Adventure Vacations for The Family: Best Spots in USA

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USA Family Adventure Vacations

Families with older kids and teenagers often struggle to find things to do that will keep everyone happy and engaged on vacation.

We’re here to help! We rounded up more than a dozen ideas for fun, affordable family vacations in the US brimming with outdoor adventures that will leave everyone smiling.

We asked like-minded, seasoned family travel writers for their best USA outdoor adventure trips to help you get out in nature and having more adrenaline-laced fun.

Some involve camping, others are classic road trips, and some may be locations you’ve not yet heard of — but they’re all fun family vacations.

While many of America’s national parks are a grand slam with kids (and we have a few fantastic ones mentioned here), there are other gorgeous scenic nature spots that that are tried-and-true big hits.

Plus, it’s a no-brainer that the best vacation spots in USA mentioned here are super ideal for making lifelong memories while staying active.

Save these destinations for families in 2024. See which state in particular appears to be very popular!

Melissa Voigt’s family hiked the Narrows in Zion using Rad Family Travel tips.

Family Fun Vacations in US

Table of Contents

• Florida Keys | Florida

• Park City | Utah

• Green River | Utah

• Gulf Shores | Alabama

• Greater Yellowstone | Montana

• Oahu | Hawaii

• Acadia National Park | Maine

• Olympic National Park | Washington

• Bryce & Zion National Parks | Utah

• Blue Ridge Mountains | North Carolina

• White Mountains | New Hampshire

• Ruidoso | New Mexico

• Ouray | Colorado

• West Glacier National Park | Montana

• More Outdoor Travel Destinations for Families | North America

Parasailing in the Florida Keys makes this spot one of the best family fun vacations in the US - photo by Bryanna

Water Adventures | Florida Keys

Photo and outdoor adventure by Bryanna with Crazy Family Adventure

The Florida Keys are an awesome family outdoor vacation that you and your kids will love!

The Keys are gorgeous and driving on the 7 mile bridge over the ocean adds to the amazingness of the Keys.

When in the Florida Keys, we recommend doing one of the all day adventures out on the ocean that take off from Key West.

On these adventures you get to snorkel, jet ski, go on a banana boat pulled by a jet ski, play on a trampoline in the middle of the ocean, parasail and spend the whole day on a catamaran out in the ocean with breakfast and lunch.

This is a great way to do a ton of outdoor water adventure in one day and see what everyone's favorite activity is so you can do more of that later in the week!

While in the Keys you can also kayak, paddleboard, rent a pontoon with a water slide, or spend your day at the beach.

Isle inflatable paddle boards are the most versatile paddle boards you can travel and paddle anywhere with. You can even check them as luggage on a plane — read all the ways we love our multi person Megalodon board.

Our family also loved basing our Keys vacation in Marathon Florida.

Love beaches but want to hit the west coast instead? Head to Orange County Beaches for a fabulous family adventure vacation.

Where to stay

One of the best vacation spots in USA, we all know Florida vacation rentals get snatched up quick.

We love this extraordinary waterfront home for 3-4 families to share, complete with a pool, kayaks, bikes, and more.

If you plan to RV down there, we highly recommend staying at one of the State Parks. We recommend either Bahia Honda or Curry Hammock State Park.

If you are looking to stay in a hotel, friends have said Hawks Cay is the perfect resort for families.

Love the idea of snorkeling with kids? We had a blast snorkeling in Cozumel Mexico over Christmas one year.

We’ve also spent a week on the island Ambergris Caye Belize and we’d do it all over again!

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Utah is teeming with Family Adventure Vacations great with kids and teens

Snow Skiing | Park City, Utah

Photo and outdoor adventure by Jessica Averett with Skiing Kids

If you’re looking for a great escape and one of the best vacation spots in USA that’s full of adventure and amazing scenery, then you absolutely must visit Park City Utah. 

It’s only 30 minutes outside of Salt Lake, but it feels like you’ve discovered a perfect mountain escape. All through the year, kids will love the Olympic Park ropes course, the Swaner Nature Preserve, and a free trolley ride down main street — make sure to stop at Java Cow for ice cream and candy.

