Every year, more burger restaurants pop up around the nation. With such a huge selection, it’s natural that every one of us will have our favorites. For us, it’s Whataburger. For years, we’ve loved the perfectly cooked burgers and the tasty sides. However, over time, we’ve begun to look for something new, and we believe we have found it. Yes, Whataburger is delicious. However, these other burger spots are just plain better.

We’ve selected eight different restaurants that we feel give our old favorite a run for its money. We tempt you to try one or all of these restaurants, especially if you’re a Whataburger fan. You may find your new favorite.

In-N-Out

Yes, Whataburger is delicious. However, many people think that In-N-Out Burger is better. Both restaurants have their similarities. Both have smaller menus and tasty burgers without a lot of unnecessary frills. Many people are like me and think that In-N-Out is better because the burgers and fries are so fresh, so they provide a certain taste that can’t be compared. You can sit there and watch them cut your fries and know they’re the real deal. It’s an incredible restaurant. Unfortunately, locations are limited, so try it if you can.

The Burger to Try

If you’re going to see how much better IN-N-Out burger is for yourself, then you should try the famous Double-Double burger. This is a basic burger with double patties, lettuce, and tomatoes. But what really brings it to the next level is the special sauce that’s been the same since 1948. Once you go to In-N-Out, you may never look at Whataburger again.

Shake Shack

If you live in a state with a Whataburger restaurant, then you also likely live near a Shake Shack. Many times, people will pull into the Shack Shack drive-thru over their competitor. Why? Well, in addition to having delicious shakes in a wide variety of flavors, they also have amazing burgers and savory options. You can go to many locations and see people lined up around the block. You don’t typically see that at Whataburger.

The Burger to Try

If you’re going to Shake Shack for the first time, check out the ShackBurger. It’s loaded with delicious Angus beef, lettuce, tomato, and their famous ShackSauce. Plus, it’s all placed on a perfectly toasted potato bun. It’s a simple burger, like you’d find at Whataburger, but it’s so much better. You’ll certainly go back for more.

BurgerFi

While Whataburger is delicious, the chain doesn’t always offer the variety that many customers desire. That’s where BurgerFi comes in. There, not every meat is the same. When you order, you can choose between standard patties or vegetarian, meatless, and gluten-free options. They are proud that their meat comes from the farm and not the lab. That’s not to say that Whataburger meat is low quality, but BurgerFi just knocks it out of the park.

The Burger to Try

When looking for the best taste comparison between them and Whataburger, order the classic BurgerFi Cheeseburger. It’s loaded with double lettuce, tomato, double patties, and double cheese. There’s also antibiotic-free Angus beef. It’s an amazing burger made even better with a side of fresh-cut fries. This is a great restaurant for a variety of flavor pallets.

Fuddrucker’s

While Whataburger serves some pretty amazing burgers, what you see is what you get. You’re limited in how you can customize your meal. At Fuddrucker’s, the meals are made to order, so you can get them exactly how you like. That’s one thing they have over Whataburger. In addition to that, they have some of the freshest buns in the industry. The restaurant says that they’re made fresh every day.

The Burger to Try

If you visit this restaurant, go for the Original Fudds meal option. Essentially, it’s choosing your burger your way. You get to choose the type of meat and how it’s cooked. You also get to choose the toppings. They have a legendary toppings bar that offers endless options to make your burger just right. It’s a variety you won’t get at Whataburger.

Smashburger

If you visually compare a Smashburger sandwich with a burger at Whataburger, you may find it hard to see a difference, at least visually. However, Smashburger is famous for literally smashing their burgers so they’re thin and lean. The process also packs in the flavor. While they’re similar, for my money, I’ll take the Smashburger any day.

The Burger to Try

For me, there’s a tie between two great sandwiches at Smashburger. One of them is the Truffle Mushroom Swiss Burger. It’s packed with fresh mushrooms and amazing beef flavor. If you don’t like mushrooms, you could also try the Classic Smash. Get it with onion, pickles, lettuce, and tomato, and it will be a party in your mouth.

Wendy’s

Yes, Wendy’s is a major chain and not quite the niche pick as some of the other restaurants on this list, but they continue to deliver amazing food. The executives at Wendy’s know that newer burger brands like Whataburger are making a splash, so they continue to try to innovate to keep up. Wendy’s has a vast menu with tasty choices that make it a must-have.

The Burger to Try

Go on any best-of-burger list, and you’ll find the Baconator on top of most of them. This is considered to be one of the best burgers of all time. It’s loaded with bacon and those amazing square patties. The patties are also covered in cheese, so it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s just a bit better than many of the options you’ll get at Whataburger.

Fatburger

If Whataburger is delicious, then Fatburger is on another level. They take their name seriously by adding heaping toppings to burgers that also have tasty, large patties that are never frozen. They also have some of the best milkshakes in the world. Fatburger restaurants are not as common, but they’re worth a try if you want something new.

The Burger to Try

Like Whataburger, Fatburger has a smaller menu that won’t overwhelm you upon your first visit. When you go, try the original Fatburger. The burger has only one beef patty, but it’s huge and full of flavor. Get it with all the fixings, and you’ll get lettuce, onions, relish, mayo, mustard, and more. The beef patty has the right amount of caramelization that brings the flavor to another level.

