O'Phalen Adventures

Category: Destinations

Quebec City with Kids: Discount European Charm for Families!
We think that Quebec City with kids is an AMAZING choice for North American families looking for European charm on a budget! We visited Quebec City at the tail end of an amazing summer RVing through Maritime Canada. I’m so glad we added it to the itinerary! It’s one of our favorite destinations, even after almost four years of full time travel.
We only had a handful of work-free days to play in QC, but I feel like we packed in SO much culture and sightseeing. I feel like Americans miss out on this totally underrated (and nearby!) destination. So I’m excited to share what we did and hopefully convince you to visit Quebec City with kids someday 😉
If you’re looking for recommendations for travel with kids gear, I have an Amazon list with some of our faves. And I can’t recommend our Yoto players enough for screen-free entertainment on travel days.
Now let’s talk about Quebec City!

Quebec City with Kids: Old Quebec
Walk Old Quebec
The old city charm that everyone comes to Quebec for is in Old Quebec. You obviously can’t miss simply strolling around! There’s delicious food, cute shops, and photo opps with adorable cobblestone streets galore. Some spots you might want to bookmark that are especially cute are Place Royale, Rue des Pains Benits, Rue du Petit Champlain, Rue du Cul-de-Sac, and the Old City Center Swing. You could walk most of it in a (very long) day, but I’d recommend leaving at least two so you can wander and take your time seeing everything. Mix it up with some of the other sights in this post!
Funiculaire Ride
This is a must with kids in my opinion. It’s only a few dollars a person to ride this cool elevator type thing from the lower old city up to by the Fairmont. It saves a lot of stairs, and my kids thought it was super fun. It only takes like 60 seconds and we waited just 5 minutes for the next one, so an easy commitment, too.
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
The Fairmont hotel is the gorgeous castle dominating the city skyline from the water. You can’t miss it. It’s worth admiring up close, especially with the pretty summer gardens outside. There’s an afternoon tea if your kids are the type to be into that, but book it way in advance!
Fountains at Quebec City Hall
There’s a fountain show at the city hall (just past the Fairmont) that was a surprise hit. We sat and ate lunch there, and my kids played in the fountains with some other local kids for a loooong time. It was the perfect midday stop on a sunny day with kids.

Quebec City with Kids: Museums
Museum of Civilization
This museum is conveniently located in Old Quebec, and they have fascinating rotating exhibits. We learned about Pompeii and bugs. My kids’ favorite was a special exhibit about poop. Because of course.
Aquarium of Quebec
This is a sweet little aquarium that we really enjoyed. The jellyfish room and the multi-story fish tank were particular favorites. It’s a drive from the center of town, but worth it if you have a car!
Musee National des Beaux-Arts
This art museum is definitely geared towards adults, and my kids were the only ones there the day we went. BUT they had a fun little kid program run by a docent where we got to carve foam shapes to do printmaking. They also have fascinating rotating exhibits and a permanent section of Inuit art that we loved upstairs.
Site Traditionnel Huron
We always like to prioritize learning about Indigenous peoples as we travel. This immersive site is a very cool look at the traditional lifeways of the people Indigenous to the area before the French and English arrived. Highly recommend!
And if you love taking your kids to museums and are looking for insider knowledge on which North American museums are amazing and kids-friendly, we’ve got you! Click to download our totally free list of favorite museums here:
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Quebec City with Kids: Miscellaneous
Cafe Felins Chats-Nous
Quebec City has its own cat cafe, and knowing how much our kids loved the one in Brooklyn meant we had to try this one. They offer drinks and light food, and you get to visit with an array of adorable kitties while you’re there. I will say that this place was not overtly kid friendly, and I would only bring chill kids here. Still worth it for us, but I’m guessing they won’t tolerate kids being rowdy in here.
Ferry to Levis
The ferry across the river to Levis is way cheap and the best bang for your buck in the city! It’s a commuter ferry, so it’s affordable, but the views are outrageous. On a beautiful day at sunset, you can’t beat it.
Benjo Toy Store
If you love adorable toy stores, you can’t miss Benjo. The displays are so fun, and they have a wide selection of all the super fun toys. Don’t go in here if you’re not wanting to spend money haha.
Eat Some Crepes
You can’t visit Quebec City without eating crepes, and you don’t want to miss the ones at Le Billig. It was one of my kids’ favorite parts of the trip! Make a reservation.
Chocolats Favoris
If chocolate dipped ice cream cones sound delicious, you should definitely make time for a stop at Chocolats Favoris. There are several in the city, and the chocolate is so.good. We went twice, and I still dream about it!
Plains of Abraham Park
This is an enormous and beautiful park near the art museum where local families stroll and play. Definitely check it out if you’re in the area!
I hope this post was helpful as you plan our trip to Quebec City with kids! Let me know if you visit in the comments 🙂
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March 4, 2024
Things to do in Palmer Alaska: Explore This Remarkable Place!
There are so many exciting and unique-to-Alaska things to do in Palmer Alaska that it was one of our favorite stops of the entire trip! We spent four months RVing Alaska, and Palmer absolutely captured our hearts. We even circled back to the area and installed solar panels so we could spend more time in Alaska camping off-grid!
Palmer has a few major things going for it:
- Idyllic setting surrounded by gorgeous mountains
- Proximity to outdoor adventures like Hatcher Pass and several glaciers
- Several fun animal excursion options
- Good base for enjoying the cultural offerings of Anchorage without being based in Anchorage (which was not our favorite)
Keep in mind that we visited from early June (which is still really spring!) until early September (which is definitely the beginning of fall!), so I can’t speak to things to do in Palmer Alaska during the winter. Before we get to my ideas, consider checking out our RVing Alaska e-book that has things like our favorite Palmer, Alaska RV park!

RV Alaska with Kids Travel Guide

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If you’re looking for Alaska vacation ideas, you’ve come to the right place! This guide features 20+ pages of what we learned throughout a summer RVing Alaska with Kids.

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Category: Destinations, Ebooks, RV Life

Tags: Alaska, Destination, RV
Okay, on to the many reasons why we loved Palmer Alaska!
Things to do in Palmer Alaska
Hatcher Pass
Possibly the best thing to do in and around Palmer is to explore the breathtaking Hatcher Pass. Do not, and I can not emphasize this enough, miss Hatcher Pass! We loved the hiking up there so much that I wrote a whole blog post just about hiking in Hatcher Pass. But even if you’re not a big hiker, it’s way worth the drive up. The views are amazing right from the road, plus you can visit the historic Independence Mine. You can even rent gold panning tools there and try your luck! Keep in mind that the road up to Hatcher Pass is only open in summer, so check before you go. Skiing and snowmobiling are popular winter activities up there, but I can’t speak to that!
Animal Encounters
Palmer is lucky to offer a couple of really fun animal encounters for tourists. We visited the Williams Reindeer Farm and loved feeding the reindeer there. It’s not a super cheap excursion and it’s definitely touristy, but where else can you pet a reindeer in the U.S.? Palmer also offers a Musk Ox farm where you can visit these unique animals, although we didn’t make it out there.
Dog Sledding
There are a variety of options for dog sledding excursions in and around Palmer and the rest of interior Alaska. They can be quite pricey, though, so are a bucket list sort of experience for visitors. But if you’re looking for a more budget option, The Iditarod Headquarters in nearby Wasilla is the perfect choice! In summertime, the tiny one-room museum offers short dog sledding rides for just $10 a person. It’s the cheapest way to have this special (and super fun!) experience in Alaska.
Downtown & Farmer’s Market
Palmer has a cute little downtown with a couple of breweries and cute restaurants. There’s a visitor center that gives some background into the unique history of the town (a depression-era project!). If you need any outdoor gear, there’s a great thrift store called Bishop’s Attic where I bought a few things, including hiking boots for $12. In the summer, there’s a farmer’s market and live music on Fridays.
Anchorage Museums
While not technically in Palmer, Anchorage cultural offerings are only about an hour away. The Anchorage Museum (free for ASTC members!) and the Alaska Native Heritage Center are two of my recommendations for places to day trip to from Palmer. Palmer makes a great home base for Anchorage attractions, but we didn’t love Anchorage too much, so I’m glad we didn’t spend a ton of time there.
Glacier Adventures
Everyone who comes to Alaska wants to see glaciers, right? Palmer offers two day trip options for glacier adventures, Knik Glacier and Matanuska Glacier. You can rent off-road vehicles to drive to Knik Glacier or pay to hike to or ice climb on Matanuska Glacier. More on my sample 7 day itinerary.
Eklutna Tailrace Fishing
During salmon season, Eklutna Tailrace offers the closest and most accessible salmon fishing option to Palmer. Salmon can be caught about 20 feet from the parking lot in abundance, just make sure you have a permit! Salmon fishing is a way of life here, so this definitely belongs on any list of things to do in Palmer Alaska.
Eklutna Lake
Eklutna Lake is a gorgeous nearby destination for hiking and paddle sports. There is a scenic trail around the edge of the lake, or you can get on the water with a kayak. Always wear a life jacket and watch the weather forecast here, though. It is beautiful, but someone dies on the water almost every year here because of the combination of strong winds and deadly cold waters.
Archangel Road Blueberry Picking
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Alaska during berry season (August!), then you can join the hundreds of folks picking fresh-off-the-vine blueberries. Archangel Road up in Hatcher Pass is an extremely popular and easy to access spot. Just pack the bear spray because they like them, too! And be sure you’ve correctly identified any berry you forage before eating.
Eagle River Nature Center
The Eagle River Nature Center is another worthwhile trip between Palmer and Anchorage. There are many hiking trails (more about that on our best hikes in Alaska list!), and a high probability of wildlife spottings. Plus, it’s gorgeous!
Alaska State Fair
If you end up in Palmer when the state fair is on, this is a must on the list of things to do in Palmer Alaska. Popular entertainers perform, and there are so many events to choose from. Local vendors are here for souvenir shopping, and it’s one of the biggest events in the state if you’re looking for local culture!
Souvenir Shopping at Alaska Chicks
Alaska Chicks sells primarily sweatshirts, and has locations in Palmer, Wasilla, and Eagle River. These sweatshirts are SO high quality and in fun Alaska prints (like fireweed!). Once you’re familiar with what they look like, you’ll start to notice their sweatshirts on all of the locals! We got one for each of us, and we all love them.
I hope this list with ideas of things to do in Palmer Alaska was helpful in planning your time there! If you need more help planning your trip, check out my Alaska packing list and RV Alaska guide.
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February 19, 2024
Things To Do in Tucson with Kids: Discover A Unique Desert City!
We just spent a couple of weeks in Tucson, Arizona, and we love it there. It’s actually our second time visiting this artistic desert city, so we’re full of ideas for things to do in Tucson with kids! As a full time travel family, it’s rare that we re-visit cities, so you know this one has to be fun.
If you happen to be traveling in an RV and are looking for a place to stay, here are our favorite Arizona boondocking spots. And if you’re planning an Arizona road trip, you might want to check out Sedona with kids, too!
Things to do in Tucson with Kids: Hiking

