Meggie - Parks Family Travel

🔍Discover our newest national park: New River Gorge From ghost towns to cascading waterfalls, this adventure-packed destination has it all! ➡️ Save this post for your next epic trip to New River Gorge and West Virginia 📍Where to stay: Fayetteville, Beckley, Charleston, WV ✈️ Nearest airports: Yeager International Airport (CRW) - about 1 hour Roanoke (ROA) about 2 hours 🚘By car: Get there is 4 hours or less from: Columbus, OH Pittsburgh, PA Lexington, KY Knoxville, TN Charlotte, NC Richmond, VA 💲Fees: There are no fees to enter New River Gorge. Favorite locations: 🌉New River Scenic Drive: Experience breathtaking views of the New River Gorge Bridge. 👻Thurmond Ghost Town: Walk through the abandoned town and catch a glimpse of what it once looked like. Trains still actively come through so be cautious. 💦Sandstone Falls: Enjoy the largest waterfall on the New River via a fully accessible boardwalk, offering multiple observation decks. 🏞️Hinton: Stop in the town of Hinton for a delicious lunch. The Bluestone River flows through the town and it's a great place to stop before or after visiting Sandstone Falls. Walk along the shops and check out the public library which is in an old bank. 🗨️ Have you been to New River Gorge yet? Share why you love it in the comments! ❗And follow @thecampinglibrarian and @parksfamilytravel for more outdoor inspiration! #NewRiverGorge #nationalparkstravel #travelinspo #ScenicDrive #GhostTown #WaterfallWonder #FoodieFinds #ExploreLocal #visitwestvirginia

Activity reservations matter. Not always, but when they do…they really do. I found great flights, arranged childcare, and used points to book some of our hotels. I felt like such a travel boss. And then I went to book our ferry tickets to Dry Tortugas and they were COMPLETELY SOLD OUT. Seaplanes were double the expense, and we were were not prepared to pay that. To say I was devastated is an understatement. We had to pivot. We made plan B, C, and D. Fortunately, we were able to stick to plan B and grab cancelled tickets for a different day and shifted some reservations. It made for a few late nights and an early morning, but we got on the boat and checked off a big bucket list item. Plan A was thrown out because I didn’t choose to act when I had the chance. Right after booking our flights, there were plenty of tickets available. But I wante dto wait and see about a few things, and we almost missed our chance. This isn’t to scare you or stress you out. This is to encourage you to do this one thing: When you settle on a destination and dates immediately make a list of 3-5 must see or do activities while you are there. Then check to see if any of those require reservations, and if so, make them! If the whole point of the destination is a specific activity, check the reservations before purchasing your airfare. A little bit of forethought is going to save you from a lot of stress and potential disappointment. Tell me about a time you had to pivot! Sometimes the little disappointments become blessings in disguise.

In what ways does traveling bring JOY to your life? For me it's: - Witnessing incredible natural wonders and human achievements - Good food (usually pastries) - The memories I love getting lost down the rabbit hole of looking through pictures and videos we've taken and remembering the funny, stressful (which is now usually funny), and special moments. They are the gift that keeps on giving. And as I've said before (and will say again!) the where is usually not the most important part of the memory making. So wherever you are going, embrace the destination, eat a pastry, and know that you will have memories that will last forever. How does travel (big and small) bring joy to YOUR life? Tell us all below! ⤵️ #travelmemories #makingmemories❤️ #familytravelplanning #eatmorepasteries

Where are my Jr Rangers at?! I am a huge fan of the Junior Ranger programs that have been offered at the parks we have visited. Why? - They are free (*usually* - I'm looking at YOU Mammoth Cave!) - The books are pretty high quality - My kids are more engaged (except when they aren't. Don't beat yourself up if they aren't into it) - The wooden badges are 🤩 Have you ever done Jr Ranger, either with your kids or on your own? What's been your favorite badge to earn? I loved the time and effort that the rangers at Mesa Verde and Death Valley put into going over the books with my kids. #nationalparkswithkids #juniorranger #familytravelplanning #travelwithkidstips