Habit Burger Grill

Finally, while we know that Whataburger is delicious, Habit Burger Grill gives that chain a run for its money. This is another restaurant that you won’t find everywhere, so try it when you come across them. People generally love the burgers because they’re freshly chargrilled and perfectly cooked over an open flame.

The Burger to Try

Most people find that the best burger at Habit Burger is the Double Char. It’s a good-sized burger, but you can squeeze it down with your hands and get that flavor punch that we all love. The burger patties are perfect and even the lettuce is somehow better than at other chain restaurants. Get a side of fries and look forward to a fantastic meal.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com.

The post Whataburger Is Delicious But These 8 Other Burger Spots Are Just Plain Better appeared first on Moms Who Think.

 What better way to end Halloween night than jumping on the couch, still in costume, pillowcase full of Nerds and Reese’s pumpkins, popcorn ball in your right hand, and 13 nights of Halloween playing on TV? From watching the Olsen twins help their aunt break free from a curse to following Marnie on her adventure through Halloweentown, there were certain Halloween movies you just couldn’t miss during the month of October.

So, pull up your TV dinner table, have Mom and Dad check your candy, and join us for this ride back through time.

HalloweenTown

To this day, Halloweentown and its sequels are some of the best Halloween movies on TV. We wish we could go to Halloweentown for a weekend, except we’ll leave out the drama caused by Kalabar. That giant pumpkin in the center of town is the best substitute for a gazebo ever, and to go for a ride with that skeleton taxi driver would be the ultimate thrill!

Double Double Toil and Trouble

Remember when the Olsen twins were cute, innocent little troublemakers? Except in this movie, they were actually trying to save their great Aunt Sophia who had been cursed by her twin sister Agatha. Let’s see if you remember the rest of this one…”Double, Double Toil and Trouble; Fire burn and cauldron _________.”

Hocus Pocus

Ahhh…what a classic. It was so hard to choose one character to love from this movie. Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy transformed into a couple of not-so-smart Witches who would be lost without Bette Midler, who was the picture-perfect head witch that matched what you thought up in your imagination. We can’t forget about Thackery Binx the cat and Billy Butcherson, the “good zombie.” You’ll be humming the trio’s spellbinding interaction long after the movie has ended.

Casper

It’s hard to picture Christina Ricci as that little girl anymore, but she and Casper were the inseparable duo that we loved to watch every year around Halloween. This movie taught us to not be afraid of every bump in the night because it could just be your new best friend flying around your room! Casper and his friends Stretch, Fatso, and Stinkie provided us with plenty of enjoyment in a storyline that could actually be quite sad and depressing. The ghost part is fun, just try not to think about how they ended up that way.

Don’t Look Under the Bed

Did you know that this movie was the first Disney Channel Original Movie to be rated PG due to its frightening content? This movie was definitely scary, and maybe Disney should have saved this one for parents only! The movie’s plot was about how the Boogeyman would come from under bad kids’ beds and take them away. No wonder we have so many kids “co-sleeping” with their parents — the story lives on!

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Is it a Christmas or Halloween movie? Doesn’t matter! This movie is so good you’ll want to watch it for every holiday. Set in a place coincidentally called Halloweentown, our main character Jack Skellington wanted to take over Christmas by kidnapping none other than cheery ol’ Santa Claus. This movie made for many great Halloween costumes for years to come!

Under Wraps

I bet this one didn’t come to mind when you read the headline of this article. BUT, I bet you remember it now! Remember the friendly, funny, clumsy, and confused Mummy named Harold who was found in a basement? He became best friends with a bunch of 12-year-old kids! Throughout the movie, we watch as the kids go on a mission to get Harold back to his coffin before the end of Halloween night so he can “survive.” This one definitely stands up to the test of time.

The Haunted Mansion

We might be the only ones, but we expected this one to be a little bit better than it was. While it did shed light on how important family values and spending time with family are, its overall plot was a bit of a letdown. Maybe that’s because it was from the early 2000’s and the 90’s magic had died off. Nevertheless, it is still a haunting Disney “thriller” and we couldn’t miss watching it at least one day before Halloween, at the very least for the cool mansion shots and the lady in the crystal ball!

Tower of Terror

Did you know Disney has plans to make a new Tower of Terror?! It’s exciting but, a lot of times 2nd time around movies just aren’t as good! But we have high hopes for this one.

BeetleJuice

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice! Oh, he’s not actually going to show up? We wish he would, he seems like a lot of fun. This movie had everyone singing that Jamaican song and wishing they too could conjure up the coolest dinner party ever.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Charlie Brown and his pal Linus were always on some sort of mission together to spread happiness and joy to the neighborhood. This adorable blockhead and his blankie-carrying friend had more ambition than some of us adults do these days. The poor kid usually didn’t always get what he wanted right away (ie. he got rocks while trick or treating and the other kids got candy) but he never stopped trying! No matter the Holiday, we were always learning valuable lessons from good ol’ Charlie Brown. So technically, this movie came out in 1966 but we watched it through and through to this day!

