favorite itinerary: visiting channel islands national park

kiddo hikes to potato harbor on santa cruz island

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visiting channel islands national park was like a dream come true! of the nine california national parks, i definitely assumed visiting channel islands would come last. alas, life has its way of changing plans, and we were able to make a trip to channel islands national park the first stop on our unexpected coast to coast road trip.

indigenous land

the channel islands are the indigenous homeland of the Chumash. Julie Tumamait-Stenslie, an island descendant, shares a Chumash creation story:

"Saxipaka, once upon a time, here on this beautiful island that we call Limuw, meaning "in the sea", we know it today as santa cruz island. Mother Earth, Hutash, was out here. and as she had created many things here on the island, she thought something was missing. so she went to a very special plant, and she gathered some magic seeds. and she threw the seeds out into the earth, here on the island. and pretty soon, up from the ground, up from this beautiful earth, grew these beautiful people. she gave them many gifts here, and showed them how to live happily on this island. well, her husband, Suyapo'osh, the sky snake, today we know him as the milky way, he wanted to give the people a gift too, so he gave the gift of fire by shooting a bolt of lightning to the ground. well, the fires burned hot, and they kept warm with these fires, and they cooked their food. the villages started to grow and grow and be populated with more and more children. pretty soon, with all the noise from these children, Hutash was annoyed. and she decided that it was time for these people to move on, and to move to another place. so she said to herself, I've got to think of some place to put these people, a different place where they can spread out and be very happy. well the next morning she gathered all the people up to a very high, high mountain, Siwot, or as we know it today, mount diablo. and as she told the people to look, and as they looked up into the sky across the ocean, they saw a beautiful, beautiful rainbow, Wishtoyo, and she told them that image was a rainbow bridge. and the rainbow bridge was going to take them to a new land that was very large, and they could fill that with people. well, as the people started to climb over the bridge and cross over, many became very dizzy and very frightened, because there was a mist and a fog below - they couldn't even see the ocean. well, as they started falling off, crying to Hutash for help, she took pity, and she changed them and transformed them into dolphins, and that is what we call our brothers and sisters today of the ocean, Alolk'oy. those people who crossed over on the bridge went to a place called Ts'ismuhu, "where it steams out." today we know that place as carpinteria. and the people came off that rainbow bridge and spread out into all these beautiful places on our mainland. and that is all." 

two dolphins jumping out of the water in the santa barbara channel

channel islands national park is made up of five islands. the largest, easiest to get to, and thus most frequently visited is santa cruz island. because we visited during winter, santa cruz island was our only option due to limited ferry runs. ferries to the island are hosted exclusively by island packers. the winter ferry left the ventura dock at 9am, arriving on santa cruz island by 10:30am. the only ferry back to ventura departed santa cruz island at 3:30pm. so, we had a total of five hours on the island.

what to bring to channel islands national park

importantly, there are no concessions on the island - no food options or gift shop. you’ll want to bring all the food you’ll need for the day with you. i packed lunch and some extra snacks in my daypack here. there is water available at the campgrounds, but many of the hikes get quite a distance from the campgrounds, so be sure you fill up with all the water you’ll need before hitting the trails. i brought a 32 oz. water bottle and kiddo had his camelpak here. if you end up forgetting anything or want some extras, you can purchase some items on board the ferry before you disembark.

a note: kayaking channel islands

we would have loved to do kayaking at channel islands national park! because of the ferry schedule, and availability of kayak tours, this is the only activity we would have had time for if we signed up. we really wanted to do some channel islands hikes and have the opportunity to explore on land, so we opted out. having been on the island, i’m glad for this decision, but if we had an extra day i would absolutely do a kayaking tour of channel islands!

a note: camping at channel islands national park

there is one primitive campground on each of the five channel islands! all have pit toilets and picnic tables but only santa cruz and santa rosa islands have potable water. all campgrounds are located away from the boat launch, so you must essentially backpack in with your gear. we checked out the santa cruz island campground up close (and the anacapa campground from afar), and i am very eager to return to camp someday!

and with that, here’s our itinerary for one day on santa cruz island.

standing in front of the channel islands national park sign at the boat launch

one day at channel islands national park: santa cruz island itinery

channel islands visitor center

it’s important to note that the channel islands visitor center is located on the mainland, near the ferry dock in ventura. there are ranger outposts at each of the five islands, but none are places where anything can be purchased - or even where there is a ranger posted. because you need to check in at the ferry before the visitor center opens and then return right around when it closes, it’s best if you can swing by the channel islands visitor center the day prior to your island excursion. we lucked out and our santa cruz island ferry got back just after 4:30pm and were able to hustle over to the visitor center (it’s down the road from the dock). we were able to explore the channel islands visitor center a bit and make purchases just before closing. however, because the ferry stops for animal sightings (yay!), your ride could last up to two hours and you could miss open hours altogether.

island packers ferry ride to channel islands

view from the channel islands ferry

board the morning ferry to santa cruz island! since we visited in winter, there was only one ferry to any of the the islands the entire day - and it was to santa cruz. during busier seasons there will likely be more options. i’d absolutely recommend taking the earliest ferry possible, though.

the ride to santa cruz island is about an hour, but if you’re lucky it will take longer because the ferry stops for animal sightings. we were fortunate to have a couple grey whale sightings. our ride to santa cruz island took about 75 minutes.

note: if you get sea sick (i do!), sit outside at the back of the boat. i am very prone to motion sickness, and i did great sitting back here and not moving. you’re also closest to the bathrooms, should the need arise.

hiking channel islands: interpretive hike to cavern point

cavern point trail on santa cruz island

after we disembarked, we took the obligatory photos at the national park sign (there are actually two on island! keep reading to discover where the second is). we had a few minutes to use the restroom and collect ourselves before a guided interpretive hike with a channel islands naturalist. our guide, bart, has been visiting the islands for 15 years and was able to share some of the significant changes (good ones!) he’s witnessed over that time.

the interpretive hiking trail was the cavern point loop. during our leisurely (though uphill!) walk we learned about many of the over 150 channel islands endemic species, as well as the ranching history of santa cruz island. we hiked with the group to cavern point and then split off to do another hike on our own.

best hikes channel islands: potato harbor at santa cruz island

potato harbor at santa cruz island

we ate our sandwiches while making our way from cavern point to the potato harbor trail on santa cruz island. potato harbor is a five mile hike that takes you along the coastline, through stunning grasslands to an overlook above a beautiful cove. we were pretty enchanted with the whole hike. it’s relatively flat and brings near-constant sweeping views. we saw lots of evidence of the endemic island fox along the way, as well as many of the island’s endemic plant species. we took a snack break at the end point and took in all the beautiful views before heading back toward the boat launch. we’d definitely rate this as one of the best hikes on santa cruz island and one of the best hikes of channel islands, overall!

santa cruz island visitor center

we had a bit of time left after our hikes, so we went to explore the on-island visitor center. again, this visitor center isn’t the same as the typical national park visitor center with souvenirs, books, a ranger desk, etc. there was no ranger inside, at all, and nothing to purchase. it is more of a museum that highlights the chumash, the indigenous people of the islands, the ranching history, and the conservation efforts of various species. we especially loved learning about the chumash and the island fox.

santa cruz island beach play

finally, we headed to the beach to play a bit on shore. there’s actually another channel islands national park sign right on the beach! we saw lots of birds, a sea urchin, and a few playful sea lions! it was the perfect way to spend our last minutes at channel islands natural park.

channel islands ferry back to mainland

it’s time to depart santa cruz island! there was only one ferry to the island and one ferry back. our ride back to mainland was at 3:30pm. if you miss the boat, you have no option but to stay overnight. from what was repeated multiple times, this has happened before. however, they did have a list of expected passengers and waited until everyone on the list was on board. our return ferry was faster as we didn’t have any animal sightings (other than the silly sea lions while we were boarding). it ended up taking just about an hour to get back.