We loved Valley View Overlook trail in Saguaro National Park enough to visit it in both 2021 and 2024!
Saguaro National Park
If you’re into being outdoors in any way, it would be a crime to miss visiting Saguaro National Park. We’ve visited twice now, and I would happily go back again and again. Even if you’ve seen saguaro elsewhere, the sheer density of them in the park is pretty amazing. If you can, check out a ranger talk for some context about these magnificent cacti. I really enjoyed the one we attended because it gave me several different ways of observing what’s going on with the saguaro we see.
If you’re short on time, the Western part of the park is where it’s at. Our favorite hikes with kids include the Desert Discovery Nature trail, which is really just a short walk, but has gorgeous desert plants. And my absolute favorite is the Valley View Overlook trail, which is breathtaking at sunset and just before. Don’t miss the Signal Hill petroglyphs if you’re into those and doing the Junior Ranger program at the Visitors Center.
Sabino Canyon Hikes
Sabino Canyon has several options for gorgeous hikes, depending on how hard you want to hike. The parking areas fill up on weekends, so look into the shuttle service if you’re going at peak times. There’s a great Visitor Center here that you should check out if you have time!
Things to do in Tucson with Kids: Museums
Pima Air & Space Museum
Pima Air & Space Museum
The Pima Air & Space Museum is an absolute must if you have plane lovers in the family (maybe even if you don’t!). It’s the largest air and space museum I’ve ever been to, including around 300 planes on display. My plane lover was enthralled, and I even found some of the unique planes (like a vintage Air Force One) interesting. Because most of it is outside, it’s really little kid friendly.
Biosphere 2
Biosphere 2 is absolutely fascinating because it houses multiple biomes you can visit. Actual scientific research into the impact of climate change on these biomes is ongoing there, so you know they’re incredibly authentic. Visitors will be amazed at being immersed in these varied places. This museum isn’t cheap, but it is very cool.
Ignite Sign Art Museum
I absolutely love neon signs, and my kids think the bright colors are fun, too! This small museum is perfect for short attention spans and pretty pictures. Plus, they offer neon bending demonstrations on select days, which is an extra cool perk!
Flandrau Science Center
This science museum is small, but mighty! And we got in for free with our ASTC reciprocal membership, so definitely use that if you have it. There are some fun and interactive exhibits designed by ASU grad students, plus a tiny tide pool touch tank and an IMAX theater. If you’re only visiting one museum, I might not choose this one. But it’s a great activity for inclement weather days!
Children’s Museum Tucson
The Tucson children’s museum is an adorable and hands-on way to spend a cold (or super hot!) day. It’s interactive and fun for toddlers through elementary school, plus they often have free events so check their calendar! It can get crowded on weekend days, so perhaps best for a weekday if possible.
If you love museums with your kids, you might want to check out our list of U.S. favorites right here:
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Things to do in Tucson with Kids: Downtown & Nearby
Historic Pima County courthouse
El Presidio Plaza & Visitor’s Center
El Presidio Plaza is absolutely gorgeous and worth a stroll. There was even live music while we were there! Plus, our kids loved splashing their hands in the fountain. The historic courthouse building houses the city’s delightful visitor center. There is an interactive map of the area and several large displays about the city’s history and culture. The visitor center is definitely worth a short stop!
Downtown Street Art (Goddess of Agave)
Tucson has a surprising amount of street art downtown, and it’s worth a wander. There are a few beautiful pieces near El Presidio Plaza, but our favorites were the Goddess of Agave (North 7th avenue) and the pieces near it.
Ride the Streetcar
If you have kiddos who love riding trains or even just tired legs, consider a ride on the Tucson streetcar. The Sun Link streetcar is currently free, and riding is a great way to get an overview of downtown. Maybe you’ll even catch some street art from the windows!
A Splash Pad
It’s not surprising that a city this hot would specialize in splash pads to cool off, but these splash pads are amazing! Tucson has dozens of splash pads, but some family favorites are Heritage River Park and Brandi Fenton.
San Xavier del Bac Mission
The San Xavier del Bac Mission is a gorgeous church with beautiful grounds on the Tohono O’odham reservation. It’s free to enter and walk around, and it’s absolutely beautiful. Bonus: try some fry bread being sold in the parking lot! If you’re looking for how to talk to your kids about Indigenous people, you might be interested in this post.
Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo is a small zoo, with a ticket price that’s just right! Adult tickets are only $10.50, which is a fabulous admission price for a zoo. We didn’t visit this zoo ourselves, but I can’t possibly write about things to do in Tucson with kids and ignore the fact that there’s a perfectly kid-sized zoo there.
Tucson Botanical Gardens
If you or your kids love beautiful desert plants, this is the place for you! It’s large enough to be fascinating, but small enough to be accessible for families with small children.
Things to do in Tucson with Kids: Day Trips
Kitt Peak Observatory Tour
Kitt Peak Observatory Tour
This was a surprisingly cool detour for us! It’s about an hour from where we were staying, but totally worth the drive. Not only was it free with our ASTC membership, but the tour of the telescope was really fascinating. The views from Kitt Peak were worth the trip, too! Be aware that toddlers might find it dull, but the adults sure didn’t! Our big kids were into it, too.
Mount Lemmon
Driving up to the top of Mount Lemmon takes some time, but the views are worth it! There are lots of hiking opportunities, but there are plenty of views straight from the overlooks. And snow-loving kiddos will be excited to play in the snow at the top in the winter! There’s also skiing for the winter sports inclined. Check out these web cams for snow updates.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is another desert preserve where you can appreciate the beauty of the Sonoran desert. Lots of hiking opportunities exist there, or you can just enjoy the cacti from a scenic drive.
Nogales, Mexico
For families looking to day trip south of the border, Nogales, Mexico is an easy option for those with passports. Stroll the market and experience Restaurant Bar La Roca before heading home for the night. The easiest way to visit (paperwork wise!) is to park your car here and walk across the border.
I hope this post has been helpful in discovering things to do in Tucson with kids! If you’re taking a road trip with kids, I HIGHLY recommend a Yoto player for the journey. And if you’re wanting your kids to journal about your trip, consider this instant download from our store:

State Worksheet / Travel Journal for Kids

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If you’ve ever wished for an easy way to capture what your kids learn as you travel, this is it! Forget other state worksheets that require boring, irrelevant details like the state flower. Let’s write about what we learned and experienced! This state worksheet digital product includes leveled worksheets for kids: one two page log…

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Category: Printables, Roadschooling

Tags: Homeschooling, Printables, Roadschooling
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February 6, 2024
Best National Parks for Kids: Travel Families’ Insider Picks
So far, we’ve been to over half of the country’s 63 national parks! So I wanted to share our thoughts on the best national parks for kids. But you know who knows more about the best national parks for kids than one full time travel family? Multiple full time travel families. No one knows more than a group of families who collectively have decades and decades of full time travel under their belts.
So today we’re sharing picks for the best national parks for kids from some of our favorite full time travel families! We’re so grateful to these families for sharing their wisdom with us today!
Before we get to the national parks we’re highlighting today — for those of you planning a bucket list adventure with your families, might I suggest checking out our travel journal worksheets for kids? It’ll give kids a place to record their favorite memories, what they learned, and to reflect on what is so different and interesting about the places you visit:

State Worksheet / Travel Journal for Kids

$2.00

If you’ve ever wished for an easy way to capture what your kids learn as you travel, this is it! Forget other state worksheets that require boring, irrelevant details like the state flower. Let’s write about what we learned and experienced! This state worksheet digital product includes leveled worksheets for kids: one two page log…