Coco

Miguel, a 12-year-old boy, is accidentally transported to the colorful Land of the Dead where he seeks his great-great-grandfather, a deceased musician, help to lift the ban on music that his family imposed. In the Land of the Dead he has a lot of adventures and in the process discovers who his real great-great-grandfather is.

Spirited Away

Ten-year-old Chihiro Ogino and her parents take a shortcut and stumble across an abandoned amusement park. Here, her parents are turned into giant pigs and she must work to set them free. She is helped by a boy named Haku to eventually rescue her parents and return to the land of the living.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Rimma Bondarenko/Shutterstock.com.

The post Here’s Your Halloween Watch List appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Key Points of Pregnancy at 9 Weeks

• Symptoms from 5-6 weeks will remain fairly consistent with pregnancy at 9 weeks. You find yourself with nasal issues
• Your baby has gone from an embryo to a full fetus and will have more definable features such as arms, legs, and even a tail! (Don't worry the tail will be gone by the time the baby is born.)
• Your doctor's visits for prenatal care and ultrasounds will show if the baby is healthy and developing normally. If not your doctor can advise on the best steps to take.

9 weeks pregnant is when your baby's development is kicked into high gear. Most recognizable features like arms, legs, and a head will be fairly developed at this point. You will most likely be experiencing more symptoms of pregnancy. You should have had at least one doctor's appointment at this point and they would have advised you for the coming weeks. This is still very exciting even if your morning sickness is getting the better of you.

Body Changes at 9 Weeks Pregnant

At 9 weeks pregnant, you may find yourself with a persistent stuffy nose. Nasal congestion and nose bleeds are fairly common during pregnancy. Try using a vaporizer or humidifier to help lessen the symptoms of pregnancy. You continue to feel tired, nauseated, and possibly dizzy. You also may be experiencing heartburn and indigestion, occasional food cravings and food aversions, nausea, bloating, mood swings, and weepiness from the hormones raging and changing throughout your body.

Your breasts may be feeling full and tender. This can be one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy. The areola typically darkens and Montgomery's glands, lubricating sweat glands on the areola, may become prominent and more numerous. Especially for those with a light complexion, veins in the breast often become more pronounced.

Your waistline may be expanding and you may even begin to show slightly. Each woman and each pregnancy is different; don't worry if you aren't looking pregnant yet!

Your Baby's Development at Week 9

During pregnancy week 9 your baby may be roughly 1 inch long. Your baby also weighs in at roughly .1 ounce. Your baby's physical body, including her arms, legs, and head, has taken shape. The embryonic tail at the bottom of your baby's spinal cord is shrinking, and your baby's head is now nearly half the size of its entire body.

More fetal developments that typically occur during the ninth week of pregnancy are the formation of nipple and hair follicles, the abdomen and chest cavities becoming separate, the eye muscles and upper lip developing, the nerve cells of the retinas forming in the eyes and the semicircular canals of the ears form. At this point, all your baby's fingers and toes are present. The urinary and rectal passages are completely separate and the intestines start to move out of the umbilical cord and into the abdomen.

Back to Pregnancy Week by Week

The post What Your Baby and Body Look Like at 9 Weeks Pregnant appeared first on Moms Who Think.

The Fourth of July is always one of my favorite parts of summer. It’s the peak of the summer, perfect for enjoying being out in the sun with family and friends. But one of the challenges of the Fourth of July is that so many of the ways we typically celebrate it just aren’t very kid-friendly, like having a cold beer or playing with sparklers. 

Fortunately, there are ways to make it fun for kids while still celebrating the best of summer. Everyone can join in the fun with some of these perfect treats for the Fourth of July.

Make Homemade Ice Cream

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! But why pick up a pre-made tub of it at the store when you can have the fun of making it with your kids? It’s easier than you might think, too — no special skills required. All you need is an ice cream maker, rock salt, and six simple ingredients. This recipe doesn’t even use eggs, so it’s safe for pregnant mommies, too. Once you have the ice cream maker, you can tweak the same recipe by adding other flavors.

Watermelon Seed-Spitting Contest

Few other fruits say “Fourth of July” like watermelon. It’s present at almost every July 4th picnic, and it’s a cool sweet treat on a hot summer’s day. Kids and adults alike love this fresh, juicy fruit (and any time you can get kids to voluntarily eat fruit is a win!) But there’s the matter of those pesky seeds to contend with. You can spit them out on a plate, which gets the job done but is a little boring. Why not have a game with the kids to see who can spit their seeds the furthest? 

Chalk Art

The Fourth of July is a great time for being outdoors. Keep kids entertained by having them express their creativity with chalk art, like this set. All you need is a driveway, patio, or sidewalk, and kids can have fun for hours drawing pictures or boards for tic-tac-toe or hopscotch.

The best part about the chalk drawings is that unlike paint, it doesn’t make a big mess! It rinses off their clothes easily and washes off completely in the rain. 

Sprinklers

If you’re not lucky enough to have access to a swimming pool during the summer, there’s still a way to beat the heat on the Fourth of July. Set up sprinklers and have the kids run through them to cool off. Or grab an old-school Slip N Slide for slipper good fun!

Fruit Pizza

Celebrate all the fresh summer bounty by making a patriotic fruit pizza. Use delicious seasonal fruits like strawberries and blueberries to make this easy and patriotic-themed dessert pizza. Get the kids involved, too — there’s nothing that tastes as good as something you helped to make.