Nestled in the heart of Ohio, this park has so much to offer! ➡️ Save this post for your next adventure in Cuyahoga Valley National Park! 📍Where to stay: Cleveland, Ohio Akron, Ohio ✈️How to get there: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) - approximately 30 minutes away Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) - approximately 25 minutes away 💲Fees and reservations: Entrance to the park is free. 🙌🏼 🦫Beaver Marsh: A serene wetland habitat teeming with wildlife, perfect for birdwatching and photography. Easy trail suitable for all ages. 💧Brandywine Falls: Experience the breathtaking 65-foot waterfall cascading over sandstone cliffs. Moderate trail leading to the falls, offering stunning viewpoints. 🥾Ledges Trail: Traverse through moss-covered rock formations and lush forests, offering panoramic views of the valley. Moderate difficulty with some elevation gain. 🚂Cuyahoga Scenic Railway: Embark on a historic train journey through the picturesque Cuyahoga Valley, showcasing the park's beauty from a unique perspective. Easy and accessible for all ages. 🗨️What to start planning? Comment MORE for a link to an in-depth post all about this awesome park. ➡️And follow @torytalkstrails and @parksfamilytravel for all things outdoor adventure! #CuyahogaValley #NationalParkAdventure #OhioTravel #NatureLovers #ExploreOutdoors #HikeOhio #TravelInspiration #GetOutside #DiscoverTheWild

You're not the only one. There is so much to balance, and you feel like you're always letting someone down (I know that it can't just me). First of all, it's ok. Times and seasons, my friend. Secondly, let me teach you a principle that is the foundation of my travel planning method, but should be the foundation of any deliberate activity - travel, signing your kids up for activities and sports, spending one on one time together, etc. ➡️ It's simple, but mighty: Have a purpose. Have a why behind the what. It doesn't have to be big, and can very well be broad. But if you have a focus, a goal, a reason for what you are doing, you can turn back to it when you're feeling overwhelmed and recenter. Purpose brings perspective. 🙌🏼 So here's your challenge - the next family outing, set a purpose in your head. Is it to build a steady relationship with your child? Then make sure to put your phone away, ask questions, and listen. Is it to relax a little more? Maybe check the logistics (parking, fees, weather ahead of time) so you can feel less pressure while you are out. Is it to eat as many different types of desserts as possible? Bring something savory to balance the sweet and plenty of Tums for later. 😉 You've got this. It doesn't need to be grand, expensive, or complicated. And that goes for all of parenting. So go out there and mom the heck out of today! ------- Make sure to follow @parksfamilytravel for all things family travel planning, national parks, and *some* things momhood ❤️ #mommingishard #youreagoodmom #familytravel #haveapurpose #purposefulparenting

Bryce is the best. Lots to see and do, but you won't feel overwhelmed. And while there are some lengthy hikes, there are also plenty of things to do for families - including those with young children. Check out the following on your next Bryce Canyon Adventure: 📍Navajo Loop + Queens Garden: A perfect family hike, but be prepared for steep terrain. Hike this when everyone is well-rested and excited to explore. If your kids don't have much stamina, maybe shorten it to just one of the trails to cut the length in half. However, there will still be some uphill climbs at the end, so keep that in mind. But the views are worth the work. Length: 3 miles Type: Loop 📍Bristlecone Loop: Not only do you get views, but you can also spot several bristlecone pine trees over 1,000 years old in the area. Mostly flat, but not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Short and sweet - a great way to get out but not get worn out. Length: 1 mile Type: Loop 📍Junior Ranger/I Hiked the Hoodoos The Jr Ranger program at the national parks is one of the best and least inexpensive ways to entertain kids and get a souvenir too. First stop at the visitor center so you have plenty of time and opportunity to work on your booklet during your visit, or print one off at home. You can also get an "I Hiked the Hoodoos!" booklet to do pencil rubbings on. If you complete the challenge, you'll get a small reward. Make sure to fit time in your itinerary to stop back at the visitor center to get signed off and sworn in as a junior ranger! Other great stops for families: Mossy Cave: 0.8 miles to a waterfall (seasonal) and rock overhang resembling a cave. Sunrise Point to Sunset Point: 1 mile stroll along the rim that is wheelchair and stroller-friendly Inspiration Point: 0.6 miles to three different viewpoints over the Bryce Amphitheater 🗨️ If you've been to Bryce, share your favorite spot in the comments! _______________________________________ Make sure to follow @parksfamilytravel for all things national parks and family travel planning #Hikethehoodoos #juniorranger #brycecanyonnationalpark #familytravelplanning

