• Hiking,  Indiana,  Kids,  Trips

    Family Vacation Guide for Indiana Dunes National Park

    Did you know you can find one of the most biodiverse National Parks in Indiana? Indiana Dunes became a National Park in 2019 and it is well worth a visit. While you might not think of Indiana when planning a trip to the beach, Indiana Dunes National Park offers hiking trails, historic sites, and sugar sand beaches to explore. Read on for the best tips and vacation guide for a family trip to Indiana Dunes National Park. About Indiana Dunes…

  • Day Trip,  Hiking,  Illinois,  Kids

    Family Travel Guide to Carlyle Lake and Eldon Hazlet State Park

    Less than an hour east of St. Louis you can explore Illinois’s largest manmade lake. Carlyle Lake is a popular lake for sailing, camping, fishing, hiking, and more. There are several state parks and recreation areas located along the shores of the lake with Eldon Hazlet being the largest. This recreation area is a great spot to spend a day or weekend on the lake without having to travel far. Read on for a family travel guide to both Carlyle…

  • Day Trip,  Hiking,  Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    Find a Unique White Sand Beach at Missouri’s Klondike Park

    Klondike Park is one of the St. Louis area’s most unusual recreation sites. You may feel like you have traveled to an exotic location when you first glimpse the park’s out of place white sand beach. This St. Charles County gem features beautiful lakes, miles of trails, extensive amenities, and that unique white sand shoreline. With trail connections to the popular Katy Trail plus Missouri River Valley views, Klondike Park is a must see destination. Klondike Park History In the…

  • Kids,  Michigan,  Popular,  Trips

    Family Fun in South Haven, Michigan: What to See, Do, and Eat with Kids

    If you are in the Midwest, a fantastic beach vacation can be found within a days drive to one of Michigan’s beach towns. We return year after year for a short beach trip to one of these charming destinations along Lake Michigan. I recently posted here about all about the wonderful family activities in St. Joseph, Michigan. Just 30 minutes north of St. Joseph and a 6 hour drive from our home base near St. Louis is the lakeside escape…

  • Hikes,  Kids,  Michigan,  Trips

    Family Fun in St. Joseph, Michigan – What to See, Do, and Eat with Kids

    One of the destinations I get asked about the most is our yearly trip to St. Joseph, Michigan. From St. Louis, it is less than a 5.5 hour drive to this amazing family friendly vacation spot. Since we are already up north in Chicago at least once a year to visit family, it is easy for us to tack on a couple more days for a mini beach getaway. St, Joseph features so many beautiful beaches, great food, and numerous…