since we had enough time, we went straight to the channel islands visitor center in ventura after disembarking! also, for those doing the junior ranger program - we got our book from island packers in the morning and our channel islands naturalist had been deputized to give badges. so, on our ferry ride back he reviewed kiddo’s book, swore him in and presented his pin.

it was a long but thrilling day at channel islands national park! but, we had one more day to explore the area, so we went whale watching!

channel islands day 2: island packers whale watching

two dolphins in santa barbara channel

since we opted out of kayaking the channel islands, we decided to spend another day doing a whale watching tour. one of the benefits of visiting in winter is you can catch the grey whale migration! we used island packers again and did a half day excursion that took us out to anacapa island and back. we had seen grey whales the day prior, but on our tour we actually saw humpback whales! the crew said they hadn’t seen humpbacks a long time and we saw quite a few, so it was a big day! we also saw hundreds and hundreds of dolphins. they absolutely love surrounding the boat, so we got some pretty up close interaction with them which was a thrill! we really enjoyed our tour and highly recommend it!

important tip: be sure to bring sunscreen! even on a winter day, the water reflects the sun quite strongly. this is our favorite sunscreen that we bring on all our adventures. we love the mousse for easy application, but you can also get the lotion or the spray.

visiting channel islands national park was such an incredible adventure. we are so grateful we were able to make it happen and are hoping to return soon to try out camping on channel islands.

i hope this itinerary for one day at channel islands national park’s santa cruz island helps you plan your own adventure. let me know if you’ve visited and what else you’d add to this list! have a great time and go out wild at channel islands national park!

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favorite things to do in san felipe, baja california; family camping in baja

vandalf the camper van at our beach camping spot in san felipe, baja california

we took vandalf the camper van across the border for the very first time to beach camp in baja california. we went camping in san felipe and it was a blast! it was our first time beach camping as well as our first time boondocking for a week straight. we learned some new things and gained a lot of confidence!

san felipe is fishing town in northern baja california. it’s well known among gringos and is home to many expats, but you wouldn’t guess it walking around town. we traveled to several different parts of san felipe, plus a bit further out, and loved all the areas. we felt very comfortable driving the camper van through san felipe, as well as baja more broadly.

we camped on the beach about a 20 minute walk from the malecón, or main boardwalk. of note: while there may be camping spots closer to town, there are very few beach boondocking options within walking distance. a 20 minute walk to the boardwalk was great for us because we had the time and enjoyed the views along the beach. that said, we averaged walking 8 miles per day! if this is not a reasonable or accessible option for you, consider whether it’s preferable for you to be in closer proximity to amenities at all times or to stock up food and other essentials before setting up camp and reducing your trips to town.

all in all our family trip to san felipe was a smashing success. san felipe is a great destination for a family trip to baja california. here’s a list of our favorite san felipe activities for campers, families and more. we hope you enjoy them, too!

go see giant cacti at valle de los gigantes

giant cardon cacti at valle de los gigantes

after spending so much time on the beach, we were thrilled to travel a bit inland to visit the amazing cactus forest at valle de los gigantes. these giant cardon reach up to 60 feet tall and can live hundred of years. the tallest cactus in the world, they are only found in some sonoran desert habitats. enjoy a stroll of your own choosing or take the 4wd road through the preserve. cost is $10 USD per vehicle and amenities are minimal.

enjoy a night out at the malecón

the malecón is san felipe’s main boardwalk. while it seems to be the town’s most touristy spot, it’s also a place where local families, couples, young people, and fishermen gather for evenings - especially sundays! trust me, sunday is the night to be at the malecón! lots of locals, live music and plenty of food vendors selling elote, churros and more. we loved walking over during golden hour, getting an early seat and watching the sunset over the beach while eating dinner. after dinner, grab a treat and watch the fishermen come back with their hauls. we did this almost every evening during our visit and it was the perfect way to end the day.

relax or play at the beach

sunrise at the beach in san felipe

when beach camping, you obviously must make time to enjoy the beach! if it was up to kiddo, we would have stayed buried in the sand the entire trip - and can you blame him? i enjoyed walking the beach for every sunrise and sunset during our visit. you’ll likely see beach dogs roaming, as well as kayakers, the local boys’ running club, birds, and more visitors to the shore. the setting is absolutely picturesque and we were even treated to a whale sighting!

take a hike to cerro el machorro

kiddo hiking cerro el machorro in san felipe

to be frank, there aren’t many hiking opportunities around san felipe. there are some longer, multi-day trails and several areas where adventurers can wander their own paths. we weren’t prepared to traverse an unmarked trail on this trip, so we did the one trail option available to us - cerro el machorro. starting from the beach, most of the trail is pretty flat and winds through beautiful wildflowers. eventually you hit the “mountain” and then it’s a nearly straight up, though fairly short, climb from there. it’s quite steep and rocky, so may not be suitable for children. the views are quite beautiful and can be partially enjoyed from near the bottom, so it’s worth a visit even if you don’t intend to trek the steep part.

if you skip the first half of the trail and cut in from the road, you may be able to come directly from your lodging without a vehicle. one of our caravan friends did a trail run all the way from camp, up the mountain and back (about 5 miles). so if running’s your jam, consider this option!

visit the buzzing town center

the town itself has a totally different vibe than the malecón! we traveled into town several times for groceries, restaurants, laundry, and to simply drive around and explore. you’ll find a stocked grocery store, plenty of restaurants, street vendors, charming neighborhoods, busy intersections, and all the things you might expect from a town center. we went to the grocery store multiple days in row and then walked across the street for birria stew and tacos on the side of the main highway. full of energy, it was divine!

trek to the shrine of guadalupe

san felipe’s shrine of guadalupe

from anywhere on the beach you’ll see the shrine of guadalupe. it’s a rather small shrine, but it is a major landmark for san felipe and worth a climb if you’re in the area. we were able to hike to the top and enjoy the views, but the inner sanctuary was closed - though we could still see in. the views from the top are really wonderful. note, there are several dozen stairs up to the shrine and there is no other route.

we hiked from our camping spot and then went to the malecón for lunch as a break before trekking back to camp. it’s quite close to the malecón and a good add-on if you’re already there.

some of our baja caravan camped at the beach

we had a truly fantastic time in baja california. traveling with a caravan was a great way to try something new, though families could certainly travel without a group. we would feel completely confident traveling back on our own exploring other areas of baja california. though, i’d also love to go back with a caravan, too!

i hope this list gives you some ideas for things to do in san felipe with kids - or without. have a great trip!

favorite ways to celebrate lunar new year; how we celebrate the chinese new year

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we absolutely love celebrating the chinese new year. it’s our favorite holiday, and we celebrate it in a variety of ways.

but first, a bit about using “lunar new year” vs. “chinese year year”. many cultures use a lunar calendar (based on the phases of the moon) and some of them celebrate the new year on the same date. for example, vietnamese tet and korean seollal are celebrated the same date as the chinese new year. so, to be more inclusive, “lunar new year” should be used when talking about the date more broadly. not only is it more inclusive, but it combats the (white) western assumption that “all asians are chinese” that so many asian people experience. however, when referring to a specific holiday, it’s best to use the specific terminology for that holiday! we celebrate the chinese new year at home, so that’s what we call it when we’re talking about our own celebration. when i reach out to vietnamese friends who celebrate tet, i wish them a happy tet even though we celebrate chinese new year. here, i’ll mostly be using chinese new year because i’m sharing about our own celebration.