State Worksheet / Travel Journal for Kids quantity

Category: Printables, Roadschooling

Tags: Homeschooling, Printables, Roadschooling

Let’s jump in to the best national parks for kids now, shall we? There are some amazing gems, some excellent insider tips, and some gorgeous photos as a bonus!
Best National Parks for Kids: Glacier National Park
Julia of Roaming Nomads (@roaming.nomads) chose Glacier National Park as one of the best national parks for kids and had this to say:
“Our favorite National Park with kids is hands-down Glacier. We’ve been there at least 6 times now, with babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers, and the last time with pre-teens and every single time it’s a visit we all keep talking about. It’s accessible enough to enjoy while breastfeeding or managing toddler naps, but interesting enough to keep the older kids engaged and fascinated.
Our favorite memories are:
• Swimming in and paddle boarding on Lake McDonald (don’t forget your watercraft launch permit!). It’s cold but worth it!
• Watching a Grizzly Mom try to manage her three cubs at the side of the road (my most relatable animal interaction to date) on the East side of the park
• Biking up the Going to the Sun Road when it was open still closed for cars in the spring. They open it up just for bikes for two or three weeks each year, depending on how fast their plowing is going. It was absolutely peaceful once you were past the day hikers, and great with the kids because we didn’t have to watch out for cars.
• Eating Bear Claws in Polebridge in a surprise snow storm. Polebridge is always worth the detour, both for the scenery and the bakery.
• Spontaneously deciding on a car camping trip out to Bowman Lake. It’s a long dirt road to get there, which means less people, more animals to watch and a peaceful sunrise on the lake.
And some tips on making the best out of your visit: Stock up before you go, because there’s not a lot of food to be found. Especially fresh stuff and especially if you’re headed to the east side of the park. If you’re driving up and down the Going to the Sun Road, get up early (to avoid the crowds and see the sunrise, and maybe even don’t require a vehicle permit), and going West to East is easier to drive. And don’t forget that your 4th-grader gets a free parks pass, even the homeschooled ones.”
Best National Parks for Kids: Yellowstone National Park
Ali Enerson of A Family Adventures (@a.family.adventures) chose Yellowstone National Park as one of the best national parks for kids and had this to say:
“Yellowstone National Park was high on our bucket list when we set out to RV full-time. Our goal is to make memories and spend more time with our kids while we’re traveling, so knowing there was this colorful, unique, smelly, other-worldly place not all that terribly far from where we lived in Wisconsin brought it toward the top. It’s a massive park, which can in some ways make it not super young kid friendly but we tackled it head on with a 8, 5 and 3 year old.
We were able to break it up into 5 days, our car was loaded with sticker puzzle books, car games, notebooks & pencils, mess free coloring pages, lunches and extra snacks in case the bison jam lasted hours. We looked at the map, broke the park into sections & prioritized. Then we chose the key features we wanted to visit in that section, knowing full well it’s impossible to see it all. We had a goal to hit our top 2-3 things for the day & considered anything else a bonus.
Some of our favorite things were the abundant wildlife viewing, making lunch along the river and just playing and relaxing away from crowded spots, our boondocking site, the boiling mud pots and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. We think even if you only had 1 day in Yellowstone, it would be worth it! Don’t discount the popular and busy parks, they’re usually busy for a reason and with a little pre-planning and preparation it can work for your family!”
Best National Parks for Kids: Olympic National Park
Ryane Smith of Roaming with the Smiths (@roamingwiththesmiths) chose Olympic National Park as one of the best national parks for kids and had this to say:
“Our favorite national park for kids is Olympic National Park! Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, this park offers a captivating blend of diverse ecosystems that make it an ideal playground for kids. The highlights for our little explorers were the abundance of banana slugs and hidden creatures in the tide pools! The park’s combination of lush rainforests, towering mountains, and breathtaking coastline offer very unique terrains with a wide variety of species all in one place! Olympic National Park isn’t just a place; it’s a natural classroom, a playground, a wonderland, a place where kids roam, learn, play, and develop a deep connection with the incredible diversity of the environment around them!
‘In Olympic National Park, nature unfolds its grand story, and each tree, mountain, and tide pool narrates a chapter of wonder.’”
Best National Parks for Kids: Joshua Tree National Park
Heather Metcalf of The Wandering Herd chose Joshua Tree National Park as one of the best national parks for kids and had this to say:
“Joshua Tree National Park provides plenty of opportunities for a memorable experience when traveling with kids! Two favorite activities we did were: the mesmerizing sunrise at Cholla Cactus Gardens, and the enchanting Hidden Valley Trail. Consider starting your day off venturing to Cholla Cactus Gardens for a breathtaking sunrise show. The soft glow of the rising sun illuminates the desert landscape, casting a warm glow over the sea of cholla cacti. It’s a serene and awe-inspiring moment that will create lasting memories against the backdrop of this otherworldly desert environment. The Hidden Valley Trail offers a short, 1 mile flat, family-friendly loop hike. It allows kids to explore the landscape, climb boulders, and discover the unique Joshua Trees. Together, these offer a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty for families to enjoy in a half day excursion to this must-see national park, just in time for an afternoon nap!”
Best National Parks for Kids: Acadia National Park
Jamie Schumacher of Letters From the Road Podcast chose Acadia National Park as one of the best national parks for kids and had this to say:
“Our family loved Acadia for its accessibility, variety of activities, and stunning views. While you can drive up Cadillac Mountain with reservations and a small-enough vehicle, we found the hike up the South Ridge Trail to be a beautiful use of a day. It’s about 7 miles round trip and easy enough for little hikers if you take plenty of snack breaks. We also enjoyed the Jordan Pond House for popovers and bike rides on the carriage trails. We stayed at Narrows Too with our Thousand Trails camping pass and enjoyed that we could use the bus system to get into the park and Bar Harbor. As an added bonus, Acadia is a more dog-friendly park, with dogs allowed on many of the hiking trails. This is one we can’t wait to get back to.”
Best National Parks for Kids: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Mel Lahrs of Lahrs With Latitude (@lahrs.with.latitude) chose Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks as one of the best national parks for kids and had this to say:
“Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks stand out as one of our families top memories while traveling to the National Parks. These two parks are practically one as they are connected and you should definitely see both when you visit.
The parks are renowned for their towering sequoia trees, including the iconic General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on Earth, providing children with a sense of awe and amazement as they marvel at these ancient giants.
One of my best memories is of our kids running through the downed trees on the trails in Grant Grove and identifying pine cones to find out that the smaller ones actually come from the largest trees. We were also very surprised by the beautiful Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.   To learn more details about our adventures and plan your own trip, head to our blog here.”
Best National Parks for Kids: White Sands National Park
Leanna Kreifels of Simply Scenic (@simply.scenic) chose White Sands National Park as one of the best national parks for kids and had this to say:
“White Sands National Park is an absolute gem when it comes to family-friendly destinations. One of the highlights of our visit was watching our kids sled down the pristine white sand dunes, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Additionally, our daughter Kaylee participated in the Junior Ranger program as she does at every National Park we visit. This program not only sparked her curiosity but also taught our entire family about the unique ecosystem and history of the area. The park offers a variety of trails to explore, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the stunning landscapes and endless hills of sand. It truly is a place of unmatched beauty, making White Sands National Park an ideal destination for families seeking adventure and educational experiences all in one.”
Best National Parks for Kids: Saguaro National Park
Aimée Gading of Going with the Gadings (@goingwiththegadings) chose Saguaro National Park as one of the best national parks for kids and had this to say:
“As lovers of trees & lush forests, we weren’t sure what to expect when visiting the desert (kids and giant sharp plants with venomous/poisonous creatures don’t seem like they’d mix, right?) but we quickly fell in love with Saguaro National Park and the varied plants and animals that call it home. There are a few shorter trails we frequented with kids aged 3 and 6, such as the Valley View Overlook Trail & Desert Discovery Nature Trail, both in the Tucson Mountain District, and loved the evening ranger-led hike we did in the Rincon Mountain District.
We felt confident and safe in our knowledge of what to do should certain situations arise with wild life in the area after reviewing information on the NPS website & speaking to rangers. There is a majestic quality to the saguaro cacti we didn’t quite understand until basking in their presence & watching their shadows dance across the land as the sun set against the explosion of color that is a desert sunset. While Saguaro National Park is still in Tucson, a considerably large city, you’d be mistaken to think you can’t find quiet, one-on-one time to make priceless family memories there.”
Best National Parks for Kids: Capitol Reef National Park
Clarie Hamm of Rollin with the Handleys (@_rollinwiththehandleys) chose Capitol Reef National Park as one of the best national parks for kids and had this to say:
“Capitol Reef National Park was a park that wasn’t on our radar on “must visit NP’s” but once there, it quickly became one of our favorites! We were there in October and the park seemed empty. The weather was perfect, the trees were a gorgeous yellow color and there was still fruit on the trees. We had Mule Deer walk right up to us for a snack while we were picking pears and it was the highlight of our trip. Capitol Reef is known to be a desert oasis with the Fremont River running directly through it. If you follow the river in the park, you can pretty much always find a secluded spot away from everyone for the kids to play. We explored for the day and ended up at the river each afternoon for lunch and water time. “
Best National Parks for Kids: Kenai Fjords National Park
I couldn’t leave this post without a little input from the O’Phalen family, right? My pick for one of the best national parks for kids is Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska. I found Kenai Fjords to be much more exciting than Denali National Park. This is a bit of a controversial opinion, but one I stand by. If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, don’t miss our post with everything I’ve written about our RV trip to Alaska.
Besides an adorable visitor center in downtown Seward, Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park has two main offerings: glacier hiking and water adventures. You can find more information about the glacier hiking in our post about the best hikes in Alaska with kids. But the climb to the Harding Icefields was one of my favorite (if challenging!) days in Alaska. Teens and adults might love an ice climbing tour that looks difficult and magical. The photo above is from a kayaking tour I took to Bear Glacier Lagoon that was also absolutely breathtaking. Younger kids may be more wowed by a wildlife boat tour out in the ocean, where sea lions, otters, puffins, whales, and more are readily available to marvel at. I’m not sure how you beat a park that has glacier hikes, ice climbing, glacial lagoons, and abundant sea life.
Thank you SO much to all of our full time travel family friends who contributed to this post! Your wisdom and generosity is so much appreciated.
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January 29, 2024
Boondocking in Arizona: Special Desert Locations Revealed
Boondocking in Arizona is a special experience. All together, we’ve spent almost five months living in Arizona as a full time travel family. While this is absolutely not an exhaustive list of all of the amazing places you can boondock in Arizona, it’s a good list of our favorite spots so far. I promise to come back and add more spots when we return and find more!
If you need recommendations for boondocking gear, check out our list of essentials. For the apps we use to find boondocking locations, read about our favorite boondocking apps.
Arizona is an amazing place to boondock because:
- There is a lot of BLM land and state trust land, making it easy to find lots of large, open spaces for big rigs
- Desert sunsets are amazing, and wide, open BLM land is the best place to appreciate them
- There is incredible wildlife viewing; we have seen so much up close!
- Sunny days are excellent for our solar panels
If you’re boondocking curious, but overwhelmed with learning HOW to boondock, I’ve got you:

Boondocking 101 Guide

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This 10-page guide will assist RVers in learning the basics of boondocking, or camping off-grid! We share everything we’ve learned as a family living off-grid and boondocking in our RV.

