The Lollipop Road

Fee Free Days at our National Parks is upon us once again.  Next weekend, August 14-15, the National Parks Service is waiving entrance fees at over 100 National Parks.  This is a great opportunity to explore a bit of wilderness before the kids head back to school later this month.

To get you started, we’ve come up with our three favorite parks to visit this August.

1. Glacier National Park – With all roads open for only a few short months each year, this is an opportune time to visit Glacier National Park in the late summer months.  What makes it even better is that this year, they are celebrating their centennial – it has been 100 years since they became our 10th National Park in 1910.  If you only have a day, drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road (or take a tour), take a ranger led hike (or one of your own) and visit the Many Glacier hotel for a quick lunch or to enjoy a one-hour cruise on Lake McDonald (only $14.95/$7.95).  Amy over at Pit Stops For Kids recently visited with her family on her 22-day Road Trip – check out what she has to say about Glacier National Park and the Many Glacier Hotel.
2. Lava Beds National Monument – Thinking about the record high temperatures that have hit much of the nation the last few weeks, I’m thinking that the kids might like to explore somewhere cool and cool.  One of the more remote parks in California, Lava Beds National Monument offers over two-dozen lava tube caves that can be explored on your own.  These vary in difficulty, but there are plenty that are family friendly (we did it with a one year-old).  As a bonus, the temperature inside is always a cool 52-55ºF.
   Exploring outdoors yields lots of cool stuff too, like Native American pictographs (Symbol Bridge/Big Painted Cave/Petroglyph Point), a deep wide crater to peer into or how about climbing a spatter cone.  In this mountain region, even outdoor peak summer temperatures hover in a comfortable range (75-80ºF).  Check out these tips on caving before you head out.
3. Valley Forge National Historical Park – For our East Coast friends we recommend Valley Forge.  Known as the winter encampment for General Washington and his troops, Valley Forge has lots to offer in the way of both nature and history.  Start at the visitor center with a 30-minute film chronicling the trials, tribulations and sheer exhaustion of those men who fought to win our independence.
   Take a 40-minute ranger led tour (free), hop on the 90-minute trolley tour (fee) or wander around on foot or motorized carriage (your car) on a self guided tour of the park.  Kids always love the interpreters at Washington’s Headquarters and Muhlenberg’s Brigade.  Thankfully, you’ll always be able to find some shade to escape the sun on a warm summer day.  Bring a picnic lunch and be sure to stop at the playground where your younger kids can burn off some energy.  Note that this park is free at all times.

If you are a family on a budget, be sure to take advantage of Fee Free Days next weekend and be sure to check out the remaining dates throughout the year.  You can find lots more information on our National Parks right here on our website.  And…be sure to check back on Monday when we have a special guest post on spending a weekend in Grand Teton National Park with kids.

If you enjoyed these photos and would like to see more, visit Photo Friday at Deliciousbaby.

Disclosure

No related posts.

Share |