in general, chinese holidays are full of symbolism and the new year is no exception! there are many practices, rules, and traditions around this holiday, especially as it’s the most important holiday for many chinese families. the myth of the nian monster that came to eat chinese villagers at the start of each spring brings three traditions - red, noise and light. each of these were used to scare away, and ultimately defeat, the nian monster. a party ensued to celebrate the defeat, which became an annual celebration complete with red clothing and decorations, noisy firecrackers and beautiful lanterns to ensure the monster stays away and springtime can be ushered in with joy.

broadly, spending time with loved ones and enjoying delicious food are central to celebrating the chinese new year. our own celebration has changed over the years and can even look different year to year. when i was a child we would have a big meal and then my siblings and i would get to choose from a pile of red envelopes in hopes of getting the one with the most money. (believe it or not, i picked the one with the most money almost every single year. money luck that disappeared with adulthood - ha!)

as i got older, time with family (which often involved travel) and a good meal became more important than the red envelopes. and now, it’s all about making it fun and exciting for kiddo. here are some of the ways we’ve celebrated more recently, including our own spins on traditional practices.

decorating

decorating our spaces for the lunar new year is one of the best ways we acknowledge the season. since we don’t really decorate for christmas, we usually spend that time pulling out our chinese new year decorations. it’s fun to re-discover all the beautiful things we’ve collected over the years, as well as finding new things to celebrate the chinese zodiac animal of the year.

this year (2023 in the gregorian calendar) is the year of the rabbit. we added these rabbit-themed candle holders (and will work perfectly for mid-autumn moon festival, too!) and this cute bunny doormat to our collection this year. we also got beautiful rabbit ornaments for our zodiac tree: from this seller and this seller.

what’s a zodiac tree? it’s something we made up! when i was a kid my mom took a fallen branch, spray painted it white, stuck it in a basket, and then had us make origami ornaments for it. she pulled it out every december - just a quirky, creative thing unique to our family. our zodiac tree is a spin on that. we take one of our houseplants, a chinese palm, and decorate it with ornaments of the 12 chinese zodiac animals. each year, kiddo gets an ornament representing his own zodiac animal as well as one for the animal of the new year.

additionally, we hang lots of lanterns! we have multiple sets, including these red lanterns and these beautiful rabbit lanterns. we also hang (and make) decorations representing firecrackers.

crafts

in addition to purchasing decorations, we always spend time making some new ones each year. we’ve done paper crafts for the ox and lion and are already getting ready to do this rabbit paper craft from grace lin.

we’ve also made these firecrackers and these lanterns. lantern festival marks the end of the new year celebrations (and beginning of spring!), so we like to make lots of colorful lanterns for that holiday, too!

this activity book is also a fun one for learning about the holiday while coloring and making simple crafts.

food

this is what we’re all here for, right? again we do a mix of traditional and non-traditional here. and we rarely use the same recipes each year. here’s what’s on our menu this year:

long life noodles - these noodles represent longevity and are a part of many celebration feasts. this is the recipe we’re having this year.

scallion pancakes - a dim sum favorite year round! they can be a bit tedious to make, but well worth the effort! we’re making this recipe for the second year in a row.

steamed buns - another dim sum favorite, we try a new recipe each year. this year we’re making curried chicken buns from this asian dumpling cookbook.

dumplings - we do dumpling wednesdays in our house and have tried many, many recipes. dumplings are on every new year table and represent wealth. since we’re doing chicken buns, we’re going to try these vegetable dumplings this year.

bok choy - another one we enjoy year round and regularly. steamed, sautéed, we’re always trying something different with these, but they always manage to make it to the table for chinese new year. this year we’re trying this recipe.

cucumber salad - this is usually a summer salad, but the asian market had beautiful cucumbers so we decided to add them to our chinese new year menu for the first time. this salad is always super simple and delicious. we’re making the recipe from this cookbook.

almond cookies - these aren’t super traditional, but some regions of china do enjoy them for the new year. this year we bought some pre-made cookies, but usually we make this (non-traditional) recipe.

tray of togetherness - this is essentially a candy box filled with delicious treats and snacks. each house has their own and for 15 days people visit with neighbors, friends and families, sharing their treats and company.

oranges and tangerines - these symbolize good luck and happiness. they are often given as gifts. we keep bowls around the house for the entire month of celebration.

red envelopes

hongbao, leisees, red envelopes, red pockets… they go by many names but they all mean the same thing: money, money, money. unfortunately for us adults, it’s really money for the kids. it’s very traditional for adults to give children money in red envelopes - and there are lots of rules around who gives what. kiddos wait all year for this special occasion to fill their pockets!

other gifts

generosity and sharing is a strong theme of chinese new year (along with other chinese holidays). however, wrapped gifts are not traditional. we have chosen to replace the gift-giving of christmas with doing bigger gifts for kiddo on chinese new year. we always try to make it extra special and save the things kiddo is most wanting for the new year. since we’ll be traveling a lot more this year, we’re not doing an especially large gift. here are a few things he’ll be unwrapping this year.

• lego minecraft panda haven: lego have become a theme of our new year since each year we do the lunar new year sets like this one, this one and this one.

• clixo magnetic toy: kiddo is really into puzzles like rubik’s cubes, so i’m planning to bring this along on our next road trip for entertainment in the van.

• twistable crayons: kiddo also loves art, so this is another activity we’ll bring on our cross-country road-trip to avoid bits of broken crayons all over the van.

• inflatable travel footrest: ok, this might seem like an odd gift for a child, but kiddo has been asking for a stool for the van. the seats in our camper van are too far from any kind of table surface for him to use comfortably, so i’m hoping this footrest will serve multiple functions and provide a good seat when we’re stationary.

books

we have so. many. chinese new year books! we love them and no matter how many we get, we always seem to add one more to the collection each year. check out this blog post for our favorite children’s books about chinese new year.

other traditions

as i mentioned previously, there are a lot of traditions and superstitions to follow. there are things like deep-cleaning the house that we almost never get to. and then there are things like wearing red outfits that we do each year! there is an overall theme of “welcoming in the new” that runs through many of the traditions. having a fresh, clean slate to welcome in the new year. so, things like new clothes and haircuts are ways to prepare. we try to do this as much as makes sense for us. this year we got these sweet bunny shirts. another tradition is bringing in spring blooms, often flowering peach, cherry, or plum branches. we usually can find these right in our own neighborhood!

i hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about chinese new year and how we celebrate it as a family. i’d love to know your family’s favorite holiday and how you celebrate it - including any new traditions you’ve started. wishing you a happy new year!

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favorite chinese new year books for kids

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chinese new year is our favorite holiday! for more about this holiday and how we celebrate, see this post. one way we get in the spirit is by reading fun books. we have collected a number of fabulous children’s books about chinese new year over the years and want to share our favorites with you. i hope you enjoy this list and find something new to share with the kiddos in your life!

chinese new year books for children under 5

12 lucky animals by vickie lee and illustrated by joey chou: the adventure loving dragon, the carefree horse, and the artistic goat are just three of the 12 lucky animals to be found in the chinese zodiac. use the wheel on the back cover to help little readers discover who their lucky animal is and how to pronounce its name in chinese and english. bookshop.org

jet celebrates the new year by virginia yang: follow along as jet celebrates new year’s day! learn the significance and activities that go into asia’s most important holiday, lunar new year’s day. eat dumplings, light lanterns, and pick flowers with colorful and elegantly designed illustrations to captivate your child’s imagination.