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Okay, let’s get into these boondocking in Arizona spots now that I’ve convinced you!
Boondocking in Arizona: Sedona Area
Sedona Boondocking Forest Road 525
I’m going to be candid and say that the glory days of Sedona boondocking are over. You used to be able to camp all along Forest Road 525, but recent restrictions mean that there are now only a few crowded spots. We felt that Surprise Dispersed at N 34°49’24.54″, W 111°54’22.44″ was the best option for big rigs, but it’s just a parking lot and quite crowded even in December. But if you’re visiting beautiful Sedona, this is (now) the spot for big rigs. Check out our ideas for Sedona with kids.
Boondocking in Arizona: Phoenix Area
Lake Pleasant Boondocking
There is a ton of state trust land northwest of Phoenix near Lake Pleasant. State trust land requires a $20 annual permit you can get online. This area at N 33°48’2.76″, W 112°14’18.72″ has cell service and lots of room for rigs of any size.
Peralta Road Dispersed Camping
Peralta Road dispersed camping is on the opposite side of Phoenix near Apache Junction. It’s also on state trust land and offers many big rig accessible pullouts along the road at N 33°20’57.78″, W 111°24’48.90″ and further in. We loved this spot because it’s both gorgeous and also right outside a shopping center for easy conveniences. Great cell service and sunsets. Don’t miss hiking a trail at the end of the road! The Peralta Road dispersed camping (boondocking) spot was one of our faves in the whole state!
Bonus: Lost Dutchman State Park Dry Camping
Lost Dutchman State Park isn’t technically boondocking of course, but we did dry camp there so I decided to include it on this list. This is a STUNNING place to camp, and Siphon Draw trail starts directly in the campground. Don’t miss it!
Boondocking in Arizona: Tucson Area
Pump Station Wash Boondocking
We loved Pump Station Wash outside of Tucson for the enormous sites and epic mountain sunsets. This spot at N 32°26’40.86″, W 111°22’19.44″ was perfect for big rigs and had great cell. Downside is that it’s far from everything except a dollar store and requires two-ish miles of very bumpy washboard roads to access. Worth it! Don’t take Silverbell Road to get there with a trailer, as there is a low weight limit bridge.
Boondocking in Arizona: Miscellaneous Areas
Black Canyon City Boondocking
This was a big BLM trailhead where we camped for over a week at N 34°3’8.64″, W 112°9’2.94″. The sunsets were gorgeous on the trail, and there was an amazing bonus for boondocking — a bathroom with running water! There’s not much nearby, but it was a good resting place.
Crown King Boondocking
There are unbelievable mountain range views on Crown King BLM land, including this spot at N 34°17’27.06″, W 112°10’32.64″. The downside is a long, bumpy road to access it, so it’s not a great base for sightseeing. But if you’re looking for solitude and views, wowza! Cell service was decent.
I hope you try out one of these amazing boondocking in Arizona locations! Come back and let me know if you do.
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January 25, 2024
Boondocking in Alaska: 17 Enchanting Spots for Big Rigs
There is no better place to boondock than in Alaska, in my opinion. So it was time to write a boondocking in Alaska post!
If you want to read absolutely everything I’ve written about our summer adventure RVing Alaska, check out my Alaska post.
What Makes Boondocking in Alaska So Special?
Here are the reasons why I think boondocking in Alaska is the best:
1. It is plentiful. You can pull off and park literally anywhere it doesn’t say you can’t camp.
2. The views are absolutely bananas. Like overlooking a glacier right from a roadside pulloff. How can you beat that?
3. Alaska RV parks are lovely, but *very* expensive and booked out months in advance. You can skip the cost and booking drama by boondocking.
4. Boondocking often gets you a lot closer to all of the outdoorsy action than camping in town, saving lots of driving time.
Boondocking definitely requires more gear, though. If you’re interested in what we consider our boondocking essentials, check out my list here.
If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, you can’t miss our insider guide to everything I wish I’d known about RVing Alaska before we went!

RV Alaska with Kids Travel Guide

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If you’re looking for Alaska vacation ideas, you’ve come to the right place! This guide features 20+ pages of what we learned throughout a summer RVing Alaska with Kids.

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Now, on to the boondocking in Alaska spots!
Boondocking in Alaska: Interior Alaska
Portage Boondocking
Portage is a great base for nearby hiking and paddling (and even day tripping through the tunnel into Whittier!). I even recommend it as a stop on my 7 day Alaska itinerary. There are two nice spots here. The first can be found on Portage Glacier Road at N 60°47’33.30″, W 148°54’1.38″. This spot is right on a pond and has room for a few rigs. It does fill up though, and we weren’t able to fit. There’s also zero cell service here. Our backup spot was Portage Valley Parking at N 60°51’12.36″, W 149°0’23.46″. This spot is a big parking lot right off of the Seward Highway. It’s noisy during the day, but plenty quiet at night. Super level and good cell service. We stayed for several days and loved the views and easy parking!
Eagle River Boondocking
Eagle River is a great boondocking location if you’re looking to be convenient to Anchorage. This location is the North Fork Eagle River boat launch and a big highway pullout on the way to the Eagle River Nature Center at N 61°16’6.54″, W 149°20’54.06″. Cell service on this road is not good.
Palmer Boondocking
Palmer is a place we returned to several times for its pastoral prettiness and convenient location. We stayed at several spots here, including an RV park (if you want info on the best RV park, it’s in my Alaska ebook!). Here are two Palmer boondocking sites I’d recommend. The first is just outside Palmer called Slipper Lake at N 61°43’57.00″, W 148°55’19.98″. The location is convenient and the lake is pretty with swans swimming on it. The cell service is two bars, the road in is rough for .25 miles, and there is shooting range noise during the day. The second spot is on the Matanuska River at N 61°30’12.30″, W 149°1’40.32″. It’s a very pretty spot with decent cell service, but scout ahead. If the river is running too high, there isn’t enough sandbar to camp on.
Glacier View Boondocking
This was one of my favorite parking spots in all of Alaska. We stayed here twice for the gorgeous glacier view and ease of parking. It’s a highway pulloff on the Glenn highway at N 61°56’51.00″, W 147°8’49.98″. It would make a good base for a Matanuska Glacier tour, but it’s not near much else. Luckily the view is an experience in itself.
Boondocking in Glacier View
Talkeetna / Denali State Park Boondocking
This spot is between Talkeetna and Denali State Park, and it made a great jumping off point for visiting both. It’s the old East West Express Trail at N 62°24’43.20″, W 150°15’21.12″. It’s an overgrown scenic viewpoint with plenty of room for big rigs. We also were basically alone back there in the woods for a few days with usable cell service.
Outside Denali National Park Boondocking
This spot is an excellent spot for boondocking just outside of Denali National Park. It’s a pullout on the Parks highway at N 63°32’25.50″, W 148°48’21.72″. With how far in advance the park camping books up, this can be a great spot for last-minute planners.
Valdez Boondocking
Valdez is a stunning destination that shouldn’t be missed (I’ve written about what to do there!). The city has cracked down on boondocking recently, but I have two spots to recommend. The first is right outside of town on the riverbed at N 61°4’37.86″, W 146°10’45.30″. Scout ahead because the road in is rough and water levels make a big difference in accessibility, but cell service is good. It’s gorgeous, too. The second location is half an hour outside of town in Thompson Pass at N 61°9’6.60″, W 145°43’37.26″. It’s got gorgeous glacier and mountain views, plus plenty of room. No cell service, though.
Boondocking in Alaska: Kenai Peninsula
Moose Pass Boondocking
Moose Pass was such a favorite boondocking spot that it topped our list of favorite camping spots in Alaska! This Trail Lake dirt parking lot is at N 60°30’10.74″, W 149°22’6.78″. Cell service is decent here and lots of room. Its biggest perk is being able to kayak right from the yard and watch float planes landing. It also makes a decent base for Seward if you don’t mind driving in.
Kayaking on Trail Lake
Exit Glacier Road Boondocking
The closest boondocking to Seward is on Exit Glacier Road. There are various spots on the riverbed for smaller rigs, but big rigs are best served by the roadside pullout at N 60°10’12.60″, W 149°30’47.28″. Exit Glacier Road is the perfect jumping off point for hiking to the Harding Icefields, but there’s no cell service on the road.
Skilak Lake Boondocking
Lower Skilak Lake has a state park style dry campground that’s free at N 60°28’15.84″, W 150°28’5.94″. It’s absolutely stunning, and you can launch a kayak right from your site. Full disclosure: most sites are not sized for big rigs, but it was empty enough that we could shove our 37′ fifth wheel halfway into a spot and not be in anyone’s way. No cell service and a bumpy road to get here, but a great place to break up the trip between Homer and Seward.
Outside Homer Boondocking
Homer has also made boondocking in town impossible, but you can camp directly on the beach at Whiskey Gulch at N 59°49’52.02″, W 151°49’19.80″. Scout ahead to see if you’re comfortable with the steep hill coming out. If you are, it’s a beautiful spot and accessible to Homer sightseeing.
Boondocking in Alaska: Southcentral Alaska
Haines Boondocking
We fell in love with this sweet little boondocking spot right outside of Haines. It’s just a roadside pulloff, but with views from the couch of the ocean! It’s at N 59°15’30.72″, W 135°26’26.22″. We had slow cell service here, but could drive quickly into town or walk right down to the beach. It was also right near the ferry so we had easy access when we ferried to Skagway! Catching the northern lights here multiple nights didn’t hurt either.
Northern lights in Haines
Skagway Boondocking
There’s no big rig accessible boondocking in Skagway, BUT you can stay at Garden City RV with no hookups for just $10 a night. Its easy location made this a no-brainer for us. Bonus for super cheap, hot showers.
Carcross Boondocking
Okay, Carcross is not technically Alaska. But if you drive into or out of Skagway, you’ll come through Carcross. Don’t be like me and leave little time to stop. Carcross is unbelievably beautiful. Stop at Big Thing Creek at N 60°3’30.18″, W 134°34’1.38″ and take your time exploring this amazing area.
Road to Haines Boondocking
This also is in Canada, but you’ll drive through on the way to or from Haines. This area of British Columbia is also absolutely stunning, and I recommend a stop. The gravel area at N 59°43’10.50″, W 136°36’8.52″ is big rig friendly and surrounded by gorgeous views. No cell service, though!
I hope this list of boondocking in Alaska spots for big rigs was helpful! Please let me know in the comments if you try any of them.
If you’re overwhelmed by learning to boondock, but you want to take advantage of these amazing Alaska boondocking spots, I can relate! We learned to boondock in Alaska because of these places, and I write a boondocking 101 guide that’s packed full of everything I wish I’d known when we started:

Boondocking 101 Guide

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This 10-page guide will assist RVers in learning the basics of boondocking, or camping off-grid! We share everything we’ve learned as a family living off-grid and boondocking in our RV.

