The Lollipop Road

Convincing a four-year-old that he’ll have lots of fun and see lots of neat stuff on a two-mile hike can be a bit of a challenge.  Come to think of it, it might be a challenge for your teenager too, but they’re definitely tougher to persuade.  One sure way of getting your youngster to make the arduous trek (anything other than standing still probably fits this description) is to pick a trail with a quirky name that your child can relate to.  You know what I mean; you’ve all seen them.

Situated in the midst of California’s Lava Beds National Monument, Big Nasty Trail is a fun semi-loop trail that got its name from the brush covered lava beds that protrude from the landscape just to the north.  The name should get a good laugh and make your little one want to find out just what is so big and so nasty about it.

Moving a bit east to Yellowstone National Park, you’ll find plenty of interesting attractions…and signs.  Dragon’s Mouth Spring may be a bubbling, belching cauldron, but kids love the name all the same.  Just tell them you’re going to see a dragon and they’ll be right there by your side. 

Signs and names don’t always cut it, so sometimes you’ll need a story to back them up.  That’s the case with Yellowstone’s Chinese Spring.  Located along one of the many elevated wooden pathways in the Upper Geyser Basin (near Old Faithful), this spring was named for its function as a place to do laundry.  Yep, they used to do laundry in them there springs…ouch!

So, next time you’re planning a trip to one of our great National Parks, remember, look for the attractions and trails with the quirkiest names and the most interesting stories.  You’re kids will love it and happy kids make for a happy family!

Enjoy the photos!  For more amazing photos, please visit Photo Friday at DeliciousBaby.   

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