bringing in the new year by grace lin: this exuberant story follows a chinese american family as they prepare for the lunar new year. each member of the family lends a hand as they sweep out the dust of the old year, hang decorations, and make dumplings. then it’s time to put on new clothes and celebrate with family and friends. there will be fireworks and lion dancers, shining lanterns, and a great, long dragon parade to help bring in the lunar new year. bookshop.org

chinese new year wishes by jillian lin and illustrated by shi meng: it is hong's favorite time of the year. his whole family celebrates. it is the chinese new year. follow hong as he and his family prepare for and celebrate the chinese new year festival. bookshop.org

my first chinese new year by karen katz: chinese new year is a time of new beginnings. follow one little girl as she learns how to welcome the coming year and experience all the festivities surrounding it. bookshop.org

kiddo reads a chinese new year book called “sam and the lucky money”

chinese new year books for kids over 5

ruby’s chinese new year by vickie lee and illustrated by joey chou: Ruby has a special card to give to her grandmother for Chinese New Year. But who will help her get to grandmother’s house to deliver it? Will it be clever Rat, strong Ox, or cautious Rabbit? Ruby meets each of the twelve zodiac animals on her journey. bookshop.org

nian the chinese new year dragon by virginia loh-hagan and illustrated by timothy banks: mei hates springtime. why? because it's only in the spring that nian, a fierce dragon, is able to leave his mountain prison under the sea to terrorize the local village. when the villagers hear the rumblings of nian's hungry stomach, they know that winter has ended and spring is coming. but this year on the night before the first day of spring, a magical warrior visits mei in her dreams. he tells mei that it is her destiny to face and defeat nian. but she must do it within 15 days or the dragon will be free forever. bookshop.org

long-long’s new year by catherine gower and he zhihong: long-long accompanies his grandfather into the city to sell cabbages in order to buy food and decorations for the new year. selling cabbages is harder than long-long expects, and he encounters many adventures before he finds a way to help his grandfather, and earn new year's treats for his mother and little cousin. bookshop.org

goldy luck and the three pandas by natasha yim and illustrated by grace zong: it's chinese new year, and goldy luck’s mother wants her to take a plate of turnip cakes to the neighbors. the chans aren’t home, but that doesn’t stop goldy from trying out their rice porridge, their chairs, and their beds—with disastrous results. bookshop.org

the race for the chinese zodiac by gabrielle wang and illustrated by sally rippin: long ago in ancient china, the jade emperor proclaimed a mighty race. “the first twelve animals to cross the river will each have a year named after them,” he announced. follow along to see who crosses the finish line - and who doesn’t.

the runaway wok by ying chang compestine and illustrated by sebastià serra: when a boy goes to the market to buy food and comes home with an old wok instead, his parents wonder what they'll eat for dinner. but then the wok rolls out of the poor family's house with a skippity-hoppity-ho! and returns from the rich man's home with a feast in tow! bookshop.org

friend are friends, forever by dane liu and illustrated by lynn scurfield: on a snowy lunar new year’s eve in northeastern china, it’s dandan’s last night with yueyue. tomorrow, she moves to america. the two best friends have a favorite wintertime tradition: crafting paper-cut snowflakes, freezing them outside, and hanging them as ornaments. as they say goodbye, yueyue presses red paper and a spool of thread into dandan’s hands so that she can carry on their tradition. but in her new home, dandan has no one to enjoy the gift with―until a friend comes along. bookshop.org

sam and the lucky money by karen chinn and illustrated by cornelius van wright & ying-hwa hu: sam can hardly wait to go shopping with his mom. it's chinese new year's day and his grandparents have given him the traditional gift of lucky money-red envelopes called leisees (lay-sees). this year sam is finally old enough to spend it any way he chooses. but when sam realizes that his grandparents' gift is not enough to get the things he wants, his excitement turns to disappointment. even though his mother reminds him that he should appreciate the gift, sam is not convinced - until a surprise encounter with a stranger. bookshop.org

the great race: the story of the chinese zodiac by dawn casey and illustrated by anne wilson: race with the animals of the zodiac as they compete to have the years of the chinese calendar named after them. the excitement-filled story is followed by notes on the chinese calendar, important chinese holidays, and a chart outlining the animal signs based on birth years. bookshop.org

other lunar new year books

here are two that are great for celebrating the diversity of lunar new year: tastes of lunar new year and dumpling soup, which both center food and all the different cultural treats that used to celebrate the holiday.

and here’s one that we’re adding to the collection this year: year of the cat by richard ho and illustrated by jocelyn li langrand. rat won the great race, which determined the order of the chinese zodiac calendar. but he did it using trickery that left poor cat behind. now, rat wants to make amends . . . or so he says. all the zodiac animals set off to apologize to cat. yet somehow, by the end of the journey, rat is the only one left. and cat has a special surprise for him. bookshop.org

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favorite places to hike near palm springs; best hiking areas beyond joshua tree national park

kiddo hiking in anza-borrego desert state park

when we lived in the palm springs area, we were able to hike every weekend without running out of trails to explore. while we absolutely loved - and continue to love - visiting joshua tree national park, there are are so many incredible areas in both the low and high desert for hiking. (for hiking in joshua tree national park, see this post about joshua tree hidden gems!)

while the coachella valley does get exceedingly hot in summer, the rest of the year brings perfect hiking temperatures. plus, the valley is surrounded by multiple mountain ranges, so there are tons of higher elevation (read: cooler) hiking and recreation opportunities a bit further out. here are our favorite hiking areas in and near palm springs, california, including our favorite trails in palm springs and beyond.

whitewater preserve

the nearly 3,000 acre whitewater preserve is surrounded by san gorgonio wilderness and provides a rich riparian habitat for bighorn sheep, migrating birds, and many other beautiful creatures. there are 4 main trails, ranging from 3.5 to 8 miles, as well as connectors to the PCT and other trail systems. a favorite trail is the 4 mile whitewater canyon loop. there's also a campground and a beautiful recreation area that provide the opportunity for enjoyment without hiking. it’s a great place to cool down on a warm day if you’re looking to get away from the pool.

kiddo and i hiking through the whitewater river

big morongo canyon preserve

like joshua tree national park, big morongo canyon preserve encompasses both mojave and colorado deserts. it's also one of the largest cottonwood and willow riparian habitats in california. part of the sand to snow national monument, this 31,000 acre preserve remains one of our favorite hiking areas of all time for it's diversity of flora and fauna. there are 6 trails that traverse different ecosystems, including the marsh trail and canyon trail. visitors can combine them in any number of ways to create just the right adventure. we’ve been on all 6 trails multiple times and love each one. no matter the season, there is always something beautiful to experience here!

kiddo hiking the yucca ridge trail at big morongo canyon preserve

indian canyons

managed by the agua caliente band of cahuilla indians, indian canyons affords visitors 60 miles of gorgeous trails through 3 different canyons. our favorite trail, the palm canyon loop, winds through the world's largest naturally occurring oasis of the california fan palm and then up out of the canyon for spectacular panoramas. once we saw a tarantula on the trail! for a shorter hike through another oasis, check out the 1.2 mile andreas canyon loop. and for a longer hike, try the murray canyon trail, which features more than a dozen creek crossings to a waterfall. another canyon in the area worth a visit is tahquitz canyon, which is also managed by the tribe and features tahquitz falls during the wet season.

kiddo hikes up the ridge of the palm canyon trail

santa rosa and san jacinto mountains national monument

at 280,000 acres, the santa rosa and san jacinto mountains national monument is BIG - and offers endless hiking opportunities! with more than 200 identified cultural resources and over 11,000 feet in elevation change from lowest to highest points, there is an incredible amount of adventure to be experienced here. some of the area continues to be owned by the cahuilla indians and management is shared across several different agencies. do your research to find the best hiking options in the area, along with associated fees and regulations. here are some of our favorites across the area:

• palm springs: the 1.6 mile out and back museum trail climbs over 800 feet in less than a mile. the more challenging 4.1 mile araby trail has 1400 feet on elevation gain and thus comes with excellent views.

• palm desert: we love the 2.7 mile randall henderson loop. for a little more challenge, try the 4 mile bump and grind trail.