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And if you need help itinerary planning, don’t forget to check out my RV Alaska ebook!
Disclaimer: Product links in this blog post may be Affiliate links, and I will earn a small commission for each purchase made through these links at no extra cost to you. Affiliate income helps fund our family travel and allows me to keep creating inspiring family travel content for you. I so appreciate when you use my links to make purchases you would have made anyway.
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January 12, 2024
Museums for Kids: Spotlight on our Top Favorites!
We’ve been to 49 states and love a good museum. We’ve been to dozens of museums as a family! Some of those are museums that are geared towards adults and some that are specifially targeted towards kids and families. Today I’m sharing what I think are the best museums for kids in the United States (plus a few bonus museums abroad!). If you’re planning a family NYC trip, check out my post with the best NYC museums for kids.
What makes the best museums for kids?
Okay, so first off — what do I think makes a museum qualify as “the best”? We’ve taken our kids to so many different types of museums: some have been extremely high brow, while some are kitschy or silly. Some are so big you could never finish them in one day, while some you can read every display and only take two hours. Some are very well-known, while some are tiny holes in the wall.
Here’s what I think all of the best have in common:
1. If not targeted towards kids and families, at the very least accepting of our presence
2. Interactive and engaging, not just signs to read
3. Interesting for the adults as well
4. Affordable for a family to visit (or a bucket list experience)
5. Extra points given for experiences that are totally unique and can’t be found anywhere else
Tips for enjoying museums for kids
I truly believe that a museum experience can be fun for the whole family at most museums. That said, we’ve got a few tips for making the most of a museum experience with kids:
1. Choose museums that have something that will appeal to your particular kids
2. Pre-game any museum subjects that will get your kids more excited by watching documentaries, reading books, listening to podcasts, etc. (check our our kid podcasts post!)
3. Go at whatever time of day your kids are at their best selves
4. Bring snacks, water, and appropriate clothing so everyone is set up for success
5. Hit the highlights first so you’re not disappointed if your visit is cut short by cranky kids
6. Be prepared to bail if the kids aren’t up for a long day, and consider any time spent at the museum a great success
7. Check the museum schedule when you arrive for special events
8. Look for homeschool or reciprocal discounts on museum admission
9. Avoid visiting during school holidays if your time is flexible
10. Chat with your kids before entering about museum behavior expectations, especially for adult-centric museums
I’m of the mind that kids and families deserve to be in public spaces, and that includes museums. It’s okay if your kids aren’t “perfectly” quiet, and it’s okay if it takes practice for everyone to enjoy a museum day together. I think it’s worth it for all of the things you’ll learn and experience together!
So without further ado, here’s the promised list of our favorite museums for kids!
Download the FREE list of our favorite museums for kids

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If you do take a trip to a new museum or place, consider downloading our travel journal for kids so they can write about it!