If you’ve got kids who love action sports, make sure to sign up for a class at the Woodward Indoor Action Sports Complex. 

In the summer, make sure to take a ride down the alpine side and hit the trails for a hike. Our favorite hike in the area is Silver Lake Trail, and if you’ve got mountain bikes, a visit to Trailside Park is a must do for all ages.  

Of course, a winter visit to Park City wouldn’t be complete without a few days of skiing Utah’s powder. However, as much as we adore skiing, the absolute coolest winter activity in Park City for kids is a dog sledding trip with Luna Lobos. The entire experience is an incredible outdoor family vacation that your kids will never forget!

Where to stay

When it comes to a skiing vacation in Park City, a house or a cabin is your best bet. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends or even pets, you can search for Park City vacation rentals with the best amenities for you and your people —like swimming pools and WiFi. With prices starting at just $116 per night, you can find a rental everyone will enjoy.

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Unplug and reconnect on a whitewater rafting trip with kids and teens

Multi-Day Rafting Trip | Green River, Utah

Photo and outdoor adventure by Jessica Averett from Bring The Kids

Looking for an outdoor trip for families where you can really escape reality and bond together while experiencing some pounding adrenaline rushes? 

Plan a multi-day whitewater rafting trip down the Green River in Utah. 

Choose from either the 3-4 day Desolation Canyon or the 4-5 day Gates of Lodore river sections where you’ll be spending your days on the river on some amazing whitewater, and your evenings hiking the stunning canyon country and spending time by the fire. 

On the river, time slows down, and we’ve found that the combination of the slow pace and bonding over extreme sports is a great way to connect as a family and especially to get teens to open up and talk. 

This is one family fun vacation in the USA that our kids are constantly begging to do again every year, and it’s become one of our best trips. While the area feels remote while you’re there, it’s only a few hours away from Salt Lake City, so it’s easy to get to.  

Where to stay

If you aren’t into tent-camping, then the Dinosaur Inn & Suites in Vernal, Utah is perfect with kids.

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Gulf Shore Alabama is an ideal outdoor family vacation in the USA

Deep Sea Fishing | Gulf Shores, Alabama

Photo and outdoor adventure by Nicky with Little Family Adventure

The white, sugar sand beaches beckon families to Gulf Shores, Alabama making it a popular beach destination. Yet, for families looking for a thrilling adventure trip, you should head out onto the water and go deep sea fishing.

Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, the waters off Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are teaming with Red Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Amberjack, Grouper, Triggerfish, shark, and more. There is nothing quite as exhilarating as reeling in a 20 pound red snapper or fighting an Amberjack on the line. Fishing teaches confidence and appreciation for the environment.

My advice is to always hire a charter as they know where the fish are. They will provide the best opportunity to reeling in fish worthy of “whopper sized fish stories” for years to come.

If you’d rather stay a bit closer to shore, hop aboard a catamaran for a family adventure sail or a relaxing sunset cruise. We have really enjoyed going out with Sail Wild Hearts for their sunset sail. It’s a great way to end the day. You get to relax aboard the boat and sail up and down the coast. Staff provide lights snacks, bottled water, and soda. Adults can BYOB aboard if they like.

Sunsets on the gulf are stunning and you can’t find these views anywhere else.

Where to stay

While in Gulf Shores, we have stayed at the Spectrum Resort’s Turquoise Place, a multi-story condominium complex situated on a beautiful stretch of beach. With a full kitchen and patio BBQ, it’s a home away from home and completes your outdoorsy family vacation experience.

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Hiking in Yellowstone is an epic affordable family vacation with older kids and teens

Climbing Mountains | Greater Yellowstone

Photo and outdoor adventure by Mel with TravelingMel.com and YellowstoneTrips.com

The year my oldest son was 13, we decided to climb 13 peaks as a sort of coming of age ceremony. He and I spent a summer and fall scrambling up and down mountains, mostly in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. While this is where we live, I’d encourage families with teens and tweens to add one or two mountain summits to their Yellowstone vacation.