Scavenger Hunt

Let your kids put on their sleuthing caps and start searching for treasure in the backyard. Hide a random assortment of things in your yard and send them on their way! 

The dollar store is a great place to get inexpensive items to hide that the kids can keep once they find them. Good items to get include bubbles, coloring books, puzzles, action figures, and toy race cars.

Backyard Campout

There’s no need to go out of town to go camping. Let your kids have all the fun of camping, right in your backyard. Set up a tent and get ready for the excitement of sleeping under the stars.

Make it just like any other camping experience: bring hot dogs to roast over a fire, along with marshmallows to toast and the ingredients to make s’mores. Just like camping!

Red, White and Blue Slime

What’s more fun to kids than playing with slime? But you don’t have to buy an expensive tub of premade slime; you can make it yourself with just a couple of ingredients in a few minutes.

Try this recipe or this one to make some fast and easy slime in your very own kitchen. Spending just a few minutes of your time will let your kids have a blast for hours.

Build a Fort

A backyard fort is like a secret hideaway that most kids love. You can build your own in your backyard. Your kids will love the place to play and have adventures, but they can have even more fun by being involved in building it.

Whether you choose to build a basic wooden-framed fort or an easier one with cardboard, the kids will have fun helping to build it. Then they’ll have even more fun playing inside of it.

Have a Parade

What’s the Fourth of July without a parade? Have your kids gather all their friends or visiting cousins and let them march in their own parade through your neighborhood. Get some noisemakers and flags to wave. Have the kids dress in adorable patriotic red, white, and blue clothing. Give them their marching orders and follow them out the door for their very own parade.

Red, White and Blue Cookies

You didn’t think the Fourth of July was just about hot dogs and watermelon, did you? Cookies are always welcome at any occasion. You can make patriotic red, white and blue cookies or festive American flag cookies. These recipes are fun and easy enough that you’ll want to get the kids into the kitchen to help!

Fourth of July Wreath

Why spend $20 (or more!) on a premade wreath at a craft store when you can make your own? It’s fast, easy and inexpensive. You’ll be surprised at how cheaply you can make your own Fourth of July wreath. The whole project can come together pretty quickly, especially if you already have red, white, and blue fabric sitting on hand. Get out your glue gun and make something with your own personal touch.

Make an American Flag

The American flag is one of the symbols of freedom we celebrate most on the Fourth of July. You can pick one up at your local big-box home store or get crafty and make your own. Either way, celebrate your American pride with the ultimate symbol.

And happy Fourth of July!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Natalia Kirichenko/Shutterstock.com.

The post 12 Kid-Friendly Ways to Celebrate the Fourth of July  appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Family camping trips can create lifelong memories of s’mores, sleeping bags, and stargazing. This is especially true when your preparations include camping games. It’s inevitable that your little ones will get bored and cranky at some point, and having the right games to whip out can be a lifesaver! Here are just a few ideas for your family’s next adventure.

Bean Bag Toss

Bean bag toss is one of those classic camping games that everyone remembers from their own childhood, so you might consider it your sacred duty as a parent to pass it down.

DIY beanbags are easy to make by stuffing a sock with rice or some other hefty material. You could even have a pre-camping crafting activity where everyone gets together and decorates beanbags with markers, beads, sequins, or embroidery!

Otherwise, there are plenty of fun, colorful beanbags that you can purchase in multi-packs or with accessories such as hoops, cones, and cornhole boards.

You can also make or modify your own versions of beanbag games. Have you ever tried hacky sack with beanbags? How about toss versions of tic-tac-toe?

Alphabet Hunt

This can be a fun camping game for younger kids who don’t have the skills or patience to handle more involved games. It’s played without equipment; all you need is a working knowledge of the alphabet. It starts with a single person naming something around the campsite that starts with the letter “A.” The next person finds something that starts with the letter “B.” To make it harder, you can require everyone to memorize and recite the list as they go. To make it simpler, you can offer multiple choice answers that reinforce letter-learning. Either way, a good old-fashioned alphabet hunt is something that’ll be educational and entertaining all at once.

Squirt Gun Race

Squirt guns are always fun, but if you’d like a little more structure than just “everyone running wild around the campsite and soaking each other,” consider something like a squirt gun race. It’s as simple as lining up cups or other objects and then seeing who can knock them over the fastest. You can also DIY it if you’re feeling creative:

• Fill the cups with water to give them more weight.
• Use irregularly-shaped objects like balls, toys, or action figures.
• Give everyone a time limit, or create time-based turns.
• Make everyone wear blindfolds or spin around in circles before they take their turn.
• Offer prizes to the winners such as a piece of candy for every overturned object.

Another pre-camping activity idea is to create homemade banners that the kids can drench. Think of them as carnival-style games where you try to get the squirt guns through a clown’s mouth!

Charades

Another classic, charades can be played with or without props, and they can be adjusted in difficulty depending on the ages of your children. An easy charade, for example, might be “dinosaur.” A harder charade might be “T-Rex.” A super-hard charade might be “a T-Rex on ice skates trying to juggle.”