State Worksheet / Travel Journal for Kids

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January 9, 2024
Things To Do in Sedona with Kids: Astonishing Hikes & Epic Adventures
Sedona doesn’t normally top the list of family destinations, but there are so many things to do in Sedona with kids! Our family of five has been full-time traveling for over three years now, and Arizona is a place we keep coming back to. It has such diverse and amazing landscapes, and the weather from Fall to Spring is pretty lovely, too.
This was our first time in Sedona, though, and we enjoyed our time here a lot. The obvious downside to Sedona is that it’s crowded because everyone else enjoys it, too! But the worst of the crowds can be avoided or mitigated with some planning and utilizing off-peak hours. Plus, although I wasn’t a big fan of the shuttle system to some of the hikes (mostly because they don’t run often enough IMO), our middle child loved the shuttle ride more than the hikes. So if you have a bus-loving kid, there’s that!
Let’s talk about all of the wonderful things to do in Sedona with kids though!
Things to do in Sedona with Kids: Hiking
Most visitors to Sedona are probably here to experience the absolutely epic hiking. I’ve shared some hikes here that range from “not really hiking” to “moderately challenging even for our experienced hiking family.” If you’re new to hiking as a family, check out my 10 best tips for hiking with kids to get started!
Raven Caves
Raven Caves is a perfect very short hike for families that want to do some cave exploring. The caves are so amazing for kids to climb in and around, and they’re so close to where you park. It’s also way less crowded than the more popular Sedona hikes. Just be sure to hold onto little ones’ hands! And bring a headlamp.
Airport Mesa Vortex
You can hike a moderately challenging loop around Airport Mesa, or you can just watch the sun set at Airport Mesa Vortex. For the vortex, park at the lot on Airport Road and walk a few minutes to a perfect sunset view. Get there early because the lot is small and it’s a popular sunset spot.
Bell Rock
Bell Rock is another relatively short and easy hike that’s perfect for children and grandparents alike! The views are gorgeous, and the hike is less than a mile long. Do this one early or later in the day because the sun is relentless here.
Subway Cave
Now we’re on to the more challenging hikes! Subway Cave was probably the hardest hike we did for two reasons. One, it was just long at over six miles. Two, the scramble into the cave was the trickiest we’ve done so far as a family. We made it, though! Definitely wear toddlers. The view in the cave is unbelievable, but you’ll want to hold kiddo hands tightly. The cave is reached via Boynton Canyon Trail; use the map so you don’t miss the Cave Spur (turnoff)! Parking is challenging here, but there’s more parking on Boynton Pass Road. Your America the Beautiful Pass on your dashboard counts as paying for parking!
Devil’s Bridge
Devil’s Bridge
The Devil’s Bridge hike is one of the easier “iconic” Sedona hikes in my opinion. It’s 4 miles round-trip, and you can shave off half that with a 4×4 vehicle that you’re brave enough to drive on Dry Creek Road to the trailhead. We saw people doing it in older SUVs and trucks, but we also saw someone rip their truck’s step off. I wouldn’t take our F350, but I would definitely drive it in a rented Jeep! We just hiked to the official trailhead from Dry Creek Vista Parking, which is very small. There is more parking on Boynton Pass Road, or you can take the free shuttle. Just pay attention to when that last shuttle arrives!
Soldier Pass
Soldier Pass is another iconic Sedona hike (and the main picture for this post is from there!), and it’s one of the shorter ones. The round-trip hike to the cave is under 4 miles. You can also hike just 15 minutes to the stunning Seven Sacred Pools if you’re not up for a longer hike. This hike was probably the most scenic we did on the actual hike itself and not just the end destination. The parking lot is tiny, and it’s completely closed Thursday-Sunday when you have to take the shuttle.
Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock is one of the most famous Sedona hikes, and one of the more challenging vertical climbs on this list. It’s a short 1.5 mile hike, but it gains more than 700 feet of elevation and involves lots of scrambling. We turned around about 2/3 of the way through because I wasn’t comfortable with the kids, but it’s doable for the adventurous family with kids 7+! And the views are amazing. This parking lot is also tiny, and it’s completely closed Thursday-Sunday when you have to take the shuttle.
West Fork of Oak Creek
Oak Creek is just north of Sedona, and it’s different from the rest of these hikes for a few reasons. One, it’s not a “red rocks” hike, but the canyon is still pretty. Two, it would be a great hike for really hot days because it’s shaded and you follow the creek to splash in. And three, you can do less than the whole hike and still find enjoyable views. Similar to the other hikes though, the parking lot is busy. Go early because it only opens to allow new cars in a few times a day once it’s full. Parking is $12. I’ll be candid and say that this was by far not my favorite hike we did, but I did include it here because I think it’s a good option for hot days.
Things to do in Sedona with Kids: Sightseeing & Exploring
For those who don’t want to or can’t hike, there are still beautiful options for things to do in Sedona with kids. Here are some of my suggestions!
Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross at sunset is not to be missed, in my opinion. We are not a religious family, but the sunlight streaming through these glass windows and the architecture of the building are both breathtaking. Respectful reverence is appropriate when entering, as with most places of worship. But it’s otherwise totally kid-friendly to walk in and sit for a few minutes. My kids enjoyed taking turns standing in the place where it appears the Jesus statue is looking at you.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Jeep Tour
If hiking is too challenging or not your family’s thing, there are many Jeep tours in the area that can get you out to similar red rocks views. We didn’t take any to recommend, but the Pink Jeep Tours looked fun!
Grasshopper Point Swimming Hole
There are a few places around Sedona with fun swimming holes for hot days, and Grasshopper Point is one of the most accessible. A short walk takes you to a fun swimming hole, where you’ll probably want water shoes if you have them! This is also the perfect place for a picnic. $12 for parking.
Sedona’s Rainbow Trout Farm
The Rainbow Trout Farm is a fun excursion for kids who’d love to catch a fish! You pay by the fish you catch (and $1.50 per person to fish). You can grill them yourselves, or you can take them home. There is no catch and release.
Tlaquepaque Stroll Arts & Shopping Village
This is a charming upscale arts and shopping area that might be fun for families to walk around. They have really unique stores, art galleries, and outdoor sculptures, and the Spanish-inspired architecture is gorgeous. There are also really special outdoor events for things like Dia de los Muertos and a December lantern walk. Check for events during your visit!
Watch sunset from Javelina Cantina or Molé Sedona
These two Mexican restaurants are casual enough for families and boast incredible red rocks sunset views. Enjoy the view after a busy day and get some delicious food to go with it.
Oak Creek Native Goods Stalls
On your way back from the Oak Creek hike, stop in this parking lot and browse authentic Native arts and crafts for sale. My kids were enamored by the beautiful beadwork and immediately wanted hair clips and bracelets.
Oak Creek
Sedona Public Library
You know we love a library when we travel (have you read my library cards for non-residents post yet?). I’ve included the library on this list because it would be a great option to cool off or stay out of a stormy day!
Harkins Theatres Movie Theatre
There is a small movie theatre in Sedona that would also be a great option for inclement weather days. Or if your legs are too tired from all that hiking!
Things to do in Sedona with Kids: State Parks & National Monuments
Slide Rock State Park
Slide Rock State Park should top the list of things to do in Sedona with kids if 1. It’s warm enough to be in chilly water and 2. Your kids are big enough to swim. You can absolutely visit with smaller kids, but the rock water slides are the best part. Wear water shoes for traction, and be prepared for it to be busy in the summer. $20 for a car to enter.
Red Rock State Park
Red Rock State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks ever. There is a small visitor center, cool guided ranger programs, and lots of family-friendly trails with stunning red rocks views. Entrance fees are $7/adult, $4 for 7-13, and free for 6 and under.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle is a neat national monument site in Camp Verde, not too far from Sedona. Check out the massive cave dwellings of the Sinagua People and an educational visitor center with a Junior Ranger program. $10/person or free with an America the Beautiful Pass.
Tuzigoot National Monument
Tuzigoot National Monument is another Sinagua pueblo dwelling in Cottonwood, and it makes for a quick, uncrowded stop. Really interesting museum with the indigenous history of the area, and a pretty view of Jerome in the mountains. $10/person 16+ or free with an America the Beautiful Pass.
Palatki Heritage Site
Palatki Heritage Site is another cliff dwelling that also features petroglyphs. You will need a reservation to visit, and it’s down a rough 6 mile dirt road. But it is stunning! Tours are free.
Camping on the road to Palatki
Things to do in Sedona with Kids: Day Trips
If you want to stay in Sedona on your Sedona trip, I wouldn’t blame you. But since we stayed in the area for months, I feel it would be irresponsible of me not to mention the other fun family activities around here! Here are some things to do within 90 minutes of Sedona if you’ve exhausted all of the things to do in Sedona with kids.
Jerome
Jerome is such an adorable little ex-mining town in the mountains. You can visit Jerome State Historic Park, stroll the artsy downtown, and take in the breathtaking views. For more Jerome ideas, check out my friend Mel’s post on one day in Jerome.
Verde Canyon Railroad
For your train lovers, the Verde Canyon Railroad in Cottonwood is not cheap, but it is a fun (and scenic!) excursion. Some say it’s more scenic than the Grand Canyon railroad, and there is a December holiday train.
The Science Vortex
The small but fun Science Vortex is an affordable outing for families who love science or need an indoor break. It’s only open on Thursdays and the weekend, but if you can catch it, it’s a blast. Family admission is only $15, or free with an ASTC reciprocal membership.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
The Out of Africa Wildlife Park is not a cheap experience, but may be worth it for animal lovers. It’s a walking or driving safari style zoo in Camp Verde that also features a zip line for older kids and adults. Tickets start at $28.
Flagstaff Snow Park
If you’re visiting in winter months, Flagstaff Snow Park looks like a blast. Tubing starts at $25 a person for a half day.
Meteor Crater
Meteor Crater
This amazing Meteor Crater is northeast of Sedona, and it really is an impressive natural wonder. Tickets are $27 for teens and adults, $18 for kids, free for 5 and under.
I hope this post helps you plan by giving you lots of ideas for things to do in Sedona with kids! If you visit, let me know in the comments 🙂
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December 26, 2023
Best Museums for Kids NYC: Insider Tips
We may be a nomadic family now, but we launched from Brooklyn! We lived in New York City for almost 15 years. So who better to share a list of best museums for kids NYC?
There’s a common misconception that NYC isn’t a great destination for families, but I think that couldn’t be further from the truth. True, there are certain transportation and crowd logistics to overcome. But it’s so worth it for the vast array of cultural experiences NYC has to offer!
This list encompasses my absolute favorite museums in New York City that I think are great choices for families. Some are children-oriented, but most are just amazing choices for anyone that happen to be interactive and kid-friendly. Those are the museums that are always my favorite anywhere — welcoming to children, but still fascinating for adults!
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Now let’s get to the good stuff!
Best Museums for Kids NYC List:
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is world-famous for a reason: it is amazing. It’s also massive! There are dinosaur bones, a planetarium and butterfly garden, rare gems, all the animals your heart could desire, and even an entire blue whale sculpture hanging from the ceiling. This museum is the quintessential big-city museum for animal lovers (like most kids!). Bonus points for watching A Night at the Museum before your visit to get the family extra excited.
Admission starts at $28 for adults, $16 for kids (suggested admission for Tri-State area residents!). Advanced ticket reservations required. This museum is right off Central Park, which makes it perfect for before or after a park picnic.
Museum of the Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image is one of those museums that I would recommend to almost anyone visiting NYC. It’s the only museum in the country dedicated to the art, science, and technology of movies. They have Star Wars memorabilia and a hands-on Jim Henson exhibit, plus a bunch of programming for families. There are exhibits like a booth where you can practice recording your own voiceover. It’s a super fun place! Plus, tickets are more affordable than some of the more famous museums.
Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for children. If you head to Astoria for this museum, get some Greek food in the neighborhood while you’re there!
New York Transit Museum
New York Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum is the *ultimate* destination for kids who love things that go! The basement of this museum is a decommissioned subway station filled with vintage subway train cars. You can walk through all of them and observe how subway technology and comfort evolved. It is fascinating! There are also interactive kid-friendly exhibits upstairs like a nearly life-sized play bus. This museum is a can’t-miss if you have a train loving kid (or grownup!) in your group.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children. FREE if you have a museum membership with ASTC reciprocity! This would be a great museum to combine with a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Of all of the many children’s museums in NYC, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum is the best in my opinion. The Manhattan one is fun, but always absolutely packed. In Brooklyn, there are some small animals to observe, a giant bus to play on, a grocery store to pretend shop in, and rotating exhibits upstairs. My kids’ favorite part was always the water play section, though, where we have spent so SO many happy hours. Bonus is that parking is easy right outside this museum if you’re driving in.
Admission is $15 a person, free hours on Thursday afternoons. Consider adding on time in Prospect Park or at the Prospect Park Zoo to your day here.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Tenement Museum
The Tenement Museum is another super unique-to-NYC experience. It offers guided tours through historic tenement buildings to illustrate the history of immigrants in NYC. It’s a really interesting experience with paid actors leading the way. I would take mid-elementary kids and up, only because standing still and quiet might be challenging for the younger kids.
Admission is $30 per person. If you make it downtown to this museum, I highly recommend adding on time in Little Italy or Chinatown. Wo Hop is our favorite Chinese restaurant in the neighborhood.
The Morgan Library & Museum
The Morgan Library & Museum varies in its exhibits widely, but I’ve included it on the best museums for kids NYC list mostly because of the library. It took my breath away the first time I saw it because it truly resembles the library from Beauty & the Beast. If you have book lovers or Belle wannabes in your family, this museum is worth a stop. It’s also so conveniently situated near other outings you’ve probably planned in Midtown, unless the other museums on this list.
Admission is $22 for adults, free for 12 and under. This museum is right near the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station, and 5th Avenue shopping you might already be planning.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is another one of those iconic NYC museums. It’s massive (you could never see it all in one visit or ten!), so there really is something for everyone. Some of the special exhibits are absolutely mind-blowing if you love art. Our kids always especially enjoyed the Egyptian rooms, where you can walk inside a whole temple. To help get your kids even more excited about visiting The Met, read The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. The kids in that story live in the museum for a week!
Admission is $30, free for under 12 (suggested admission for Tri-State residents!). Afternoon tea at Alice’s Tea Cup would be the perfect combination with a visit to The Met.
The Cloisters
The Cloisters is an homage to all things medieval. Medieval art set in a building incorporating medieval architecture. Plus gorgeous gardens! What kid wouldn’t want to explore a castle and then stretch legs outside in a beautiful garden? This museum is a fun excursion way uptown where it’s a more relaxed vibe for anyone feeling overwhelmed by urban life.
Admission is $30, free for under 12 (suggested admission for Tri-State residents!). Explore Fort Tryon Park afterwards or hop across the river into the Bronx to tour Yankee stadium.
Queens County Farm Museum
The Queens County Farm Museum is a working farm that has been producing food for New Yorkers for over 300 years. There are livestock, seasonal events like hay rides, and an interactive children’s farm. This is the perfect outing for anyone looking to connect with local agriculture within the city limits.
Admission is free, except on certain ticketed days. Out of towners might consider combining a trip here with the New York Hall of Science or a delicious meal in Queens’ Koreatown.
New York Hall of Science
The New York Hall of Science is a fun and interactive science center for all ages. It’s packed full of hands-on exhibits that range from complex science to toddler play. My kids always adored the interactive bubble exhibit. This is the perfect way to end a trip through the best museums for kids NYC.
Admission starts at $22 for adults, $19 for children. FREE if you have a museum membership with ASTC or ACM reciprocity! Out of towners might consider combining a trip here with the Queens County Farm Museum or a delicious meal in Queens’ Koreatown.
Bookmark this post with the best museums for kids NYC from someone who lived there with kids for a long time! I hope it helps you as you plan your NYC visit. And let me know if you have any questions in the comments. If you’re interested in museums in other places, check out our best museums for kids list!
Disclaimer: Product links in this blog post may be Affiliate links, and I will earn a small commission for each purchase made through these links at no extra cost to you. Affiliate income helps fund our family travel and allows me to keep creating inspiring family travel content for you. I so appreciate when you use my links to make purchases you would have made anyway.
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December 20, 2023
Things To Do in Valdez Alaska: Exciting Adventures
Paddling with glaciers, dozens of waterfalls, epic mountain passes, and adorable small town charm. There are so many fun things to do in Valdez Alaska! We highly recommend a stop there on any Alaska adventure.
If you need help planning an Alaska itinerary, check out our guide to RVing Alaska! You don’t need to have an RV or to have kids to find this useful, but we do have suggestions for both. Continue below for our best ideas for things to do in Valdez Alaska!