• mt. san jacinto: take the palm springs aerial tramway for the round valley or desert view trails. it’s beautiful up here no matter what trail you take!

kiddo hikes the bump and grind trail in palm desert, ca

hiking areas a bit further out

though a bit further out, both of these locations are well within range for a day trip from palm springs. anza-borrego desert state park is especially lovely in the spring. head up to idyllwild in summer to escape the heat or in winter to enjoy snow.

anza-borrego desert state park

we first visited anza-borrego desert state park during the 2019 wildflower superbloom. it was easy to fall in love with the park when it was blanketed in colorful blooms, but we’ve returned multiple times since then to enjoy this beautiful desert wonderland. our two favorite trails are near the tamarisk grove campground: cactus loop nature trail and yaqui well nature trail. it was on one of these trails we saw our first desert tortoise in the wild!

desert dandelions blooming in anza-borrego desert state park

idyllwild

this quaint mountain town is a great day-trip escape from the desert heat. there are many hiking trails in the area, but be advised most are longer day hikes. for a more moderate option, try the 4.6 mile ernie maxwell scenic trail. there are also lots of options to visit recreation areas for short nature walks and relaxation in picnic areas. be sure to visit the idyllwild nature center!

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favorite hidden gems in joshua tree national park

kiddo runs through the boulders at joshua tree national park at sunset

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joshua tree is truly my favorite place on earth. no matter how many times we go, i always look forward to the next visit. and, after living close by for nearly three years and then returning one to two times a year since then, we’ve been to joshua tree national park at least two dozen times. while i can’t say we’ve seen every nook and cranny, we’ve seen an awful lot. we’ve been to all of the popular spots - some many times - and they are absolutely worth visiting! but now when we visit joshua tree, we try to find less frequented spots like longer hikes or places on the edge of the park’s borders.

indigenous peoples

the land presently referred to as joshua tree national park is the traditional homeland of many tribal peoples, including the cahuilla, serrano, mojave, and chemehuevi. per an enthographic study performed by the park, “the Chemehuevis had something that resembled a moiety system associated with the ownership of land in demonstrated in two hereditary songs, the Mountain Sheep Song and the Deer Song, each of which described trips through the mountains and valleys along the colorado river. those who had the right to sing the song had the right to hunt in the area and in that sense owned it. the songs were inherited patrilineally, but after the euro-americans came a man might inherit his song from his mother's father if his father were a non-Indian and thereby had no song, and, therefore, presumably no right to use the economic assets thereof.

groups of Chemehuevis had a right to hunt in a Mountain Sheep area only if a man who was an owner of the Mountain Sheep Song was part of the group. the same was true of the Deer Song. the Mountain Sheep Song covered an area west of the colorado river, and the Deer Song, east of the river. the Salt Song was associated with the Deer Song, and was often owned by those who owned the Deer Song, but it involved both sides of the river. each song had subdivisions, and a subgroup might own only a subdivision of a song, and a specific version of it… only a person who owned a song could sing it ritually, but others could sing it in non-ritual contexts.”

descendants of the chemehuevi, the twenty nine palms band of mission indians, settled at the oasis of mara, a sacred site near twenty nine palms. the oasis of mara can be visited by guests to joshua tree national park. be sure to go to the cultural center to learn more about this history, the ongoing importance of the site, the original stewards of the land, and the continued role of their descendants.

what you’ll need to visit joshua tree

joshua tree is, of course, a desert. water and sun protection are of the utmost importance, no matter the season. a few things we alway bring:

sunscreen: this one is our favorite. it’s spa 50 and we like the mousse because it’s easy to apply, but you can also get the lotion or the mist.

water bottles: kiddo uses this camelpak on all our hikes. my current favorite water bottle is this one from wondery.

other sun protection: we recently purchased this buff for kiddo as a multi-use item. it protects his neck from sun but can also be worn in a myriad of ways, based on need. we most often use it as a headband! i wear a wide brim hat that i purchased from a shop years ago, but similar styles can be found here and here.

good shoes: the desert is fully of prickly things. i highly recommend sturdy boots (and not hiking sandals). kiddo currently wears these hiking boots. i have high arches and am always alternating between boots. my two favorite pairs these days are these and these.

a trip to joshua tree national park is truly an adventure, and you’re sure to find something special no matter what. these are some of our favorite hidden gems in joshua tree national park, along with a couple of the hot spots that are worth returning to again and again.

favorite hidden gems in joshua tree national park

the view from lucky boy vista at sunset

lucky boy loop

we hiked this 3.3-mile loop just before golden hour so we could get to lucky boy vista at sunset. we ate our trail dinner while watching the sunset over the vista point, and then raced back down, getting to the car just as the sky turned dark. and then it was just us and the stars. it’s one of our favorite memories in the park. if you’re traveling park boulevard, the turn off for this hike is between ryan mountain and jumbo rocks, so it’s in an area you are likely to travel at some point during your visit. if you bring binoculars, you can spot skull rock from the vista.

view of mount san gorgonio from the hi-view ridge

hi-view trail

located near the black rock campground, the trailhead to the 1.4 mile hi-view loop is down a bumpy dirt road through joshua trees. the trail climbs up a ridge to stunning views of mount san gorgonio. we did this one on a christmas morning and the ridge was extremely windy. but the views of the snowy mountains were well worth it! if you come in winter, be sure to pack layers. you’ll be grateful for it!

wildflower super bloom at the bajada nature trail

bajada nature trail

if you’re into desert flora, this is the stop for you! though not really hidden, this 0.3 mile bajada nature trail is at the cottonwood entrance of the park, so much less visited than other areas. the trail is full of interpretive signs about the diverse plantlife in the colorado desert section of the park. it’s also here where you’re much more likely to see wildflowers. were were fortunate enough to live in the area during the last major wildflower superbloom and the bajada nature trail was covered in lupine, chia, and more. it was a spectacular site to behold!

ryan ranch

this 1.1 mile out and back trail is a good one for kiddos who love to explore. along the trail there are great rocks for climbing, but it’s the historic adobe - or, ryan ranch - that’s the big reward. built in 1896, it’s fun to imagine what the 6-room adobe once looked like. and it’s a great spot for photos! you’ll also find a lot more historic remnants scattered through the area. and did i mention scrambling opportunities?

view of a snow dusted mount san gorgonio from the peak of panorama loop

panorama loop

this was our most recent christmas hike and it’s a workout with a reward! after a long, sandy trudge, followed by a steep climb, the views of both mount san gorgonio and the san jacintos are a real treat. the panorama loop is a 6.6 mile lollipop and is located near the black rock campground. if you are up for it, you could do both panorama and hi-view on the same day as the trailheads are quite close to one another - though not as a single, connected hike.

kiddo looking down from atop eureka peak

eureka peak

this peak is mostly traversed via a rigorous 10-mile hike, but it can be driven to, as well! the road is certainly off the beaten path - a very bumpy, windy dirt road that will take you through the most dense stands of joshua trees i’ve ever seen. honestly, the density of the joshua trees alone is worth this trek. but, the views from eureka peak are also pretty darn spectacular. be sure to download the map in advance for this one. it’s quite easy to get turned around and there’s no signage to ensure you’re headed the right direction.

maze loop

this 4.9 mile loop takes you through canyons and high rock walls that make it feel like you’re inside a maze of boulders. it’s a bit of a wonderland, and you’ll definitely want to make sure you download the map in advance. there are several areas where the trail seems to disappear, and it’s easy to wander off track. the maze loop trail is mostly flat but there are some rocky sections, as well as some very sandy sections.

