfron

photo: Seattle Aquarium

Become a Miner for the Day
Pier 57 is home to Miner’s Landing, a mini Disneyland, if you will. This is the home of the Seattle Great Wheel, Wings Over Washington, an indoor carousel featuring 30 hand-painted horses, shops and restaurants.

Take a Spin Over the City
Standing at 175 feet tall and reaching 40 feet over Elliott Bay, the Seattle Great Wheel is the largest Ferris wheel on the west coast. Each of the 42 climate-controlled gondolas can carry up to eight people, making for a perfect ride whether rain or shine. While on the ride, you will see views of Century Link Field, Mt. Rainier, T-Mobile Park, Pike Place Market and the Space Needle. At it’s just as spectacular at night when it is covered with over 500,000 LED lights making for a free walk by light show.

A family enjoys the Wings over washington experience on Seattle Waterfront

photo: Wings Over Washington

Take an Indoor Flight
Patterned after Disney’s Epcot’s “Soar’n” attraction, the Wings Over Washington “flying theater” will transport your whole family to locations all over the state. Your journey begins in a “ranger station” where you’ll get a short briefing on what to expect. From there, you’ll exit into a “forest” and climb into your theater seat, and you’ll be on your way experiencing the sights, sounds and even smells of the PNW as you “fly” over the Olympic National Forest, Mt. Rainier, San Juan Islands, the Tieton River, Husky Stadium and even become part of the Walla Walla Valley Balloon Stampede.

Become Curious
Located on Pier 54, the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop is a hybrid museum and gift shop that has been entertaining families since 1899. It prides itself of being home to the “weird, freaky and curious.” Among the tourist t-shirts and coffee mugs, you’ll find displays of shrunken heads, mummies, natural oddities, “taxidermy treasures” and an assortment of human-made wonders. You’ll see jewelry made from real insects, hand-blown ornaments, Northwest Native American hand-carved totem poles and a lot more.

Family walks with flowers and other finds from Pike Place Market near Seattle waterfront

photo: Visit Seattle

Go to the Market
While not technically one of the Seattle Waterfront attractions, it’s hard to resist a trip to the Pike Place Market when you’re so close. A family could almost spend a whole day just at the Market! Hint: it’s also a great place to park. The market is filled with 500 or so small businesses, so there is a lot of ground to cover. The best places to take the fam? Watch the fish fly by at the fish stands, check out the comics at Golden Age Collectables, take a (quick) stroll through the Old Fashioned Candy Store, say hi to Billie the brass pig and be fascinated with the iconic gum wall. If you’re good, the kids might even let you stop at the original Starbucks.

close up of seattle gum wall along seattle waterfront

photo: Alabastro Photography

Where to Go on the Sea

The water is pretty to look at, but it’s even better to experience. Hop aboard one of these ships for incredible views and memory-making.

Argosy Cruises
Argosy Cruises have been doing their thing for 70 years. Known as “Seattle’s Original Harbor Cruise,” Argosy offers one-hour long narrated cruises. “From the skyline to the shipping port, there’s views and history everyone will enjoy,” they say. Each cruise offers a live narration about Seattle’s present and mini history lessons about its past while taking in the panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. A full-service bar is on board with cocktails, wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.

Salish Sea Tours
Salish Sea Tours offers hour-long catamaran tours of Elliott Bay with an audio tour of Seattle and the surrounding areas. Two full-service bars are on board as well offering beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, salmon meals, sandwiches and snacks.

Seattle’s Tall Ship
For a change of pace, check out Seattle’s Tall Ship, a classic schooner departing from Pier 66 Bell Harbor Marina. The 85-foot traditional gaff-rigged schooner is a family-friendly ship. Yes, the twin-masted ship offers a similar tour with fantastic views, but this ride is wind-powered and is two hours long. It too offers and drink and snack bar and plenty of outdoor seating.

The Seattle waterfront with a Washington state ferry and the space needle

photo: Visit Seattle

Bainbridge Island Ferry
For a simpler (not to mention cheaper) tour option, take a Bainbridge Island Ferry ride. Just walk on the 400-foot-long boat for a 35-minute ride to Bainbridge Island. Who knows, you just might see an orca. The best part? You’ll only pay a fare going to the island; it’s free on the way back.

Seattle Waterfront Restaurants

With all of that walking around and exploring, you’ll need some time to refuel. Along the waterfront, you’ll find a number of restaurants options that might fit the bill, but if you’re wanting to complete your day with an experience, check these out.

Ivar’s Acres of Clams
Ivar’s has been a Seattle institution since 1938. Ivar’s Acres of Clams is known for their “world famous” clam chowder, grilled wild salmon and true cod fish ‘n chips. The menu also includes deep-water halibut, Alaska King crab, Dungeness crab, jumbo prawns, Manila clams and weathervane scallops. The kids menu is pretty extensive with kid-sized portions of the classics plus butter noodles (with or without chicken), cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwich and more to chomp on. Got a picky eater? How about a fruit cup? Done!

Ivar’s Pier 54 Fish Bar
However, if the weather is cooperating, you might want to take the clan to Ivar’s Pier 54 Fish Bar right next door to the Acres of Clams. They serve up many favorites including cod, halibut and salmon fish ‘n chips, clams, prawns, oysters, scallops and even chicken. Enjoy white or red clam chowder or Alaska smoked salmon chowder in a cup or bread bowl or grab a side of French fries, cole slaw and shrimp cocktail and mix it up.

The Crab Pot
Here, you actually encouraged to play with your food. Sort of. The Crab Pot is a casual restaurant’s specialty is the Seafeast where buckets of steamed seafood is dumped directly on the table and your family can have at it. Four feasts are offered, but the most popular is The Alaskan which consists of king crab, snow crab, Dungeness crab, clams, shrimp, mussels, andouille sausage, red potatoes and corn on the cob. If that is not your thing, they also offer more traditional items including grilled seafood, barbecue ribs, chicken and vegetables, burgers and sandwiches.

a sunny day with outside seating at Seattle waterfront restaurants fishermans landing

The Fishermen’s Restaurant and Bar
Located right next to the Seattle Great Wheel, Fishermen’s Restaurant and Bar features indoor dining as well as a large patio to take in the views or just watch the Wheel go round and round. Dishes here include fresh-shucked local oysters, coconut prawns, local crab and smoked salmon.

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