Your trip is good enough. Taking your kids to Costa Rica? Amazing. Sleeping in a tent in the backyard? Fantastic. Going to Grandma and Grandpa's again? Perfect. I've learned over and over the most important part of the trip is usually the why and the who and not the where.There are *so many* places I want to take my family. But time, cost, and temperaments sometimes make me feel limited. But after 20+ national parks as a family and lots of hotels, flights, and long car rides, I've come to know that while yes, they may remember something cool and unique about a location, oftentimes it's the pool, elevator buttons, and eating at McDonald's that makes them the happiest. And for me, it's watching my kids be buddies and the fact that it is just us, taking on the world. And guess what? You can do those things anywhere. This isn't to tell you NOT to go to those amazing, inspiring places with your kids. Do it! But don't feel like you're not measuring up because you can't afford an all inclusive resort or you know your kids won't enjoy a certain location. Successful travel to me is causing positive change - in yourself, in your family dynamic and/or the space around you. So stop comparing your family vacation to others and start planning with a purpose in mind - to be with your people and become stronger. What would be your one piece of advice for choosing a destination? Share in the comments! Happy travels 💚

You will never get sick of looking out at Bryce Canyon. Nestled in the red rock wonderland of southern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park wows with other-worldly hoodoos, amazing vistas, and all-season appeal. And it is one of our very favorite parks! 🛏️Where to Stay: 📍Bryce Canyon City or Tropic Want to see Bryce + Zion? 📍Hatch, Glendale, or Orderville ✈️How to get there: - Regional airport: Bryce Canyon Airport (BCE) - Nearest international airport: St. George Regional Airport (SGU) - 2.5 hours Nearest major airports: Salt Lake City (SLC) or Las Vegas (LAS) - both about 4 hours away 💲 Fees and reservations: - Entrance fee: $35 per vehicle (good for 7 days) - No timed entry or car reservations needed, but a shuttle system is in place during peak travel Favorite Spots: 🌿 Mossy Cave: Found in a separate section corner of the park, Mossy Cave offers a short and easy hike leading to a picturesque waterfall and moss-covered alcove, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. Although not located along the main road of the park, it's a short drive down the highway and worth a stop. 👑Navajo Loop + Queens Garden: Descend into the heart of Bryce Canyon through this iconic trail, winding among towering hoodoos and ancient rock formations. Moderate in difficulty, this loop offers stunning views and the chance to encounter the rock formations of Queens Garden. 🌄 Inspiration Point: Aptly named, Inspiration Point offers panoramic vistas of Bryce Amphitheater, showcasing the park's stunning hoodoos and rock formations. Accessible via a short walk from the parking area, this viewpoint provides endless photo opportunities and a sense of awe-inspiring wonder. 🌲 Bristlecone Loop: Easy to moderate in difficulty, this trail offers glimpses of the resilient bristlecone pine, some of the oldest living organisms on earth. Just remember this isn't your typical forest and there is not necessarily a lot of shade. 🗨️ Have you made it to Bryce yet? What did you love about it? _______________________________________ ➡️ Make sure to follow @utahfunwithkids and @parkfamilytravel for all things family fun! #nationalparks #brycecanyon #hikethehoodoos #familytravelplanning

What's your itinerary process like? Check out this recorded IG Live to learn all about what to include in an itinerary and my favorite tool to create one. ♥️ Comment 🙌🏼 or TRIP to learn more about successful travel planning! #familytravelplanning #itineraryplanning #wanderlog #travelhelp