Sand, Corn Dogs, and Funnel Cake Fries: Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park with five kids — the beaches, the dune climbs and the fair food. A short stop worth a whole day.
One Dusty View across the Decades: Badlands National Park
The Badlands with five kids — the Loop Road overlooks, the sharp light, and a landscape that holds children’s attention.
The Cave that Slipped through the Cracks: Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park with five kids — boxwork formations underground, bison and prairie above, and no crowds at all.
Into the Cloud: A Chilly Climb to Sequoia Giants
Climbing through a cloud to the General Sherman Tree — the largest tree on Earth at 6,500 feet — on a misty spring day at Sequoia with five kids.
Whales, Wildflowers, and the World’s Smallest Fox: Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands with five kids takes planning — the ferry books out weeks ahead, the dog goes to daycare, and then the boat to California’s wild isles.
Wedged In: A Slot Canyon Scramble in Utah
A blue-sky morning in a Utah slot canyon with five kids and a spaniel — narrow walls that keep everyone moving one way, and the scents that overwhelmed the dog.
From Canyon Rim to the Narrows: Zion National Park
Zion top to bottom in a single day with five kids — the steep Canyon Overlook climb, icy river wading, chatty chipmunks, and bighorn sheep on the way out.
Cliffs, Courage and Compassion: Sand Cave Surprises
A one-mile hike to wind-carved sandstone caves near Kanab that went sideways — twisted ankles, a hospital trip, and the strangers who helped, with five kids.
Capitol Reef: Peach Pie à la mode in the Desert
Our fourth snowy park in a row — Capitol Reef pelted with Dippin’-Dots hail, the historic orchards, and peach pie a la mode in the desert, with five kids.
Hailstones Under the Arches: A Cold, Wild Day at Arches National Park
Arches with five kids on the first day of timed entry — the steep, windblown climb to Delicate Arch, 60-mph gusts on the ledge, and hail before day’s end.