While some of the peaks were pretty intense, like the 21-mile Bridger Ridge, others are much more doable as a day trip. Keep in mind that most trailheads in the area are at least 5,000 feet, so folks from sea level may feel it.

A great “starter” peak is Ramshorn Peak in the Gallatin Range, just north of Yellowstone. Ramshorn isn’t particularly high at 10,289 feet, but it stands out and without a lot of taller mountains nearby the views from the top are amazing. Start at the end of Tom Miner Basin in the Paradise Valley. Follow the trail to Bighorn Pass, hang a right and walk to the top. The round trip distance is 9 miles with 2500 feet of elevation gain.

Another great peak is Emigrant Peak. This prominent peak takes a little more effort than Ramshorn, but is short at about 7.5 miles round trip. It’s quite steep with 5,000 feet elevation gain. On a clear day you can see the Teton Range across Yellowstone in Wyoming, the Beartooths, the Madison Range, the Gallatin Range, and more.

Stop by Dan Bailey’s Outdoor Company in Livingston, Montana for maps, gear, bear spray, and information about hiking in the area.

The Yellowstone area undoubtedly offers some of the best outdoor family vacations in the US.

Where to stay

While visiting Montana and a national park like Yellowstone in summer, camping can be a wonderful experience.

If camping isn’t your thing, then aim for a vacation home or cabin near where you plan to have your outdoor vacation. There are many affordable ones for large or small groups or families near Livingston.

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Kayaking the Mokes | Oahu, Hawaii

Photo and outdoor adventure by Melissa with The Family Voyage

So many families think of Hawaii as a destination purely for beach bums, but there are so many great activities for adventurous families who love outdoor vacations!

One of our favorite activities is kayaking to the Mokulua Islands (“the Mokes”) off the windward coast of Oahu. 

The paddling is easy enough for active kids 7+ to do in a tandem and for teens to handle solo. It takes about one hour to go from the launch point at Kailua Beach to landing on the larger of the two islands. It’s the perfect opportunity to snorkel - either by jumping off the side of your kayak or swimming out from shore after you land so you can meet “the locals”, including the many sea turtles that call the area home. 

Once you’re on the island, follow your guide along the narrow, jagged volcanic remnants - at times treacherous, so be careful if you’re bringing younger kids with you. You’ll wind up at the Queen’s Bath, where adrenaline-seeking kids can try some small-scale cliff diving into the pool below.

One of the highlights of kayaking to the Mokes actually happens on the way back. The waves are perfect for trying your hand at kayak surfing! It’s like regular surfing, but while sitting in a kayak. Even young paddlers can give it a try with a knowledgeable guide and it’s absolutely exhilarating.

Kayaking to the Mokes is an ideal outdoor adventure because everyone in the family can find something to suit their interests. Those who prefer milder activities can stay within their comfort zone, while the most daring in the family can push their own boundaries.

PRO TIP: If the Road to Hana is on your road trip bucket list, then you should also head to Maui.

Where to stay

Many vacationers prefer staying on the north side of Oahu for it’s amazing surfing or the west side for the sweet resorts. Families often prefer an Oahu vacation home on the beach so they can spread out and buy groceries for breakfast and picnic lunches.

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Biking | Acadia National Park

Photo and outdoor adventure by Elise with 3 Kids Travel

Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island in Maine is a place of extreme contrasts – quaint carriage roads, rugged coastline with granite cliffs, sandy beaches, pristine lakes, and dense pine forest. For kids and teens who love family adventure vacations, Acadia is a dream destination almost any time of year.

One of the best ways to see Acadia is by bike. There are 45 miles of scenic, car-free, 100-year old carriage roads that wind through Acadia National Park. We like to rent bikes at the Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop and ride into the park. The bike shop has basic bikes, kid’s bikes, tag-along bikes, child trailers, and baby seats. We prefer to ride the Witch Hole Pond loop with young kids or the loop to Jordan Pond House with more advanced riders – but the trail options are endless. 

Other popular outdoorsy activities include kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, and fishing. We also just like to drive the Park Loop Road and see the views from Cadillac Mountain, watch the waves splash at Thunder Hole, collect shells at Sand Beach, and of course, stop at Jordan Pond House for some of their famous popovers. 