kiddo hiking the mastodon peak loop in joshua tree

mastodon peak

mastodon peak definitely isn’t a secret, but it’s another one that’s over in the cottonwood section of the park and less visited than say… skull rock. but if you are in the area, it’s definitely the one to do! after recently camping in joshua tree at the cottonwood campground, this is actually our new favorite joshua tree hike! at just over 2.5 miles, this loop also includes an additional short scramble up to the peak. if you’re lucky, you may get to see salton sea from the summit! there’s also mastodon mine with some interpretive information about the history of mining in joshua tree. this hike does include some stairs, as well as some rocky sections with loose gravel.

favorite hot spots in joshua tree national park

the chollas at sunset

cholla cactus garden

the cholla garden is my top spot. there’s nowhere else i’d rather be. i call the teddy bear cholla my best friends and jokingly send my dear (human) friend a photo of me with my “friends” every time i visit. (i even have a cholla on my porch!) at the cholla garden there is a short boardwalk trail that wends it’s way through hundreds of these pokey wonders. this absolute gem is located in the colorado desert portion of the park which means no joshua trees, but so. many. cholla. plus smoke trees! it’s definitely a different ecosystem and worth traveling to. and while you’re down there, continue on to the cottonwood area of the park to check out the bajada nature trail and mastodon peak!

skull rock nature trail

skull rock is definitely one of the most popular spots in the park. most people park on the side of the road to take a quick picture with the skull, but only some realize there is a full 1.7 mile loop that brings different views. we first did this trail while camping at jumbo rocks and hardly recognized we were at skull rock until we were literally right on top of it. if you’re staying at the campsite this is a must-do!

arch rock

another popular spot, arch rock trail is fun because you’re able to see a lot of interesting geologic features. the arch itself is not particularly large - and definitely requires scrambling up sharp boulders - but the entire 1.2 mile lollipop loop brings a feast for the eyes. the trail head can be accessed from the twin tanks parking lot.

i’d love to know what your must-see spots are at joshua tree - especially the hidden gems! if we haven’t seen it already, we’re sure to check it out on our next visit! in the meantime, i hope this list gives you some ideas for ways to explore this national wonder beyond the amazing, well-known (and well-loved) hot spots. go out wild and enjoy some hidden gems at joshua tree national park!

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favorite outdoor activities in tucson, az; things to do in tucson with kids

saguaros and mountains of tucson, az

we traveled to tucson for one reason: saguaro national park. but what we found was an incredible city, brimming with activities for any kind of traveler. we ended up spending a couple extra days outside of the national park to explore some of the other outdoor attractions and were so glad we did. the natural beauty of arizona is undeniable, so we prioritized outdoor activities in tucson. here are a few of the family-friendly activities in tucson that we enjoyed!

raptor free flight at arizona-sonora desert museum

the arizona-sonora desert museum came highly recommended by several fellow travelers - specifically, the raptor free flight. the desert museum is a combined zoo and botanic garden, along with an aquarium (you can even pet stingrays!), history museum and art gallery. the grounds are quite large, so expect a lot of walking. (i cannot speak to accessibility of the entire experience, but paths throughout are well-paved with some meandering and elevation changes.) in addition to the raptors, we thoroughly enjoyed the javelinas and the cactus garden.

onto the birds! the raptor free flight is a sort of recess time for native sonoran birds of prey. the birds are completely untethered and are free to stretch their wings. the program is very educational and extremely entertaining! and when i tell you these birds get close, I mean they get CLOSE. they literally graze guests as they fly back and forth over guests. at one point, kiddo threw himself on the ground because one of the birds came right at my head! obviously these birds have razor-sharp senses and will not actually hit any guests, but it’s worth noting they get extremely close. (sweating emoji here - lol!)

it’s recommended you arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of the show, but i’d encourage getting to the desert museum at least 30 minutes in advance. it takes some time to get to the flying area and you’ll find plenty of other eager guests waiting in line! while the raptor show was definitely a highlight of entire trip, the rest of the desert museum is fabulous. it’s worth planning for a couple hours post-show to explore all the various attractions and learn about the sonoran desert along the way. this is definitely a memorable experience for kids in tucson!

a crested caracara in its sonoran habitat

sweetwater preserve

the sweetwater preserve is nearly 900 acres of incredible desert wildness in west tucson. there are over 15 miles of trails to explore for hikers and equestrians. the area is also very popular for mountain biking and includes trails for beginner and intermediate riders. trails range from 0.4 to 2.6 miles and can be combined any which way to create the distance that works best for you.

from the trailhead, the black rock loop trail is 4.6 miles and takes you through some incredible saguaro stands. for a more challenging trek, try the 7.1 mile saguaro vista, black rock, homestead and oxbow trail. and for a shorter hike try the saguaro vista, lost arrow, spine and wildflower ridge loop, which is 2.5 miles.

tucson botanical gardens

the tucson botanical gardens are a great place to explore and feature a butterfly pavilion that allows guests to interact with the butterflies! there are more than a dozen gardens to pique the interests of young and old, alike, including a native american crops garden, a children’s garden, a bird garden, and more. there’s also a desert tortoise that lives on the grounds! kiddo especially loved the zen garden, which was both a great sensory break and sensory engaging for kiddos who enjoy those features. and though not native, i always appreciate the rose and iris gardens.

the gardens also host a number of fantastic art exhibits and events. we explored the galleries and also enjoyed the festival of illumination, a holiday lights show.

kiddo hikes a trail in saguaro national park

saguaro national park

this one is obvious for any outdoors lover! check out this blog post which includes our itineraries for 2 days in saguaro national park and 1 day in saguaro national park. it’s worth noting the park has east and west sides, which are completely disconnected and about an hour’s drive apart. you could certainly visit both parks in a single day, but i’d recommend one day for each side so you can really enjoy and explore the unique ecosystems.

tucson is a very family friendly destination full of cultural and outdoor activities for all ages. we highly recommend a visit and hope this list gives you some great ideas to go out wild and explore the beauty of tucson’s sonoran desert.

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favorite itinerary: 2 days in saguaro national park; 1 day in saguaro national park

kiddo hikes a trail in saguaro national park

we all know i love a desert park and saguaro national park did not disappoint! this park is unusual in that it has two different sides that are completely separated by the city of tucson, az - though they’re a much shorter drive apart than the two sides of pinnacles national park!

both sides of the park have scenic drives that provide lots of options for exploration and enjoyment. the tucson mountain district, or west saguaro, is the most popular because it has a higher density of saguaros. the rincon mountain district, or east saguaro, on the other hand, is more mountainous - but still boasts plenty saguaros! both have a variety of longer hikes (over 5 miles) and shorter hikes (under 2 miles), but limited options for those medium distance hikes between 2 and 5 miles.

view of west saguaro national park with mountains in the distance

the land presently known as saguaro national park has been the homeland of indigenous peoples since time immemorial. tribal nations who have inhabited this area include Zuni, Hopi, Yaqui, Akimel O'odham, Tahono O’odham, and others.

the Tahono O’odham Nation shares: “on countless occasions, the U.S. border patrol has detained and deported members of the Tohono O’odham Nation who were simply traveling through their own traditional lands, practicing migratory traditions essential to their religion, economy and culture. similarly, on many occasions U.S. customs have prevented Tohono O’odham from transporting raw materials and goods essential for their spirituality, economy and traditional culture. border officials are also reported to have confiscated cultural and religious items, such as feathers of common birds, pine leaves or sweet grass.

the division of O’odham lands has resulted in an artificial division of O’odham society. O’odham bands are now broken up into 4 federally recognized tribes: the Tohono O’odham Nation, the Gila River Indian Community, the Ak-Chin Indian Community and the Salt River (Pima Maricopa) Indian community. each band is now politically and geographically distinct and separate.”

view from cactus wren trail in west saguaro national park

you could easily visit both sides over a weekend in saguaro national park. we like to take our time in parks, where possible, so we did two days in saguaro national park, one (shorter) day for each side. however, because the parks aren’t too far apart (a 1 hour drive), you could certainly do one day in saguaro national park and get to both sides. here’s what we recommend seeing and doing on your visit!

day 1 in saguaro national park: west/tucson mountain district

1. hike the scenic/packrat/passey loop: this 1.7 mile hike is off-the-beaten path disconnected (by road) to the rest of west saguaro. however, we found it to be the perfect intro to the park as a low-key loop full of diverse desert flora - including saguaros, of course! you can also shorten or lengthen this hike by taking different variations of the three trails.

kiddo hikes through the cholla on the scenic/passey/packrat loop trail

2. head into the park and stop at the red hills visitor center for maps and information. make sure to ask about the hike for health challenge. if you hike 3 miles, you get a special pin! this challenge can also be done at five other national park sites, though details vary.