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Okay, now for the list of things to do in Valdez Alaska! Here goes:
Thompson Pass
If you’re driving into Valdez, you’ll get to enjoy one of its most breathtaking sights before you even get there: Thompson Pass. If you arrive by water, I highly recommend finding a way to drive up to Thompson Pass if you can. It is STUNNING. After a whole summer in Alaska, we started to wonder if we could still be blown away. Then we drove through Thompson Pass, and the answer was YES! This photo and the cover photo for our Alaska e-book was taken there (by Denaa Photography!). There are several short loop trails you can walk straight from the turnoffs up there, and you should definitely spend time doing that.
Bridal Veil Falls & Horsetail Falls
These are other gorgeous sights you’ll pass on the drive into Valdez from the rest of Alaska. Both of these waterfalls are right off the road in the canyon you drive through after descending from Thompson Pass. There are pull-offs right alongside the road, and you should plan to stop. Horsetail Falls had a rainbow at the bottom both times we saw it, and Bridal Veil Falls had stunning cascades and light.
Valdez Glacier Lake
Perhaps my most memorable experience in Valdez was kayaking in Valdez Glacier Lake. The main photo for this post was taken there! I did a lot of paddling in Alaska this summer. But this was the only place I found where you could launch straight from the shore and kayak with icebergs. You can take a tour from town if you don’t have your own kayak or don’t feel comfortable paddling alone. Give as wide a berth as possible to icebergs! Remember that they are several times larger under the water than they are above. And they often break or roll without warning!
Solomon Gulch Hatchery
This was the other one of my favorite things to do in Valdez Alaska. This salmon hatchery becomes a sea lion and sea otter buffet during high tide! Watching these adorable creatures feast on fish (only in the summer!) was unexpectedly delightful. Bears also frequent the area, but we didn’t happen to see any. But stay bear aware!
Allison Point Fishing
Just a bit further up the road is an excellent spot for salmon fishing when the salmon are running in summer. There are so many salmon that my family caught a couple, and that is without any knowledge of fishing whatsoever! Visit Prospector Outfitters if you need fishing gear and/or advice.
Hiking Trails
There are several pretty hiking trails around town. We tried out the Dock Point Trail and the first section of the Shoup Bay Trail. Dock Point Trail is easy and short, with some pretty views of the harbor. Shoup Bay Trail is long and we only completed the first couple of miles before we ran straight into a bear on the trail and turned around. The trail had beautiful views of the bay and grasslands (pictures above!). Even cooler? It was absolutely PACKED with salmon berries during the last week of July. We picked so many that we were able to make Salmon Berry Pie to share with our campground neighbors!
Museum Visits
There are two small museums in Valdez. They’re worth checking out in inclement weather or if you want more background on the city’s history. There is the Valdez Museum and the Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum. The Valdez City Library is also surprisingly charming if you need somewhere to hang out on a rainy day.
Walk the Harbor
Valdez’s harbor is tiny, but adorable. Walking the harbor and ducking into the adorable shops won’t take all day, but it is worth the time. Duck into The Coffee Co. or Valdez Brewing for a drink. See if you can spot any of the town’s “bunny infestation” bunnies (yes, really)!
Boat or Kayaking Tour
If you’re got money to splurge, consider taking a boat or kayaking tour to C olumbia Glacier. This glacier is one of the most active glaciers in the world, leading to dramatic calving events that make for an unforgettable day. If you’re not up for paddling, there are wildlife boat tour options that look incredible, too.
Day Trips or Overnights from Valdez
There are several other amazing excursions just near Valdez that you might want to consider on your trip. You could take a ferry to Cordova, one of Alaska’s adorable and tiny off-the-road-system towns. You could visit McCarthy in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (the largest in the U.S.!). Closer by, Worthington Glacier is a quick stop off to a nice glacier view.
We loved our time in Valdez, and we loved that it seemed to have a higher locals to tourists ratio. Plus, the adorable bunnies hopping around definitely didn’t hurt But the absolute best part was the incredible glacial activity and up-close wildlife viewing. There are so many fun things to do in Valdez Alaska.
Is Valdez on your list? If you want our favorite Valdez campground recommendation, you can find it in our Alaska e-book!
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December 18, 2023
3 of the Easiest & Most Beautiful Hatcher Pass Hikes
It is such a bummer when I hear that someone went to Alaska and missed doing one of the unbelievable Hatcher Pass hikes. For whatever reason, it doesn’t make many Alaska itineraries, and that is an absolute shame. Our hikes in Hatcher Pass were in the top three experiences of our entire summer in Alaska, and that’s saying something.
We spent over a month in the Palmer and Wasilla area, and Hatcher Pass hikes were a big reason for that. We think Palmer is a charming place in its own right. It’s also conveniently located within commuting distance of Anchorage so the cultural experiences there are accessible. Anchorage wasn’t our favorite location of the summer, so we preferred being outside of it.
If you need help planning your Alaska trip, check out my e-book guide to RVing Alaska. It’s written for families who are RVing, but it’s useful for anyone! Scroll down to keep reading about Hatcher Pass hikes.

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I’ve shared these trails in order of difficulty, from easiest to harder. We hiked them with a toddler in a carrier and kids aged 7 and 5 (do you need hiking with kids tips?). Keep in mind that trail conditions will have a HUGE impact on the difficulty of these trails. We underestimated how much snow would still be on Hatcher Pass hikes even into late June! We were post holing up to our hips in spots.
Also make sure you check to see that the road up is even open! The road is closed for most of the year except July to September, depending on snow conditions. With that said, welcome to three of the most beautiful hikes on the planet.
Easiest & Most Beautiful Hatcher Pass Hikes:
1. April Bowl Trail
The April Bowl Trail is 2 miles long and climbs 800 feet. I’ve listed it was easier than Gold Cord Lakes because you can climb just half a mile and 300 feet in elevation and stop there. That lake view is beautiful all by itself! But if you have it in you to climb higher, you’ll be rewarded with stunning 360-degree mountain peak views that stretch all the way to Matanuska Glacier on a clear day. My kids found it really fun that there was still some traces of snow to play in around one of the lakes in August. I would love the dogs home for this one.
2. Gold Cord Lake Trail
The Gold Cord Lake Trail is about 2 miles long (AllTrails says 1.5, but doesn’t include the walk from the parking lot at the mine) and climbs 500 feet in elevation. When we went in late June, there was still several feet of snow on the trail. It is a mostly gentle (but steady) climb to the lake, with one short section of scrambling that my young kids did fine with. The mini goldendoodle made it, but it was a bit sketchy! The trail is often muddy, even when there’s no snow. Definitely wear boots. You can even take a dip in the (freezing!) lake if you want to.
3. Reed Lakes Trail
The Reed Lakes Trail is by far the hardest of these three hikes. The full trail is 8 miles long and climbs 2,000 feet, but you can stop at the lower lake if you’re worn out. Just hiking to the lower lake is 6ish miles and less elevation, but it will still challenge you. This hike makes it onto so many people’s “best hikes in Alaska” list if they make it here. It’s doable with adventurous and energetic children, but inexperienced hikers will want to start with the other hikes.
Click to read more about the rest of our favorite hikes in Alaska. For everything we’ve written about our experiences in Alaska, check out these posts:
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December 4, 2023
Things to do in Haines Alaska: 9 Unique Adventures
There are so many fun and unique things to do in Haines Alaska! One of our biggest takeaways from our time there is that it’s a really underrated Alaska destination. Haines has all of the small, authentic port town vibes with way fewer tourists (and tourist traps!). We loved the week we spent there during our summer RVing Alaska.
Here is a list of our favorite things to do in Haines Alaska.
1. Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Area
This small state park right outside of Haines Alaska has SO much to offer. First, it has a beautifully scenic boat launch where you can kayak around the lake with alpine glacier views. You’re also allowed to fish for salmon there (make sure to have a permit!). But maybe the most fun part of this park is that you can observe bears fishing for salmon from less than 100 feet away. This was the best bear viewing we got all summer because we didn’t shell out multiple thousands of dollars for flightseeing to Katmai National Park.
2. Chilkat State Park
Despite the similar name, this park is on the opposite end of town. We hiked the Battery Point Trail, which was an easy 4 mile family-friendly trail through gorgeous old growth forest that offers multiple scenic beach views along the way. My kids loved all of the unique fungi we spotted, too.
3. The Hammer Museum
I maintain that you cannot make a trip to Haines without visiting the Hammer Museum. It’s one of the quinntessential things to do in Haines Alaska. It’s really a cabin style home converted into a museum that you can visit in under an hour. I expected it to be hokey and a tourist trap, but it was actually pretty fascinating to see how many different industries rely on hammers. Even my kids were really into this stop.
4. The American Bald Eagle Foundation
This is another one of those must dos in Haines. How often do you get to see a bald eagle up close? Haines is absolutely packed with Eagles and you’ll likely see one if you spend any time outdoors, but getting an up close look is pretty special. And you can feel good about supporting these rescued animals while you’re at it.
5. The Haines Sheldon Museum
This tiny museum surprised and delighted me. The upstairs features absolutely gorgeous indigenous artwork and some hands-on opportunities for kids to engage with it. It also gives historical context for Haines and features a special apple tree outside in the courtyard. We were lucky enough to visit on a September day when apples were being harvested and were offered a big bag to bake with!
6. The Haines Borough Public Library
Maybe visiting the library isn’t high on your vacation bucket list, but I’d encourage you to reconsider. This library has a gorgeous facade featuring indigenous art, and it’s the perfect place to rest, recharge, and use some free wifi or read a book underneath the big, beautiful windows. It has a cute children’s section that my kids adored.
7. Try to Catch the Northern Lights
Southeast Alaska isn’t always the first place people head when trying for Aurora Borealis sightings because it can be very overcast. But it is possible to see them there! If you find yourself in Haines from September to May, it’s worth a shot to check the Aurora chances with an app like My Aurora Forecast. We saw them twice in one September week!
8. Window Shopping
Haines only has a few stores, but they are delightful! Our favorite was The Bookstore. It’s absolutely adorable and has an incredible curation of Alaska books. Plus, employees there *volunteer* their time to keep the public library open on weekends. How amazing is that?! That reason alone is enough to land this bookstore on the best things to do in Haines Alaska list in my book 😉
9. Take the Ferry
Haines is an Alaska Marine Highway hub, so it’s a great place to catch a ferry to anywhere else in Southeast Alaska! We met folks who had day tripped to Juneau, and you can also head to Gustavus if you’re wanting to visit Glacier Bay National Park without being on a cruise. We opted to drive to Haines and then take the ferry to Skagway on our way back south. We loved this choice, as the ferry trip alone felt like an excursion.
I hope this post with things to do in Haines Alaska was helpful!
If you’re looking for where to park your RV in Haines Alaska or for more information on how to have an amazing Alaska RV trip, check out our RVing Alaska e-book:

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October 23, 2023
Alaska RV Trip: Everything You Need for a Fantastic Trip!
I’m so excited to officially launch our Alaska RV Trip travel guide! We spent an entire summer and part of fall RVing all around Alaska with our small children, and I’ve packed everything we learned into this e-book.
There is a sample 7 day itinerary, 14 day itinerary, month long itinerary, and whole summer in Alaska itinerary. There is a city-by-city activity guide with kid-friendly Alaska activities, and each city has a recommended camping in Alaska spot (one RV park with hookups and one boondocking spot). I’ve shared free activities in Alaska and bucket list splurge worthy excursions. There are tips about driving in Alaska and a packing list with everything you’ll need to stay warm, dry, and safe in Alaska.
I really believe that this travel guide will save you hundreds of hours of research when planning your Alaska RV trip. I also know from talking to other RV friends that it has insider activities that many tourists miss. Whether you’re driving your own RV up or renting an RV in Anchorage, this guide will make your trip so much more memorable.
Keep scrolling below for more Alaska blog posts, too!