Where to stay

We prefer to stay at the Hampton Inn Bar Harbor. It has great views of the harbor, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, an indoor and outdoor pool, kids play area, large family rooms, and an exercise facility. 

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This USA family adventure vacation takes you to Ruby Beah in Olympic Park

Exploring Beaches | Olympic National Park

Photo and outdoor adventure by Catherine with To and Fro Fam

In the most northwest corner of the continental US, the Olympic National Park is one of our favorite outdoor places to visit with kids. It can be intimidating to figure out what to do in its 1 million acres—so let me help you narrow it down!

The beaches in Olympic National Park are absolutely stunning—and many of them are uniquely fun for kids. 

Take, for example, Rialto Beach. This Olympic National Park destination is nicknamed the Ghost Forest because of the bleached trees along the perimeter of the beach and because of the huge piles of driftwood. This makes Rialto Beach a wonderland for littles!

Kids can play in the forts and other structures people have created—or build their own. My daughters found logs that were balanced on other driftwood, then turned it into a teeter totter.

At Ruby Beach, kiddos can build forts with driftwood—and much more. Some of the basalt rocks on the beach are several stories high and perfect for climbing (not all the way to the top, though, of course!). What’s more, Ruby Beach has a spot where the creek turns into a pond. The water here is warmer than the chilly Pacific Ocean, and kids love to wade or swim.

If you’re looking for super-sandy beaches, head to Second Beach. You’ll need to hike 2 miles in (so bring everything you need from the car—it’s quite a trek to go back for sandwiches or swimsuits). The reward: long stretches of sandy beach perfect for sand castle building.

It’s hard to go wrong when visiting Olympic National Park beaches with kids or teens. Enjoy! 

Olympic National Park is home to 14 public campgrounds and two more campgrounds are closeby. Most campgrounds fit RVs up to 21 feet long and are open year-long — you have great options depending on what you choose to do in the park.

Rent an RV near Olympic National Park with Outdoorsy, our #1 go-to for RV rentals.

*Catherine is also the author of RoadTrip Games & Activities for Kids.  

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The Blue Ridge Mountains are a popular spot for outdoor family vacations

Waterfall Hikes | Blue Ridge Mountains | North Carolina

Photo and outdoor adventure by Preethi of Local Passport Family

Families who love outdoor adventure trips including waterfalls will love Asheville, NC. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, "The Land of the Waterfalls" is filled with hundreds of cascades that are perfect for all ages.

Many of the waterfalls in the Asheville area are easily accessible even without extensive hiking. There are dozens that require under a 3-mile hike, so even families with young children can try them out. Be sure to hold little hands on slippery rocks!

Catawba Falls is a local favorite that ends in a stunning cascade. It also has a beautiful pool to wade at the bottom! Skinny Dip Falls is an even shorter hike with areas to go cliff jumping, and Graveyard Fields Trail has some fantastic areas to climb and slide down rocks. There are dozens and dozens more that allow for wading, swimming, sliding, and all sorts of water play.

While visiting Asheville in the summer is wonderful for adventurous families to check out various waterfalls, the fall is also spectacular with stunning fall colors.

Where to stay

Asheville is known for its beautiful fall colors and breathtaking mountain views, so staying in a Blue Ridge cabin can be quite dreamy.

In addition to its outdoor playground, Asheville is home to a notable arts and culture vibe and fantastic historic architecture, like the Biltmore estate. So some people enjoy staying in or near downtown Asheville for the food and art scene.

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White Mountains | New Hampshire

Photo and outdoor adventure by Tamara with We 3 Travel

The White Mountains region of New Hampshire is an outdoor lovers paradise. Home to Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States, and the Presidential Range, combining the highest peaks in New Hampshire.

While many people visit to “hike the Whites”, there are plenty of other outdoor adventures for families and teens to enjoy. Many of the region’s ski resorts, such as Cranmore and Attitash, offer summer activities including mountain biking, mountain coasters, alpine slides, zip lines, giant swings, and more.