You can brainstorm ideas in advance to put on cards, or you can go with the flow, allowing your kids to come up with impromptu challenges. You can also encourage collaboration by having siblings come up with madlibs-style charades such as “a _____ doing _____ while ____ing.”

No matter how you decide to play, however, a good game of charades will definitely get the giggles going!

Scavenger Hunt

The great thing about a scavenger hunt is that it can be done anywhere. Whether you’re skiing, sunbathing, or hiking in the woods, you can create a fun day of memories for your family.

Basic scavenger hunts can be completed without equipment. You can collect things found in nature like geodes, ladybugs, flowers, four-leaf clovers, and oddly-shaped rocks. You could even make a DIY game out of finding interesting things to hide in the game!

Another way to play is with a card game version like Find and Seek. Each card has a prompt like “something blue” or “something fuzzy,” which will encourage curiosity, exploration, and a sense of discovery in your little one. Tell them that you’ll stop for ice cream on the way back home if they finish the entire deck before the end of the trip.

Camping Crafts

Let your kids express their creativity through cramping crafts. There are numerous ways to turn nature into art, including:

• Leaf threading: Leaf threading is when you “sew” leaves together in garlands and other shapes. Just tie some string to the end of a stick to create a nature-based sewing needle.
• Acorn and pine cone painting: Your kids can create all kinds of mosaics with a little paint and some organic easels.
• Texture rubbings: Sandwich something flat between two sheets of paper and color over it. The usual suspects are flowers and leaves, but you can use anything that fits!

Camping crafts can be especially fun for kids who aren’t able to run around all day. Whether they’re young, disabled, neurodivergent, or simply the type to enjoy quiet and restful activities rather than loud and boisterous ones, camping crafts are sedate without being boring.

Don’t forget, too, that camping crafts can be taken home after your trip is over, creating ready-made souvenirs and scrapbook materials!

Collaborative Story Time

“Once upon a time…” It only takes a few words to get a story rolling, but instead of taking all that responsibility on yourself, why don’t you outsource it? Have everyone in the family take turns at adding a few lines. You might wind up with something silly, serious, and strange all at once.

For kids who are particularly imaginative, you can add extra challenges like “make it rhyme” or “narrate it with shadow hand puppets.” You can also issue challenges related to themes, concepts, or word choices. You can have them gather props from nature to act out their stories. You can even put together a homemade campsite theater production!

Bonus: This is a game that can be played anywhere, so whether it’s day or night, rain or shine, you can use the power of creative storytelling to keep the kids occupied and out of trouble.

Tag

Tag is a time-honored tradition for kids, but you can turn it into a family activity, too. Everyone can get involved. Here are some fun ideas for tag:

• Flashlight tag: Played at night, everyone tags each other via light beam.
• Flag tag: Everyone tucks a flag, scarf, or bandana into their pocket. The person who collects the most flags wins!
• Blob tag: When you get tagged, you have to hold the hand of your tagger, creating a “blob” that chases the next person.
• Messy tag: Play a regular game of tag, but add mud, paint, water guns, or something else that will get everyone sticky or dirty.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with tag or to make your own goofy rules. The only real goal is to have a good time, so if the family is laughing together, you’ve done your job properly.

Toss and Catch

A “toss and catch” ball set can be a great addition to your family’s camping games. Since the wide catching paddles are made with Velcro, they don’t require as much dexterity as Frisbees or traditional baseball mitts. Your little ones can be just as involved as your older, more coordinated teens.

Another great thing about toss and catch is that it can be played by 2 – 6 people at a time, so siblings can run around in whatever groups that they’d like. They can even hold simultaneous games. There are multiple balls and multiple paddles.

For extra fun, put up a net and play games badminton-style, or create obstacles or barriers that players have to navigate as they move around.

Tip: Make sure to hang on to the canvas bag that stores everything! The only downside of toss and catch is that its equipment is easily misplaced.

Two Truths and a Lie

Two truths and a lie is a classic game with simple rules. Taking turns, everyone tells two truths and one lie, and the other players guess which is which.

A personal version could let everyone bond and become closer. A trivia version could let your kids show off what they’ve learned in school. The possibilities are endless.

Additionally, since it’s a game played without equipment, two truths and a lie can be played anywhere and anytime. You don’t have to wait until you’re all sitting around a campfire at night. You can do it during a hike, road trip, plane ride, and more!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/dolgachov.

The post 10 Family Camping Games For Everyone From Tots to Teens appeared first on Moms Who Think.

If you have fussy, young eaters in your home, a tater tot casserole can be the perfect thing to serve on any given night. Here's a bit of background on this beloved hotdish as well as a handful of recipes to help you serve it up hot.

What are Tater Tots?

Tater tots can be described as potatoes that are grated and fried. Cylindrical in shape, they are often served as a side dish, but in the below recipes, they take center stage.

Variations of this casserole — also referred to as tater tot hotdish — can be found all over the world. The name tater tot is trademarked by the Ore-Ida company, but it's often used as a generic term for this type of fried potato recipe.

History of Tater Tots

Tater tots originated in 1953 when the founders of the Ore-Ida company were trying to figure out what to do with leftover slivers of cut-up potatoes. They decided to chop them up and add flour and seasoning. The product was then shaped and fried, and the tater tot was born.

