Summer is here and the great outdoors are calling. With so many opportunities around you, where do you choose to take your family? We asked adventurers and here are seven inspiring answers.
Dylan and Kate Yarter
Dylan and Kate Yarter are the founding artists of the Nevele Society, an online boutique with hand painted art and one-of-a-kind vintage finds inspired by their travels. Last year they eloped on a 2-week wedding adventure to Tulum and across the Yucatan in Mexico and share a blended family of four boys!
One of our favorite family friendly places to visit during the summer is Eleven Mile Canyon in Eleven Mile State Park near Lake George in Colorado. If fact, we ended up road tripping to Eleven Mile Canyon and the surrounding areas (Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs, Buena Vista, Garden of the Gods, and more) three times during the summer of 2018!Colorado is a beautiful and popular family friendly summer destination, and our family LOVES Eleven Mile Canyon, because the location offers everything fun a family needs to enjoy the Rocky Mountains! When first visiting the mountains with children, elevation and fatigue can be a concern on mountain hikes.
Eleven Mile Canyon is perfect because it is a lower elevation (it’s a canyon haha) and still has plenty of absolutely amazing short hikes and break taking views – often within a 20-30 minute hike up the ridges and slopes.Another great family friendly feature of Eleven Mile Canyon is Rimrock creek that runs through the area fed by the Eleven Mile Reservoir, then on to Lake George nearby. Although it is called a “creek,” it has enough water running through it and terrain to be a river! There is plenty of swimming spots available throughout the park and the water, though cold, is manageable for adults and kids alike and plenty of fun! There are also several places along the creek with picnic tables and bathrooms, which is VERY helpful when taking kids here for a full day of adventure!
One word of advice from our experiences visiting Eleven Mile State park – if you are camping, find a campsite in Eleven Mile canyon and not on the Eleven Mile Reservoir! The first night we ever visited the area, we camped near the reservoir and the wind was CRAZY! It took hours to get the tent up with the wind, and we were redoing the tent stakes all night… There is also not much to do near the campsites on the reservoir, the terrain is very flat, and there are not any trees or much plant life to enjoy. The next night we stayed at a campsite at the Spillway Campground in Eleven Mile Canyon, and it was amazing! Beautiful weather, less wind, tons of trees, PLENTY to do and see, and so much more! Trust us, where you decide to camp in Eleven Mile State Park makes all the difference in your family’s travel experience.
Scottie Jones
Scottie Jones has hosted a farm stay at her Leaping Lamb Farm (www.leapinglambfarm.com) in Alsea OR since 2006. She loves to introduce families to her sheep farm and to the natural world. She also runs Farm Stay USA, an association of working farms and ranches offering lodging across the U.S.
Dan Howard
Originally from San Francisco, Dan moved to Utah 10 years ago and was surprised to find summers were actually warm. He has a family of 7, all of whom ski, climb, mountain bike and love wildlife and Shakespeare Festivals (especially the one in Cedar City, Utah).
Chris Berkenkamp
A film maker and technology entrepreneur, and I was in Hawaii for 4 weeks in February and March of 2019.
Here are a handful of things I learned about Hawai’i while working closely with some of the locals: It’s not spelled, Hawaii, it’s spelled Hawai’i: there’s an Okina in between the two “i’s” which is important for proper pronunciation as well. Without the okina, which is the apostrophe’s flipped cousin, it’s a misspelled word.
Every meal in Waikiki is $16 or more dollars not including drinks. Even iHop. There was one exception, there is a Udon noodle restaurant called Marukame Udon which has very reasonably priced meals, but a line that sometimes wraps around the block.. At the end of the day, around 9:45pm, you might be able to catch a break in the line and grab a $10 udon experience that you’ll definitely write home about.
In Oahu, the fanciest hotels are the Ritz Carlton, Turtle Bay Resort, The Four Seasons, and….Aulani: a Disney Resort. No one expected Disney to be on that list, but surprisingly, it’s very nice. The Aulani and the Four Seasons are also right next door to each other and share the same manmade lagoon. The Disney resort is surprisingly not awash with too many dressed up cartoon characters. The experience is unexpectedly comfortable, high end, and the decor is authentic. Don’t forget the incredible manmade volcano surrounded by an exceptionally long (and fun) lazy river. Just a stones throw away, The Four Seasons defines luxury and service, and is the place most celebrities stay while vacationing or for work. The proximity is peculiar at first glance, but actually works out just fine.
In Hawai’i, Canoes, and pictures of Canoes, are everywhere. What I learned, is that a Canoe is much more than a boat, it’s a life vessel that housed families of sometimes 30+ travelers voyaging thousands of miles across the high seas. Stored inside the canoes were all the food and materials that the travelers would need for their journey, but also enough rations and supplies to start a new life once they made it to their destination.