Alpine Adventures and Bretton Woods both offer ziplining and adventure courses. Those dreaming of spelunking will love squeezing into the small caves at Lost River Gorge. Leaf peepers can’t miss a fall drive on the Kancamagus Scenic Byway or a white-knuckle drive up the Mount Washington Auto Road.

There are plenty of tame outdoor activities too, from scenic hikes to see waterfalls at Sabbaday Falls or Arethusa Falls, to moose safari wildlife tours. Scenic train rides are also a big deal in the White Mountains, from the North Conway Scenic Railroad to the Mount Washington Cog Railway.

Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy snowmobiling, skiing, snowtubing, and even a visit to the stunning Ice Castles.

Where to stay

For a full outdoor adventure experience, try glamping at one of the area’s many campsites such as Huttopia White Mountains. Others prefer the additional amenities offered by local log homes, waterfront vacation cabins, or mountain retreats.

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Take a family road trip to Ruidoso New Mexico

Ruidoso, New Mexico

Photo and outdoor adventure by Lauren with Explorer Momma

When you’re ready to hit the road, Ruidoso, New Mexico is definitely worth the trip! Depending on from which way you come, there are some great places to see along the way such as Carlsbad Caverns, Santa Fe, Taos, White Sands National Park, or Albuquerque.

When approaching Ruidoso, you can imagine Billy the Kid and other cowboys riding across the plains through the sagebrush. However, drive up into the mountains, and Ruidoso is a beautiful mountain village ready for outdoor adventures. 

Ruidoso is a great outdoor travel destination for families because there’s so much to do for all interests. As a former teacher, I’m always on the lookout for teaching opportunities, and I love this area’s rich history and culture.

The Mescalero Apache tribe owns and operates both Ski Apache Ski Resort and the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino near the village and are must-sees while in the area.

Whether you enjoy hiking, an outdoor old west gunfight and chuckwagon dinner, horseback riding, or skiing, Ruidoso is the place to be. You can go for an early morning horseback ride, enjoy coffee and breakfast by the fire pit, glide over the crystal waters of Lake Mescalero on a zip-line, take a hike, go shopping, and so much more.

Where to stay

When we visit Ruidoso as a family, our preferred place to stay is a vacation cabin. That way we have our own kitchen and outdoor space to relax with space for the kids to run.

There are also nearby RV sites, campgrounds, or traditional hotels, such as the Inn of the Mountain Gods, depending on your needs.

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The San Juan mountains in Colorado dole out all kinds of family adventures on vacation

Old Ghost Mining Towns | Ouray, Colorado

If you love outdoor adventures and active travel with your kids and teens, then Ouray (pronounced YOU-ray) is the perfect summer family vacation destination in Southwest Colorado.

Ouray is the center of a vast playground with kids and teenagers. Dubbed “Little Switzerland,” this box canyon in the San Juan mountain range is self-proclaimed Colorado’s top outdoor recreation spot.

While there is so much to do around Ouray, you can also hop over to Ridgway, Silverton and Durango via the Million Dollar Highway. Telluride is the perfect day trip — your kids will love the free gondola ride into town there.

Scaling the Via Ferrata, waterfalls, lake hikes, jeep rides over high mountain passes, hot springs, old mining ghost towns, canyoning, rock climbing, white water rafting, SUP and kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, and more await you and your adrenaline-rush-seeking crew.

Plus, the nearby Mount Sneffels Wilderness is heaven on earth for enthusiastic alpine hikers.

We believe Ouray makes a great base with camping options, hikes, waterfalls, and hot springs right at your feet. Ouray’s main street is also fun for dining options, an ice cream cone, and souvenir shopping. If you only eat out once during your Ouray vacation, Taco Del Gnar is your go-to for the gnarliest tacos in the state.

More Adventure Travel in Colorado for Families

Where to stay

If camping at gorgeous Amphitheater Campground isn’t your thing, consider many of the historic cabins or more modern, stunning vacation homes right in downtown Ouray and near the hot springs.

Grab Your Guide to Camping in Colorado, from two families with decades of family camping experiences.