When tater tots were first introduced in stores, they were so inexpensive that people were hesitant to buy them thinking they were low in quality. When Ore-Ida raised the price, they began to sell more of the product and, eventually, they went on to become the popular food item they are today.

Tater tots are easily found in major grocery store chains. They can also be found on school lunch menus and as side dish options at countless restaurants.

Tater Tot Casserole Recipes: The Options are Endless

As with any casserole dish, a tater tot casserole can be made in a variety of ways. For the most part, they are soup-based and will include ground beef and various vegetables. One of the below recipes uses both cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup as well as ground beef and green beans. The other showcases just four simple ingredients: beef, cream of mushroom soup, Cheez Whiz and tater tots.

How to Make Tater Tot Casserole

The first recipe requires preparing the meat and mixing it with the soup, vegetables, and seasonings. Then pour the mixture into a casserole dish and layer it with the tater tots for a meal your family will love.

But when we think of tater tot casserole recipes, the sky is the limit. Here are some variations on the classic that you might enjoy making:

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

Although you can prepare this recipe using sloppy joe from a can, home cooks will prefer to make theirs from scratch using ground beef, sauce, vegetables, and seasonings. Once the sloppy joe mixture is prepared, put it in a casserole dish as the base layer, add cooked tater tots and serve.

Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole

A slow cooker can be perfect for preparing your meat mixture as it will allow all the flavorings to come together. Add the meat, veggies, and sauces of your choice and simmer in your slow cooker. When it’s done, just add the tater tots and you’ve got yourself a great meal.

Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Cheese is an ingredient that can take your tater tot casserole to the next level. To make a cheesy tater tot casserole, just prepare the combination you prefer, sprinkle cheese over the top and bake.

Tater Tot Casserole with Beef

Most tater tot casserole recipes include ground beef. This is a great addition as it goes well with tater tots and serves to make the meal hearty. It is also rich in protein and iron. It may protect your heart and lift your mood.

However, not every tater tot recipe calls for beef. Some recipes use other types of meat and some don’t use meat at all. Here are some examples of tater tot recipes that feature these variations.

Cauliflower Tater Tot Casserole

A veggie lover’s dream, this dish features cauliflower, bread crumbs, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, chicken and a variety of seasonings. The cauliflower is made into a rice-like texture and chicken, cheese and tater tots are added to layered perfection.

Chicken Fajita Tater Tot Casserole

This recipe requires a tater tot base which includes egg, cream, milk peppers, cheese, onions, sour cream, and various seasonings. The chicken is then layered over the top.

Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

What isn’t better with bacon? This take on the recipe involves mixing the beef, tater tots, cheese, bacon bits, cheese soup, and sour cream. Once the ingredients are mixed, simply put them in a casserole dish and serve.

Recipe Cards: Add These Options to Your Recipe Box!

A tater tot hotdish is a delicious and hearty meal that is great for kids, and parents will love it too! This first recipe we have here is pretty basic, but with so many variations available, you can play with the ingredients to create a dish that will please a wide range of taste buds and meet any dietary need.

Tater Tot Casserole

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(4 votes, average: 4.25 out of 5)
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4.3 from 4 reviews

• Author: Moms Who Think
• Total Time: 45 Minutes

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Description

This kid-friendly ground beef casserole goes from kitchen to table in 35 minutes. Crispy bites of potato form a crust on this ground beef, green bean and creamy gravy dinner classic.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can French style green beans
• 1 (32 ounce) package tater tots

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet over high heat, brown the ground beef and drain fat.
3. Stir in condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper and green beans.
4. Pour the mixture into a medium-sized casserole dish and layer with the tater tots.
5. Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until tater tots are browned and crispy.

• Prep Time: 15 Minutes
• Cook Time: 30 Minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

This next recipe comes from a trusty source: my Minnesota mother-in-law! She calls it tater tot hotdish. Call it what you like. It will become your family favorite regardless. In fact, he makes this recipe pretty frequently as it conjures fond memories from his childhood. 

Tater Tot Casserole (My Minnesota MIL's Recipe!)

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• Author: Ashley Haugen

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Description

This family recipe comes from my mother-in-law's recipe box. It's a touch of nostalgia and a whole lot of comfort all in one well-greased casserole dish.

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 16 oz jar of Cheez Whiz
• 1 32–oz bag of Tater Tots
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Brown the ground beef, and drain.
3. Spray your casserole dish with Pam or similar product. 
4. Pour drained, cooked ground beef into the bottom of the pan.
5. Cover the beef with cream of mushroom soup.
6. Slather on Cheez Whiz.
7. Add an even layer of Tater Tots.
8. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour, 15 minutes.
9. Season to taste and enjoy!

How will you be preparing your tater tot casserole tonight?

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/bhofack2.

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If you are looking to get your family out of the Bluff City for a day and you would like to explore more of what the state of Tennessee or some surrounding states have to offer, there are some great day trips from Memphis. Here are some great destinations your family will love!

Halls, TN

Distance from Memphis: 1 hr, 20 mins

Travel about an hour and a half northeast of Memphis to come to the town of Halls. With just over 2,000 residents, this small town has entertainment to offer to you and your family. You can spend time learning at the Veteran's Museum at DYAAB, or climb the Lauderdale County Wildlife Observation Tower to see what kinds of birds and animals you can see. You and your family will also enjoy just playing at the small parks that are part of the town of Halls.

