I mean, does it really get any better than this?
Hill rolling. Good times. Good times.
On my way to drop Wes off at preschool this morning I got to thinking about how badly our family needs a vacation. Which got me thinking about all the trips I would like to take to see the many wonders in this world. Which got me thinking about how impossible those trips would be with two littles in tow. Which got me thinking about how much I wish we had visited all these places before we had kids. Which got me realizing…
Got me realizing…
That I know, without any shadow of doubt, that I would not see the same beauty in these wonders if I weren’t also viewing them through the eyes of my children. They make everything magical. They have taught me to see a beauty in the world I never knew existed. So for now, those trips can wait…while I find the joy and wonder in a simple roll down the hill at a neighborhood park. Good times for sure.
P.S. I still need a kid friendly vacation though. Any suggestions?
Renee
I think something like SeaWorld would be FUN!! They are not that expensive, but a lot of fun. It is a lot of walking so strollers are a must. But getting to feed dolphins, seeing the Clydesdale horses, and shamu shows…AMAZING!! and they have one in San Diego 🙂
Krista
We took our 2 year old to Legoland in Carlsbad last October and he loved it! It’s perfect for that age and small enough so that it’s not overwhelming, plus you can also get some beach time in while in the area… 🙂 We are taking our 2 kids (3 & 6 months) to Spain, Italy and France this summer. I think with proper planning you can take the little ones anywhere you want. We took our then 4 month old to Paris and Vienna a couple of years ago and it was great!
Emily
Um…..my house! I think that is the perfect vacation! We could go to sea world and the river walk and other fun things! But best of all you would get to see me:)
Katie
Disney World? That was my fav. when I was a kid 🙂
Sandy A
There are so many “kid-friendly” spots to head to–but you can really take your boys just about–remember just about–anywhere if you prepare. Stroller and blankies, snacks and drinks and time for naps. We took our three kids (all one year apart in age) on all sorts of trips that were not “kid-friendly” but places we wanted to see in the US–and they did well. National parks they can run and jump and fish–cities you visit you can always find a stop or two just made for the kiddies and many places now have free give a ways of visors or maps, or color books, or candy that relates to the city or stop your in. Lakes and the ocean are so restful yet fun to play in. We found the more they we took them they better they behaved in less “kid-friendly” environments. Family trips are such wonderful memories for you all–just being together is the best part of all. Of course Disney World was (and still is) their favorite–even though now they are grown up. Good luck–they will love being away with you no matter where you decide to take them…
Monkey
Catalina! But… i agree, I think Wesley would love Sea World.
Lauren
Ashley, come visit us in Gilbert, AZ! We’d love to have you guys come over 🙂
Alesha
I am not sure where you live but here in Montana there are quite a few family vacation options. Have you ever thought of Glacier National Park? It is gorgeous any time of the year and in Montana and Wyoming is Yellowstone National Park which is one of my favorites. I loved it as a kid and still love it as an adult. And while you are checking out Yellowstone, take a quick trip west from the West gate and visit Virginia City (an old ghost town still up and running) which is cool for the kids too. 🙂
Josie Gaskins
Bienville Plantation is a nice quite tucked away little piece of Heaven! Cabins sit on a lake that you can take a guided fishing trip out of & when the little’s are tired can be dropped off @ the cabin. You can cook your own meals in your cabin or dine in there lodge. It’s AMAZING!
mel
I have always been a traveler. As a child, with my dad in the oil industry, we moved around and traveled all over. I can say I know multiple languages and have friends all over the world. As a college student, I studied abroad and backpacked through europe for months. Now that I am married and a mother, my child, who is only 2.5, has been in 6 countries other than the US. I pride myself of teaching him about other cultures, languages. To be open to the world and people without thinking of class, race or background. I can honestly say my son had more fun in Croatia chasing pigeons, and playing in fountains than waiting in those eternal lines at disneyland. And it is more magical seeing it through his eyes, it is amazing how pure children are. This year, we have two more trips in store and possibly baby #2, who will be just as well traveled. People say things like these are only for the rich. Well, it is so important to us that we budget for it. We dont live in a mansion, we live within our means.
Courtney
Cardinalvillageresort.com
It’s an old mining village with lots of grass to run
around on. A pond and stream for fishing. Hike to take.
And no tv!!