3. start the bajada loop drive. this 6 mile scenic drive offers pullouts, hikes and picnic spots. be advised that the loop is unpaved and while some of the loop is two-way, not all of it is. it’s best to do the full loop counter clockwise so you don’t end up having to backtrack to get to the following stops.

4. hike the valley view and wild dog trails. this 2.6 miles out and back combo starts from the same trailhead and will likely be your first stop on the bajada loop. you could also do the 0.6 mile valley view overlook trail and then continue on the bajada loop to signal hill. you can do the 1.9 mile out and back wild dog trail from signal hill. because there are several other trails at signal hill, i recommend knocking out wild dog while doing valley view. be advised, the parking at this trailhead is extremely limited. another reason to combine trails and make this your first stop on the loop.

5. continue on the bajada loop to the signal hill picnic area. enjoy lunch with a view before setting off to view the signal hill petroglyphs. the petroglyphs, which are 0.5 mile hike from the picnic area, were created by the hohokam people between 500 and 1500 years ago. the petroglyphs are a *do not miss! from here, you have the option to connect to manville, cactus wren and encinas trails. we did the cactus wren trail, and really enjoyed the views. a great way to wrap up one day in west saguaro national park!

petroglyphs at signal hill

day 2 in saguaro national park: east/rincon mountain district

1. start off the day at rincon mountain visitor center if you need any additional maps or updated information specific to this side of the park.

2. set off on the cactus forest scenic loop. this 8 mile scenic drive is paved and has a number of scenic pullouts, in addition to trail access for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

3. though we stopped at all the pullouts along the way, our first excursion was the mica view/cholla/cactus forest loop. this 3.7 mile trail is a great option for exploring deeper into the park beyond the scenic drive. you can also shorten to 1.9 miles via the mica view/cactus forest loop. or, if you are able to do a day hike, i’d highly recommend the 10 mile cactus forest trail. it’s less traversed than the shorter trails and takes you through diverse areas of the park. any section of the cactus forest trail is a *do not miss!

landscape from the mica view trail

4. continue on the scenic drive to the desert ecology trail. this 0.3 mile accessible trail was one of our favorites! the interpretive signs are full of great information about how the flora and fauna work together to create a thriving desert ecosystem. this is a *do not miss learning opportunity!

5. continue around the loop, stopping at the various viewing pullouts and choosing one for a picnic with a view. we especially loved the javelina rocks stop, which offers the opportunity to get out and explore. just a bit further is the javelina picnic area. we stopped here to complete the junior ranger book, stretch our legs, and use the restroom. from here, wrap up the loop and return to the visitor as needed for junior ranger badges or hike for health pins. congrats on completing your visit to another beautiful national park!

one day itinerary: 1 day in saguaro national park

if you only have one day to explore saguaro national park, i’d still recommend traveling to both sides of the park. most blogs will tell you to stick to the west side but the east side was my favorite and brings a little more of an off-the-beaten-path experience. here are the top spots to include for one day in saguaro national park.

1. start at west saguaro national park

2. red hills visitor center

3. bajada loop drive (counterclockwise)

4. signal hill petroglyphs

5. drive to east saguaro national park

6. cactus forest scenic loop drive

7. mica view/cactus forest loop trail

8. desert ecology trail

9. rincon mountain visitor center, if needed

trail at the javelina rocks pullout in east saguaro national park

i hope this saguaro national park itinerary helps you plan a successful trip. may you enjoy another opportunity to go opportunity to go out wild!

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favorite kids activities for road trips and family travel

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let’s be honest, travel with kids can be stressful. having a kit of kids activities for car and airplane travel can be extremely helpful in keeping kids entertained while on the road. we also use the same kit for camping with kids!

it can be difficult to not want to bring everything - you want to keep them entertained, right? but if there’s any travel lesson i’ve learned from family travel it’s that some kids don’t really need that much to stay occupied. you just need to know what interests and excites your kids the most.

below are our favorite kid activities for travel with elementary-aged children. we bring these activities for both camping and road trips, but many of them would be great activities for air travel with kids, too.

building magnets: we have had this set of 3d building magnets for years (since kiddo was 4 years old) and it still brings loads of entertainment. we’ve brought them on many planes and at least half a dozen road trips, and we have never lost a piece. it’s the top toy we grab for every kind of trip we take. as a twist, kiddo is getting this magnetic puzzle cube in his stocking this year to bring a new challenge for upcoming trips. we’ve also brought this set of magnetic tangrams on plane and car trips. this fidget snake also looks super fun and very compact for travel.

travel activity desk: we got something similar to this laptop style activity desk for plane travel years ago. kiddo really loves art so it allows us to bring several types of supplies along with paper while also providing a solid surface to color on. we still use it for all our road trips and camping trips. while this is larger than a deck of cards or rubik’s cube, it still fits in a backpack and has been 100% worth it for us! if you have a child who loves creating, this might be a great option for you, too! we also have had this marker set for years and though it’s a bit bulkier, we’ve brought it on plenty of road trips. it’s a good one for kids who love to sort and organize!

stacking game blocks: this one is definitely more for road travel and one we keep in the camper van. it’s a great activity to take camping for kids and adults - a fun family game! these stacking blocks are essentially a colorful version of jenga. however, kiddo also uses them for various building and imaginative play projects. for example, on our most recent road trip kiddo brought a few hot wheels and used these blocks to build a garage and race track for the cars. endless opportunities for play!

travel game set: *this item is best for an older child! earlier this year, kiddo got really interested in chess. rather than invest in a large chess board, we decided to get a set of travel games that includes chess. now we keep this 6-in-1 game set in our camper van. some things to note: this set includes many small pieces, including small magnets. this is not a toy for small children or people or pets who are in danger of swallowing these items. related tip: there’s a lot of pieces in this particular set. we take out the pieces to the games we’re unlikely play to reduce the mess and risk of losing pieces.

rubik’s cube: i’m not sure if they’re having another moment, but i feel like all the kids in our life are super into rubik’s cubes these days. kiddo’s been on the rubik’s cube train for about a year now (since watching this netflix documentary) and is still going strong. a classic rubik’s cube is easy to tuck into any travel bag. kiddo was recently gifted this set of 6 that has provided some new and exciting challenges. we usually pick 1-2 from the collection to bring on each trip.

mini watercolor set: have i mentioned kiddo loves art? we got this small watercolor set before our 6-week summer road trip, along with a small notebook of watercolor paper, and it was a great addition to our travel activities for kids. it’s quite small but has plenty of paint and even includes a small bottle for water. this is great when kiddo needs some quiet time for centering. lao lao (maternal grandma) is also a painter, so when we travel together, it’s the perfect cross generational activity for them to do together.

playing cards: so many options here! we love a classic deck - kiddo loves to organize them by color, numbers, suit, etc. during solo play, and also learned to play solitaire. but there’s also family options like uno, monopoly deal (which was recommended by a fellow camper), and taco cat goat cheese pizza (which we’d heard about from others but it wasn’t until lao lao bought it for kiddo during our most recent road trip that we played). packable and fun for playing together during any kind of family travel!

other ideas:

• bravery magazine: during our longer trips, we like to include some more educational activities. bravery magazine has proved an amazing resource for both homeschooling and structured play, with issues centered on incredible women like junko tabei, misty copeland and more!