Jonesboro, AR

Distance from Memphis: 1 hr, 6 mins

You don't have to travel far to reach Jonesboro, Arkansas and be part of all that the city offers. Just over an hour from Memphis, this city features opportunities for you to shop for antiques, check out a sports game, or spend time in nature. You and your family will enjoy going for a walk or playing at the Craighead Forest Park. You and your family can spend time learning about natural history at the ASU Museum, or you can spend time shopping at The Mall at Turtle Creek.

Newport, AR

Distance from Memphis: 1 hr, 31 mins

You can plan for an educational day trip away from Memphis when you head to Newport, Arkansas. This city is about an hour and a half from Memphis, and it features the Arkansas Rock N Roll Highway 67 Museum, as well as the Jacksonport State Museum. You can take a break from the museums in Newport and spend time outside when you go to Jacksonport State Park and spend time walking the trails, canoeing, or horseback riding.

Searcy, AR

Distance from Memphis: 1 hr, 54 mins

If you enjoy learning about the past and thinking about how people lived many years ago, you will enjoy checking out the Pioneer Village in Searcy, Arkansas. You can visit this village at no cost, and you and your family will feel your imagination going wild as you look over homes like those lived in a long time ago.

Des Arc, AR

Distance from Memphis: 1 hr, 30 mins

You need to travel just under an hour and a half to reach Des Arc in Arkansas, and you will find that this city offers much to see and do. The Lower White River Museum helps you dive into the history of an important body of water in the state of Arkansas, and the Harding University Theatre puts on great productions that you and your family might be interested in watching.

Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge

Distance from Memphis: 52 mins

You need to travel less than an hour from Memphis to get to Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge in Stanton, TN. When visiting, you can create a list of birds to look for and see which family member gets them all checked off first. You can also spend time hiking at the refuge, or take part in boating or fishing activities. You and your family can appreciate the simple beauty of nature while spending time at Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge.

Jackson, TN

Distance from Memphis: 1 hr, 24 mins

The city of Jackson, TN is less than an hour and a half away from Memphis and the perfect place to spend a full day away. Enjoy great food while in this city, and spend time checking out the Century Farm Winery. If you are interested in movies and the vehicles that were used in them, you can explore Rusty's TV and Movie Car Museum. If you are interested in the musical side of things, you can spend time learning about music of the past at The Tennessee Legends of Music Museum at Carnegie. And train enthusiasts will find a thrill at the Casey Jones Home Railroad Museum.

Savannah, TN

Distance from Memphis: 2 hr, 11 mins

The city of Savannah in Georgia is a beautiful place to visit, but the Savannah that is located in Tennessee is perfect for a day trip from Memphis and beautiful in its own way. You can view special artifacts, check out amazing fossils, and learn about the river valley at the Tennessee River Museum in Savannah. While in Savannah, you can also enjoy a special meal at the Hagy's Catfish Hotel Restaurant.

Holly Springs National Forest

Distance from Memphis: 1 hr, 18 mins

You can head down to Mississippi to view beautiful scenery and watch for wildlife at the Holly Springs National Forest. This forest is close enough for a day trip, and it is a peaceful place for long walks. You might spend time practicing your nature photography while at this forest, or you might simply take in the views and enjoy your time there visiting with your family.

Batesville, MS

Distance from Memphis: 57 mins

You will travel under an hour from Memphis to get to Batesville in Mississippi, and you will find that this town is an interesting place to visit. You can purchase fun and fresh food from vendors at the Square Market, and just spend time exploring the market and seeing all of the special things for sale there. You can learn more about the indigenous people who once lived in Mississippi by visiting the Batesville Mounds. After all of your exploring is done, you can enjoy a delicious and filling Japanese meal at Yamato Japanese Restaurant.

If you and your family are ready to spend some time outside of Memphis, there are many day trips that you can head out on. You do not need to stay in the state of Tennessee when taking a day trip, and you will find that the surrounding states have much to offer to you and your family.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Melinda Fawver/Shutterstock.com.

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The beautiful city of Boston, Massachusetts is located right in the heart of New England, just along the coast. That means that you can take a short drive and be in almost any other state, numerous other cities in Massachusetts, or at a variety of beaches and state parks in two hours or less. That also means a lot of fun, family-friendly day trips from Boston if you happen to live there. Here are our favorites.

Cape Cod National Seashore

If your family is in the mood for a trip to the beach, then you must add Cape Cod National Seashore to your list of day trips to take this year. Just under two hours from Boston, the protected coastal area is one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. It features 40 miles of white sand, but there's much more to do than swim and build sandcastles. There are hiking and biking trails for you to explore, and, of course, you can take part in water sports, like fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. There is plenty of wildlife to spot in the area, and you can check out the wild cranberry bogs. Don't forget to check out the Three Sisters Lighthouse while you're there and learn more about the area's history. Finish the day with a bonfire on the beach.    