It’s very rustic but I GUARANTEE they would have a blast.
I’ve gone since I was 5, and now I take my family.
It’s gorgeous and your camera would love it! They have delicious milk shakes too!
Lisa
We did a lot of camping when my kids were little. They could get dirty and they loved it. As for me, it was affordable for my growing family. (Although, I prefer a fun trip to Disney.)
Amy K.
Some of the best family vacations we’ve been on have been just us, at a hotel with a little water park and a “suite” room so my husband & I could order pizza & watch a movie after the littles went to sleep. It’s so fun to go with no expectations except having fun together!
School Sparks Renee
It is great seeing things through a child’s eyes. And it’s so nice being able to share experiences with them. My husband and I always took our kids when we traveled and yes, it added a bit of stress at times, but I think it brought us closer together. My grown kids now also take their little ones and we get to go, too!
Becca {While You Were Napping}
Last summer we took our son to Whister, British Columbia and it couldn’t have been more beautiful or family friendly! No cars are allowed in the village, so you can just roam around, run, be loud, go hiking… there’s so much to do.
Nicki
Disney Cruise! We just took one to the Bahama’s in October and it was definitely kid friendly with enough child care options for adults to enjoy a few activities as well! Disney’s island Castaway Cay is AMAZING!
Summer @ Made By Munchie's Mama
Stay cation to Disneyland! We have passes and have been going since baby #2 was a couple weeks only. I would throw him in the ergo and he was comfy and cozy all day. He would LOVE Cars land. It’s pretty epic. You could stay at the grand californian that connects right to california adventure and has a fun pool. We take a trip to lake havasu every summer and rent a mobile home right on the beach so it’s easy for snacks, lunch, naps. It’s our happy place. I have been going since I was really little. Las Palmas in Palm Springs has an awesome pool, like crazy awesome! Lazy river, water slides, beach…super fun.
Jade Gibson
Awhile back my little sister and I visited the mountains in North Carolina and stayed in a cabin with my parents. It was so much fun and the scenery was gorgeous! The weather is perfect this time of year too. Also, I think your little one’s would enjoy staying in a cabin for awhile rather then staying in a hotel. It makes things seem so much more homey anyway! Going into town is always fun and visiting all the shops and unique pastry/coffee shops, I’m sure the boys would enjoy the candy shops and toy stores! I loved it! I’m sure you would too!
p.s. Love your Blog <3
-Jade
ashley
phoenix, arizona. its like a tropical oasis. and I know someone with your same name who has an extra room or too at their house 😉 The boys need to see a cactus, right?
mara
bear lake! it’s half in Utah, half in Idaho. and it’s BEAUTIFUL. i’m sure your little W would love a place like seaworld or legoland, but if you’re looking for a beachy, relaxed type of feel, but something other than just the california beach (i shouldn’t say “just the california beach”, because that is awesome too!), bear lake is it. plenty of cabins or condos to stay in right on the lake and plenty of beach and raspberry shakes to go around 🙂
Alaina @ Fabtastic Eats
Sorry I don’t have any idea for kid friendly vacations, although I could use some myself..I have a 5 week old and a 19 month old. But I do just want to say Thank you for this post. I have been going over the same thing in my head, and out loud to my husband a lot lately, saying how I wished we had traveled more and saw more before we had kids because its to hard to do all that now. (I get slightly envious when I see so many people traveling & seeing the world& everything that I want to do..) Then I have terrible momma guilt for feeling that way..but it continues to be a never-ending cycle. But you’ve made me think about it and see it differently now, because you’re so right. EVERYTHING is so much better when my kiddos are involved and it reallly is so much more magical. So thank you so very much 🙂
Ariel
Girl, any vacation can be a kid-friendly vacation! Don’t let having kids stop you from seeing the world! We are hitting up Hawaii in March with a 3 year old and 1 year old. We plan on doing a summer trip through Europe in a few years with the whole fam. Having kids just makes me want to travel even more – and bring them along for the ride. 🙂
Christina
Go to a Great Wolf Lodge! They are so much fun!
Carmen
The photos of Wesley made me smile so BIG! 🙂 I miss being a kid…
tara
national parks!! i can’t wait til my boys are a couple years older to take them to national parks… yellowstone… the grand canyon… arches… oh i can’t wait.
HERVE LEGER
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