National parks offer affordable family getaways
Dear Mr. Dad: My family hasn’t had a vacation in years – we haven’t been able to afford it. But we really need some time off. We’re thinking of doing a driving trip over the two-week winter break. Can you suggest some affordable family-friendly places to visit?
A. Depending on where you live, there’s a good chance you won’t have to leave the state to find a super-low-cost, amazing vacation spot. I’m talking about our national parks, most of which offer a range of activities, from just plain fun to educational to knock-your-socks-off gorgeous hikes in nature. Whether you’re planning to spend your whole vacation in one place or want to explore several locations, the National Park Foundation ( www.nationalparks.org/) and the National Park Service ( www.nps.gov/) can help you find a park that suits your needs. But here are a few favorites, some of which were sent in by readers.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is the oldest national park in the country, and one of the largest and most diverse. It’s also home to some of the most familiar natural features, including the Old Faithful geyser and the Fountain Paint Pots. The main lodge is well worth exploring, but make sure to get in some hiking time on the park’s many family-friendly trails.
Yosemite National Park
I think the word “awesome” is way over-used (and misused). But it’s the perfect word to describe Yosemite. My daughter and I just came back from four days there, biking, hiking and just hanging out. The drought has reduced food supplies for deer, so they wander into campsites and will occasionally let people pet them. We also saw a few bears (which might let you pet them, but we didn’t think it was worth the risk to find out) and dozens of other critters. The sheer cliffs and soaring peaks are absolutely stunning.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park has dozens of family-friendly trails, several of which are even walkable with a stroller, meaning that pretty much any family will be able to explore the mountains, woods, creeks, rivers and meadows there. Be on the lookout for bears and moose.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Not too far from Grand Teton (relatively speaking – it’s actually about 500 miles), is Rocky Mountain National Park, which has hundreds of miles of trails, mirrorlike lakes to canoe on, and dozens of mountains over 12,000 feet high. And of course, you’ll also find an amazing variety of wildlife.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Situated in the Badlands of North Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers very different landscape – a jaw-dropping combination of plains and badlands, buttes and valleys. One of the big draws (besides the scenery) is the hundreds of bison that roam freely throughout the park.
These parks are just the tip of the iceberg – there are national parks in every state but one (Delaware). Not all are as spectacular as the ones above, but they’re great ways to see some of the true wonders of the world.
Wherever you go, be sure check in with the park’s rangers when you get there. They’ll be able to tell you about educational opportunities, organized hikes and special warnings. Park rangers know their stuff, so take those warning very, very seriously. Every year, about 150 people die and scores more are injured in national parks, often because they hiked, biked, swam, climbed or tried to touch something they shouldn’t have. And when they tell you not to keep food in your tent, cabin or car, listen. Don’t believe me? Search YouTube for “bear breaking into car.”