• wooden figurines: if you have a younger kiddo that likes imaginative play, this is a great option. we used to pack 5-6 wood figurines in a small bag along with rubber bands and fabric scraps to inspire creative play. you could make your own little themed kits and even add a bit of play dough or other craft items.

• toy cars: similar to the the figurines we sometimes pack a few small vehicles. most recently, kiddo brought a set of 5 hot wheels and held races on the floor of the camper van.

favorite itinerary: 2 days in death valley national park

death valley national park is an otherworldly fever dream! i’m a huge fan of desert ecosystems and this one just blew me away! we spent 2 full days exploring death valley and enjoyed every second of it. you can see a lot spending a weekend in death valley national park. we had actually planned on a third day, but car trouble bested us. and yet, 2 days in death valley ended up being enough! three days in death valley would also provide more flexibility to see some of the farther out sites.

the land presently called death valley is the homeland of the timbisha shoshone, who were placed in the region by creator appü. for the timbisha shoshone, death valley is tüpippüh and the land of tümpisa, or “red ochre”. miners arrived in the 1800s and the timbisha shoshone were pushed out of their homeland and “relocated” multiple times, including forced removal by the National Park Service. they have continued to live in the area and in the year 2000, 7700 acres of their homeland was restored via the timbisha shoshone homeland act. though there are hundreds of tribal members, there are currently several dozen that live year round within the park’s boundaries.

pauline esteves, a tribal elder shares, “the spirit of timbisha has received many travelers from other lands, and all of mother earth’s belongings; the home of the timbisha shoshone newe (peoples), has been used as a commodity of sorts. timbisha is not a “valley of death” – it is a valley of the red ochre. red ochre is used spiritually by the newe with its “healing power.” not of death but for life. waters from the mountains to the east and west flow underground into this valley. overflows of nearby springs once formed streams of surface water by its own course, bringing life.”

one thing i found especially surprising about death valley national park is the way visitors are invited right into the landscape. it’s nothing i’ve experienced in any other national park before (for good reasons). many places in the park don’t even have a trail and you are allowed to simply wander. these include badwater basin, devil’s golf course, nature bridge, mesquite flat sand dunes, artists palette, and more! do be sure to read all signage before deviating away from clearly designated areas.

here’s our death valley 2 day itinerary. (of note, the park experienced devastating floods in summer 2022. roads were destroyed, along with exhibits and more. be sure to check the death valley national park website before your visit to make note of closures and re-openings.)

day 1 in death valley national park

1. stop at the furnace creek visitor center for maps and information.

2. visit badwater basin: this 200 square mile salt flat is the lowest point in north america at more than 280 feet below sea level. we caught a morning ranger program here that was spectacular. note the endemic snails that live in the salty spring that bubbles up at the flats. this goes on the *do not miss list. also of note, this location is one of the most wheelchair accessible in the park. though the flats themselves are not paved, some wheelchairs would likely do fine. we did see tire tracks on the flats.

view from the salt flats at bad water basin

3. hike natural bridge: over many years, flash floods carved out this canyon and the natural bridge that spans it. there is a bumpy dirt road to a parking area, and the bridge is a 0.5 mile hike from there. there is no official path, but following the canyon will get you there. you can also explore beyond the bridge. there is a fascinating formation that appears to be a waterfall during floods. it’s reminiscent of a cathedral.

a 35 foot natural bridge spans a canyon in death valley national park

4. visit devils golf course: add this to the list of places that make death valley feel like another planet. the devils golf course is a massive “sea” of rock salt. erosion has left it pitted, sharp and rocky. it felt especially odd to just step onto the golf course, but signage allows it with warnings to be cautious about the sharp formations. they are very tricky to walk on and if you slip there’s nothing safe to grab ahold of or land on. while this is another spot that requires a drive on dirt road, it’s well worth the stop!

kiddo plays on the devils golf course salt rocks

5. explore artists drive: this is another one that goes on the *do not miss list for death valley national park! the colors are truly phenomenal - kiddo said it looked like ice cream and i have to agree. it’s a pleasant drive and there are several places to pull over. the main attraction is artists palette. visitors are able to walk directly onto the formation. there is an informal trail and lots of freedom to explore.

a view of artists palette showing the pinks, purples, greens and browns of the land

6. wander the mesquite flat sand dunes: the dune fields are a spectacular place to visit at sunrise or sunset. we went for golden hour and sunset and it didn’t disappoint! there is nowhere to rent them, but visitors are welcome to bring their own sleds or boards to use on the dunes. visitors also have the option to do a 1-mile hike out to the tallest dune (two miles round trip). there is no trail. we just wandered to our own private dune and hung out to watch the colors change. a perfect way to end your first day in death valley national park!

mesquite flat sand dunes

day 2 in death valley national park

1. hike golden canyon and gower gulch: many know this as the star wars hike. though there are several areas of the park where filming occurred, golden canyon is the most readily recognizable. we enjoyed this 4.6 mile loop - the views are spectacular! if you have time, add on the red cathedral trail (1 mile total) and/or the badlands loop (2.7 miles). we had hoped to do the badlands loop from zabriskie point but didn’t have time. you can still view the badlands from zabriskie point (below).

views of death valley hills from golden canyon

2. check out the park from above at dantes view: at 5575 feet, visitors are able to see the valley below, including bad water basin, devils gold course and more. the park recommends visiting at sunrise, sunset or dark, all of which sound magical. we visited smack in the middle of the day and it was still spectacular! be advised, the temperature is much cooler up here compared with the valley floor - likely a huge relief during scorching hot days!

view of death valley hills from atop dante’s view

3. drive through twenty mule team canyon: this 2.5 mile canyon is a short drive that feels a bit like driving through the death valley badlands. it only takes a few minutes to travel through and is between dantes view and zabriskie point. so, worth a quick drive through if you’re going to the other two anyways!

4. enjoy golden hour at zabriskie point: this was my favorite spot of all the special places we visited during our weekend in death valley national park. if you get there early enough, do the badlands hike and then stroll up zabriskie point for golden hour and sunset. it is truly spectacular! i loved it so much i planned to do it the next evening, as well, but you know… car trouble. anyway, it’s a fantastic spot and is a *do not miss! the most special way to end 2 days in death valley national park!

if you have more time

• harmony borax works: we hadn’t planned to visit this site but had some extra time and stopped by. it was so interesting! it’s a quick stop and a great place to learn about a bit of the park’s history and what ultimately led to the park’s popularity. it’s also where the evening ranger programs take place, so worth seeing in daylight, too.

• mosaic canyon: this had been on our itinerary and got cut when car trouble arose. we would have loved to see this geological wonder!

• wildrose charcoal kilns: these kilns look to be another incredible historic feature of the park. we weren’t able to get out to this area, but if you’re already passing through, seems like these kilns would be a wonderful thing to see.

• ubehebe crater: this was closed due to flooding on our visit but we hope to see it someday!

• devil’s hole/ash meadow national wildlife refuge: we stopped here on our way out of death valley, and it was well worth it! we wanted to see the devil’s hole pupfish, which are one of the rarest fish in the world. we also stopped at the point of rocks site where we saw pupfish up close and bighorn sheep from afar!

the platform path at point of rocks site in ash meadows national wildlife refuge

death valley national park is definitely one of our top national parks we’ve visited so far. i hope this 2 day itinerary is helpful and that you enjoy your visit!

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