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And if you need more personalized planning help for your Alaska RV trip, you can book a call with me here! I can almost guarantee it’ll be worth the cost with the money you’ll save from having insider advice on how to approach an Alaska trip.
For all of the free tips I’ve shared here about our Alaska RV trip and an amazing summer in Alaska, head to my Alaska highlights on Instagram and check out these posts:
Frequently asked questions about this Alaska RV trip travel guide:
Will I receive a copy of this in the mail?
No, this is an e-book which will be available for download straight to your computer in PDF form. You won’t receive a physical book copy, but you can take the e-book to a print shop and have it printed and bound for just a few dollars if you like!
Do you recommend campgrounds in Alaska?
Yes! For each destination, I’ve included my top pick of RV park and boondocking spot for those who prefer to be off-grid.
Will this be helpful for travelers without children?
I think so! There are only a handful of kid-specific recommendations that aren’t also fun for adults (like special playgrounds!) and a whole lot of information that will be applicable to everyone (like easy day hikes!).
Can I use this guide if I don’t have an RV?
Absolutely! I recommend campgrounds to stay at, but you can also buy a cheap tent and use that instead. Or just use the itineraries and activity guides and choose your own hotel / short-term rental!
Were you paid or compensated in any way for any activities or campgrounds in exchange for your recommendation?
Nope! We paid for everything out of our own pockets.
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October 9, 2023
Alaska Road Trip: Driving the Alaska Highway
The first step of an Alaska road trip is getting there! It took us 6 driving days to travel 1,257 miles from Dawson Creek, BC to Tok, AK on the Alaska Highway (or the Alcan Highway!). We drive slower and for shorter days because we’re towing our 37′ fifth wheel RV. You could definitely do it faster in a car.
One of the things that we learned was that only 5% of visitors arrive to Alaska via the Alaska Highway. After driving it ourselves, we can see why! We had to replace all 4 truck tires, a leaf spring on the RV, 2 cabinet door hinges, and some screws! You also can start your Alaska road trip by flying into Anchorage or taking the Alaska Marine Highway to Haines.
But it truly feels like an accomplishment to have made it on the Alcan. Even if we saw nothing in Alaska, the drive was so gorgeous that it wasn’t a wasted trip. Not to mention the many bears, moose, bison, bald eagles, foxes, and caribou we saw!
I’ll talk more about these places in future posts, but here are the major sights we visited along the way:
- Mile 0 sign Dawson Creek
- Tetsa river lodge’s famous cinnamon rolls
- Toad River bridges
- Folded Mountains viewpoint
- Muncho Lake
- Liard River hot springs
- Welcome to the Yukon Sign
- Watson Lake Signpost Forest
- George Johnston museum
- Teslin Tlingit Heritage Center
- Whitehorse’s Miles Canyon
- Haines Junction’s Village bakery
- Kluane Lake
I found planning our Alaska road trip to be really challenging because there are very few resources on doing this with kids, the itineraries I found tended to be for just a week long trip, and the typical tourist activities are ridiculously expensive for a family of five.
So I wrote a travel guide for an Alaska road trip with kids that includes everything we’ve learned!

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Now, on to the Alaska Highway recap! We started our Alaska road trip in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, which is the official start of the Alaska Highway!
It felt like a real accomplishment just to make it to mile 0, after traveling thousands of miles and overcoming passport hurdles. Dawson Creek is kind of a strange place, with what felt like half irritated locals annoyed with the other half of irritating American tourists.
Dawson is the last place for major supplies for a looooong time, and we took advantage of a few days to stock up and rest. That was a good call because the trip up the Alcan was a real journey in every sense of the word.
Alaska road trip day 1: Dawson Creek ➡️ Fort Nelson
It was an easy drive, minus a few long, steep grades. But it also wasn’t scenic, and we spent our only night in Fort Nelson figuring how to get our shredded front truck tires replaced, so I have no pictures from that day. The Fort Nelson visitor center is a great place to stop if you want information about the next section of the drive, plus it features free wifi and a free RV sani dump big enough for any size RV if you need it. Definitely make sure you fill up on gas here because you won’t see anything resembling affordable gas again until Watson Lake.
Alaska road trip day 2: Fort Nelson ➡️ Liard Hot Springs
This was when our Alaska road trip started getting gorgeous. We drove through fog so dense on Summit Pass (the highest point on the Alcan) that I couldn’t see the lines 😬 Summit Lake was absolutely beautiful when we drove back down, so your experience of it will really vary based on the weather. But then the area around Muncho Lake was stunning, and I would camp in the provincial park there were I to plan the trip again. If you have your own kayak, I highly recommend launching your kayak on Muncho Lake!
Liard River Hot Springs was pretty amazing. The hot springs were deliciously hot and relaxing and in a stunning setting. The boardwalk to the springs is a moose habitat. We got to watch a beautiful moose munching on a dinner of aquatic plants with fog rising over the marsh as we headed back from our soak.
Word to the wise: although the Liard River Hot Springs campground is convenient and allows RVs our size, I would not rate it as big rig friendly. I fit ours in there, but it took me circling twice. The neighbors even came out to say they were impressed 😅 You can, however, camp in the overflow lot across the street, which would be my advice for anything longer than a class C. Also, the gas in the Toad River / Muncho Lake / Liard River area is SO expensive. I don’t even want to talk about how much we paid haha.
Alaska road trip day 3: Liard River Hot Springs ➡️ Watson Lake
Watson Lake’s main attraction is the infamous Sign Post Forest. But this day was the day we crossed from BC to the Yukon, and that felt like a huge deal! Yukon is so so so remote that traversing it feels like an accomplishment. It made me realize how “remote” places in the lower 48 just really aren’t the same type of remote 😂 We were so excited to make it to a new part of Canada and to one that is so legendary.
The Watson Lake Sign Post Forest was started by a homesick guy helping to construct the Alaska Highway. It now contains over 90,000 signs from all over the world! We even found one from where we left — Huntsville, Alabama! It also has rusted out vehicles that actually helped build the Alcan, which were a kid fan favorite. The whole site is surprisingly large and really special feeling.
Visitors are encouraged to leave their own sign, and we did! Dan made a sign that said The O’Phalens out of Lego, which is very on brand for our family. People have made signs out of anything they have on hand. We found this stop to be even more interesting than we’d expected.
My advice about Watson Lake itself, though, is to gas up and keep on driving somewhere else to stay. There’s nothing wrong with Watson Lake, but there are so many more scenic options.
Alaska road trip day 4: Watson Lake ➡️ Whitehorse
We broke up the driving on this day with one of my favorite Alcan stops: Teslin! Teslin is a small town, but an excellent place to learn about the indigenous people of the area, the Tlingit (pronounced Klink-it).
The Tlingit are known for many things, including this beautiful style of artwork featured in a giant mural painted on the George Johnston Museum. This was a small but excellent stop for learning about how the building of the Alcan impacted the indigenous people of the area and what traditional lifeways looked like before the road system.
There was also the Teslin Tlingit heritage center, which had gorgeous totem poles out front, cultural artifacts inside, and an absolutely stunning display of graduation dresses as a temporary exhibit. We learned that local indigenous high schoolers often get two graduation celebrations. One is with the high school in Whitehorse where they have to leave to attend and one is at home with their community to celebrate their return.
We took a “break” for a couple of days in Whitehorse, the capitol of the Yukon. Most of our time there was spent replacing the rear truck tires (are you noticing a theme? 😂) which now looked bad after being told they were fine in Fort Nelson. One of the things that’s hard about the Alaska highway portion of the trip is that if you need anything, it’s hard to find! Even in Whitehorse, the biggest city on the road. Our tire saga included having to buy tires at one shop and drive them to another 🙃
Dan did take the kids out to the Miles Canyon hike, which was pretty but not a must-do for us. Although to be fair, our standards for beautiful views have gotten outrageously high! There is also a hot springs we didn’t get the chance to try out because it’s not kid-friendly, but it looked nice.
Alaska road trip day 5: Whitehorse ➡️ Destruction Bay
This leg of the drive was unbelievably scenic, as we drove alongside the dramatic mountains in Kluane National Park. We also spotted a grizzly right alongside the road! Kluane National Park also makes for great stargazing and aurora spotting in spring and fall because it’s a Dark Sky park.
We stayed in Destruction Bay at Congden Creek campground, which is first come first served with no hookups. Lakeside spots fill up fast, but the wooded pull-through are peaceful, too. No cell service though! I planned to do some hiking in the area, but our late start due to tire drama meant we had to skip it. We played by the gorgeous (but chilly) lake before dinner and then rested up for the last couple of hours of driving before Alaska!!
Alaska road trip day 6: Destruction Bay ➡️ Tok, Alaska
This was the toughest part of our entire Alaska road trip by far. We drove for hours not able to go above 40 mph, sometimes averaging 15 mph for miles. This is probably much easier if you’re not towing anything, but was a long, tough stretch in our RV. Consider splitting this up into two days if you’re towing and not in a rush.
Beaver Creek is a tiny town, but the visitor center has adorable free endangered animal coloring books. Our kids have been working on them for weeks! Highly recommend a stop if you have kids who would appreciate that. Otherwise, there’s not much on this stretch to stop for except the Alaska welcome sign!
That feeling you get when you make it to the Alaska part of your Alaska road trip after 8 days on the Alaska Highway!
Alaska road trip: Timing
If you don’t want to drive in snow, you have approximately from late May until mid September to do an Alaska road trip. That’s no guarantee, but it means you’ll likely not encounter any snow. I *highly* recommend driving the Alcan in mid-September for the incredible foliage. I mean, take a look at this forgettable stretch of road in June that was stunning in September:
Alaska road trip: Alaska portion!
Head here for my 7 day Alaska itinerary or buy the e-book with longer itineraries here. I’ve done all the planning for you!
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September 24, 2023