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Glacier National Park is one of our all time best family vacations in USA

West Glacier National Park | Montana

National Parks rank high for outdoor vacation ideas for the family.

And in Glacier National Park, the long summer days in Montana's Big Sky country is ideal with kids and teens. The west side of this park alone will keep you busy with kid-friendly outdoor adventures for an entire week.

Glacier National Park is located in northwestern Montana, hugging the border of Canada. Glacier became a United States national park in 1910 and has long touted its many glaciers and alpine views.

With rocky, jagged mountains, lavishly dressed wildflowers, plus rivers and lakes at nearly every every turn, it’s no surprise that Glacier National Park is known as the “American Alps”.

From hiking to fishing, rafting to kayaking, glorious sunsets along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, abundant wildlife and huckleberry delights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this part of Montana’s Big Sky country.

Rad family favorites in Glacier include jumping into Lake McDonald, kayaking a five mile stretch of the North Fork Flathead River, huckleberry ice cream, hiking to Avalanche Lake and finding waterfalls, plus staying in a sweet old log cabin.

Related Reading: Explore Glacier Gems on the East Side - for those who love hiking and paddling, the east side of Glacier is a dream!

Where to stay

We lucked out and snagged a spacious, historic log cabin - actually two log cabins made into one — in Columbia Falls. There are also plenty of places to camp in or outside of Glacier National Park. The KOA just outside West Glacier looks fantastic.

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Bryce and Zion in winter is a magical family vacation with teens

Snowmobiling and More | Bryce and Zion

Our family has visited Zion National Park in spring and summer, and Bryce Canyon National Park in the summer only. We loved them both so much, they’re on our list for family travel again.

A friend and her daughter ventured west to visit Bryce and Zion in the winter (mid-January) and relished every minute of their snow-clad adventures and solitude in both parks. They shared their snow sport activities in stunning photography and convinced us that winter in Bryce and Zion is a unique, exhilarating experience.

For pure outdoor fun, in Bryce you’ll enjoy wintry hikes among the hoodoos. In Zion, you’ll hike the Narrows without the crowds, snap amazing photos, and stay warm while decked out in locally rented winter-wading clothes.

You’ll also want to book a snowmobile adventure in nearby Brian Head, Utah. Join a guided snowmobile tour and prepare for a pure adrenaline rush!

Finally, consider cross-country skiing or snow-skiing and snowboarding at nearby Brianhead Resort if you have the time.

Where to stay

The perfect location between Bryce and Zion, Duck Creek Village offers great vacation rentals and cabins (the one below was only $60/ night while they were there) that will help you make the most of your winter vacation.

For great meals, we love the Thunderbird Restaurant or the Hoodoo Hideout.

PRO TIP: Drive or rent a 4W drive to help you best navigate the roads there.Duck Creek Village

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What’s on your 2024 Family Trip Bucket List?

How many of these travel destinations for families above sound like a good fit for you?

What other places would you add to this list of Best Vacation Spots in USA for Outdoor Adventure?

Let’s Talk.

Need help deciding or planning your next family vacation? Book a consultation call with me. Ask me questions and gather tailored advice and next steps for putting together your next adventure.

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More Vacation Ideas for the Family

Mexico Island Vacations

• Top Winter Family Vacations in North America

• Ambergris Caye Belize: we spent a week on this island. Top snorkeling, fishing and beach time.

• Cozumel Mexico for some of the World’s Best Snorkeling

• Enjoy endless, unspoiled beaches in Holbox Mexico, just north of Cancun. Super adventurous fun for a family with older kids or as a couples getaway.

National Parks We Love with kids

Since we live more in the west, we’ve explored more national parks in the west.

But here, we collabed with other families who love outdoor vacations and rounded up the Best National Parks with Kids and Teens

Top Notch RV Rentals in Colorado

We now understand why the Outdoorsy RV rental site has been dubbed the “Airbnb of RVs.”

While we’ve got car camping perfected, we also love exploring Colorado in a campervan rental. Here’s the top RV rentals in Colorado.

Or, check out endless fun in Colorado Springs with Kids and Teens

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