“Island time” is real….and really contagious! The rumor is that people on Hawai`i aren’t as punctual as people on the mainland. While I have to say that everyone I worked with was timely, I found myself drifting into my own sense of “island time.” Once you find yourself surrounded by consistently impeccable weather, warm sun, perfect beaches and the mountains from Jurassic Park, many priorities on the mainland become secondary in Hawai`i. And being a minimum of three hours time zone difference from LA, and six hours from New York, if you don’t get your call to the east coast in by 2pm, it will have to wait until another day. With the myriad of distractions available, many times waiting until the next day is exactly what happens.
Each island is it’s own world, and has unique aspects that differentiate it from the others. Do your research to find out which experience you’d like, whether it be shopping, or camping, surfing or zip lining, isolated, or in the center of the city, there are many different types of experiences to be enjoyed depending on which island you visit.
The Big Island of Hawai`i is many times the size of the rest of the islands, is very rural, and the only island with an active volcano.
WEAR SUNSCREEN. Everywhere, and everyday. After going to the beach and spending only 45 minutes without sunscreen, I learned the hard way. My unprotected jaunt caused four days of “the devil’s itch,” which is a nice term for the hellish burning itching that accompanies a major sunburn.
Each side of the island has its own ecology. There is a dry side, a wet side, and wherever you go, there is a good chance you’ll see rainbows.
It can be perfectly sunny, and a small cloud can appear instantly and start to rain on you. The good news–it’s usually warm rain, and in short bursts the locals call these impromptu mini-showers “blessings.”
One of the biggest and best Slam Poetry regular events in the country is held in Hawai`i hosted by Kealoha, the 1st Poet Laureate of Hawai`i at Hawaiian Brian’s in Oahu on the first Thursday of every month. Kealoha is also the writer and star of “The Story of Everything,” a very special epic poem meets Broadway format musical that combines music, dance, theatre, slam poetry and science, which was shot as a film that’s being released in 2020.
A warning….You may not want to leave. Many of the locals that I met on my trip had ventured to Hawai`i for work or vacation, but ended up never leaving. So if you go, be prepared…you might never want return to the mainland!
There are many different cultures that share the island as a destination for vacation, spiritual retreat and easy living. This creates a wonderful smorgasbord of dining options of cuisines from around the world. One word can describe this phenomenon: YUM.
As long as it’s safe, make sure to go in the water. In many places, the water is almost lukewarm, clear, and a large number of beaches are very shallow for a long ways out, making it a perfect place to surf, bodysurf, snorkel and swim. If the waves are big, and you’re not a world champion surfer, stay out of the water. Also, there is a cliff diving spot called the Spitting Cave that looks fun, but is deadly. Go for the view, but stay out of the water here.
99% of the people you meet in Hawai`i especially the locals, are very friendly, open and warm. It’s important to remember that since it’s a heavy tourist destination, there are a few bad people out there who prey on the naiveté of the travelers. Just because you’re on vacation, doesn’t mean you can let your guard down. The risk of theft is real, as is pickpocketing. Make sure to keep an eye on your possessions, keep your hotel rooms secure, and lock valuable possessions in the safe.
Go hiking. There are many amazing hikes. Ask locals for the best ones, and don’t be surprised if you end up at a waterfall and/or looking at the most majestic view you’ve ever seen in your entire life.
Art is alive in Oahu. The island is hosting its once-every-two-year art festival called “The Honolulu Biennial” featuring local and international artists and exhibits showcased at museums and installations across Honolulu. Check out “The Hub” at Ward Village, where you can see installations, paintings, sculptures, and a wide variety of indigenous and modern art on full display. Buy the pass and then travel to over 15 locations around the city to see featured works from phenomenal artists like Solomon Enos and Chiharu Shiota. Also make sure to check out “Emissaries” at the Honolulu Museum. It combines history, art, filming and technology in a very interesting installation format.. Also the Bishop museum is a great place to bring kids who are into science, the history of the island and anyone interested in how the volcano and hot spots volcanic island systems work.
Nicole Hunter
Travel Blogger, Go Far Grow Close
The best family friendly summer outdoor destination is Whistler, BC, Canada. It is spectacularly beautiful – surrounded by mountains, forests, and lakes. There are countless inexpensive or free outdoor experiences a family can enjoy. This includes biking, rollerblading, and walking along the Valley Trail, a 40 km paved path that takes you to all the parks, lakes and experiences all over Whistler. Each lake offers something different, but generally there are beaches, playgrounds, beach volleyball, tennis courts, basketball courts, and barbecues.
Free outdoor concerts, children’s festivals, and outdoor movie nights are also normally offered. For those that want a little bit of adventure and some crazy heart stopping experiences, there is the Bobsleigh run on the 2010 Olympic Whistler Sliding Centre; a Treetop Adventure in the forests of Cougar Mountain; whitewater rafting; and amazing zip lining which includes the Sasquatch Run. This is the longest run in North America at over 2 km long and over 7000 feet in the air. There are countless hiking trails, including some unbelievable ones at the top of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain. Since 2018, both mountains are full connected by gondolas and between the two mountains, you can take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola which has the longest free span ropeway between towers in the world and crosses at the highest point above the ground in the world. Activities that are not free or inexpensive, usually have good discounts for children.
Whether you want a relaxed outdoor experience or an extreme outdoor adventure, all of this is available in Whistler for you and your children.
Sam Maizlech
Outdoor & Travel expert for Glacier Wellness, a company dedicated to natural and sustainable personal care products for the modern pioneer.
While many families are heading to theme parks and beaches this summer, you’re not going to want to miss out on the unfathomable beauty of Zion National Park. As one of the best hiking and camping destinations in the country, Zion National Park is the quintessential nature destination of the American Northwest. Be sure to check out the Watchmen Campground which offers year-round camping and hiking for all ages.
Watchman is spacious enough that you’ll never feel too close to the other visitors. Once you experience waking up to the sunrise over the tall sandstone cliffs, and the well-kept grounds and facilities, you’ll understand why Zion Park has become such a hot spot. The views all throughout Zion National Park are nothing short of breathtaking. I recommend heading to the Canyon Junction Bridge to get a glimpse of the view of the Virgin River as it carves through the canyon below.
Amanda Ensinger
Delaware, Ohio and Hamilton, Ohio are near major cities. Delaware is about 20 miles from the 15th largest city in the country, Columbus, Ohio, and Hamilton is about 30 minutes from Cincinnati, Ohio, another large Ohio city. Both offer family friendly activities, summer attractions, a variety of dining, fun outdoor and indoor entertainment and something for every family member. Please see below and let me know if you need photos or additional information. Also, I included information about another travel client I work with in Georgia. This location is breathtaking and has been ranked the best place for kayaking in the state..
Delaware, OH:
An outdoor oasis located only 20 miles from the 15th largest city in the United States and capital city of Ohio, Delaware, and Ohio is the perfect destination for those looking to be close to a major city. Boasting more shoreline than anywhere else in Ohio, Delaware is home to waterways like Alum Creek Lake and Delaware Lake. Both are havens for boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders, jet skiers and fisherman looking to get out on the water and enjoy the summer. Alum Creek also has the largest inland beach in the state, attracting visitors who want to bath in the sun or take a dip in the lake during hot summer days. Alum Creek State Park, where Alum Creek Lake is located, has quiet coves nestled among shale cliffs, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking with spectacular views of the lake. While in Delaware, make sure you also stop by Olentangy Caverns, formed millions of years ago and formerly used by the Wyandotte and Delaware Indians. Today the caverns offer tours, flashlight tours at night, goat yoga and gem mining. Also, stop by some of downtown Delaware’s unique breweries, restaurants and shops. Offering everything from craft breweries to gourmet cheeses to artesian olive oils and vinegars and unique arts and crafts, downtown Delaware is a cultural hotspot. Before you complete your trip to Delaware, make sure you take a walk around the 200-acre campus of Ohio Wesleyan University, located in downtown Delaware.
Hamilton, OH:
Hamilton, Ohio is the perfect Midwest destination for a fun summertime getaway. Located a quick 30-minutes from Cincinnati, Hamilton is graced by a stunning urban skyline, the beautiful Great Miami River, and tons of unique things to do. Named the City of Sculpture, the town features stunning displays of outdoor artwork and murals and is also home to the 300+ acre Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. Be sure to also taste a refreshing beer Municipal Brew Works, a show at RiversEdge Amphitheater, trendy shopping at Sara’s House and Fleurish Home, and make a custom candle or body butter creation at Petals & Wicks during your stay. Make sure you stop by the Butler County Donut Trail before heading home; this 80-mile trail spans the entire and contains several stops in Hamilton.
Columbia County in Georgia:
Recognized national as one of the top places to kayak in the state of Georgia, Columbia County has an abundance of natural resources, perfect for summer exploration. From kayaking to hiking to mountain biking and climbing, it is no wonder this region was named one of the healthiest places to live in Georgia. Home to the Clarks Hill Lake, the Savannah River and the historic Augusta Canal, kayaking is a top attractions in the region. Visitors can participate in guided tours or rent/bring their own kayaks and explore on their own. One popular kayaking exploration is to Stallings Island, which has been designated a National Landmark. This island is home to wild donkeys and goats that were put on the island to keep vegetation down. Via a guided tour, visitors can kayaking to the island and feed the donkeys and goats from their kayaks. The county also is home to Heggie’s Rock, Burks Mountain and Mount Carmel, offering some of the best biking, hiking and trail running in the county. The Bartram Trail, a well-groomed trail with stunning views of Clark’s Hill, is a must. The intermediate-trail offers several access points, so users can go for a quick exploration or turn their hike into an all-day adventure. Besides outdoor adventure there also is a thriving culinary scene that is really establishing itself within the region, as well as a variety of historical sites and unique mom and pap businesses. The county also is the home of several celebrities, including Lady Antebellum band members Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood and Oliver Norville Hardy of the comedy duo Laurel & Hardy.