Westford, Massachusetts

Westford, Massachusetts is about an hour from Boston, and it's an awesome town to explore. The biggest attraction is probably The Butterfly Place, a nature center that focuses on, well, butterflies. The indoor exhibit is both fun and educational, as you'll learn about butterflies from all over the world. You'll also encounter koi fish and quail within the environment. Other things you can do in Westford include horseback riding at Bobby's Ranch, hiking at Nashoba Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, and games like mini golf and bumper boats at Kimball Farm. All great day trips should end with a meal, and in Westford, you'll find plenty of wonderful places to eat, like the kid-friendly 99 Restaurants or a local favorite, Burton's Grill & Bar.

Concord, Massachusetts

The town of Concord, Massachusetts is about 40 minutes from Boston, and it's rich with historical sites that every family should visit at least once in their lifetime. It was one of the first settlements in the United States, the setting for the first battle in the Revolutionary War, and it's been home to many famous writers, like Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Louisa May Alcott, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. If you're looking for day trips that won't leave you feeling guilty for pulling the kids out of school, this is the one. Start with a trip to Minute Man National Historic Park, the 900-acre site where the American Revolution began. Next up, visit the infamous Walden Pond, which is now part of a state park. Literary buffs will also enjoy a trip to Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House, the place where she wrote “Little Women” and several other works. There there is the famous Sleepy Hollow Cemetery where notable people like Alcott, Thoreau, and Emerson are buried. Finish the day with a trip to the Concord Museum, which will help you piece together all the history you learned, and you can enjoy some other cool exhibits while you're there.      

Kennebunkport, Maine

Many people know Kennebunkport, Maine as a place where presidents and world leaders spend their downtime. President George H. W. Bush spent his summers here, but it's also a charming little coastal town that's perfect for family-friendly day trips and weekend trips from Boston. It's just a two-hour drive away from the city. The town's beaches are said to be some of the prettiest in the state of Maine, but there is so much more to do here. Join First Chance Whale Watch for a trip out on the Atlantic Ocean to spot some of the most magnificent marine creatures you'll ever see in your lifetime. If you prefer to stay on dry land, Kennebunkport is also home to some fun museums and other activities. At the Kennebunkport Historical Society, you can visit the First Family Exhibit, which focuses on the Bush family. The Seashore Trolley Museum is also a local favorite. Kids will love riding on a vintage trolley across this 330-acre living history museum and park. Finish your day in town, shopping at some of the charming boutiques or enjoying fresh seafood at favorite eateries like Alisson's Restaurant or The Boathouse.

Salem, Massachusetts

Salem, Massachusetts is known best for the witch trials that took place there centuries ago. That gives the town a bit of a spooky reputation and makes it a great option for fall and Halloween day trips. Located about 40 minutes from Boston, it's worth visiting for the history alone, but there are some other fun things to do here as well. To learn more about the Salem Witch Trials and local history, consider visiting The Witch House for a tour, or check out the live reenactments at the Witch Dungeon Museum. You can also visit the House of Seven Gables, which was the subject of the book of the same name by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Today, it's a museum. If your kids behaved themselves all day, head to the Salem Willows Arcade and treat them to food and fun galore. The place serves seafood, pizza, sandwiches, and ice cream. The Bewitched After Dark Tour is considered a can't-miss event in Salem. The walking history tours take about two hours.      

Wompatuck State Park

If your family enjoys day trips that involve the great outdoors, Boston is just under an hour from Wompatuck State Park. With over 3,500 acres of forests, ponds, and streams, you'll find there's much to see and do here. It's also a popular camping spot should you decide to stay overnight. Other activities here include biking, hiking, horseback riding, and boating, and during the winter, it's a great place for skiing and snowmobiles. The park features picnic areas, a boat launch, showers, and paved trails.  

Spectacle Island

Spectacle Island is located in Boston Harbor. It'll take about a 30-minute drive, and a ferry ride to get there, and once you arrive, you will not be disappointed. The island sits on 114 acres and offers gorgeous views of the harbor. You can also explore its hiking trails, swim at the beach, fly kites, take tours, and enjoy a bite to eat from the snack carts. There's an event pavilion located on the island as well, so if you play your cards right, you might catch a concert.

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Plymouth, Massachusetts is a town about an hour and 15 minutes south of Boston that sits along Cape Cod Bay. It's a great mix of coastal activities and an education in history with some great food thrown into the mix. Start with a trip to Pilgrim Memorial State Park, where you'll see the infamous Plymouth Rock, along with some other cool monuments and gorgeous scenic views. At the Plimoth Patuxet Museum, you'll see a real-size replica of the Mayflower, along with hundreds of exhibits and living history displays. It's like a step back in time. Learn even more and see artifacts from the Pilgrims and Native Americans at the Pilgrim Hall Museum. After all of that education, have some fun in the sun at Nelson Memorial Beach Park. This family-friendly spot has a splash pad, playground, picnic area, and bike path to enjoy, as well as the beach. Plymouth is also known for having some great places to eat. Enjoy fresh seafood at the waterfront East Bay Grille, or enjoy an award-winning burger at KKatie's Burger Bar.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Lua Carlos Martins/Shutterstock.com.

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In a park like LEGOLAND Florida where all of the attractions are for kids, parents can enjoy shopping in the park. When you visit a theme park, you expect to leave with souvenirs and merchandise. But souvenirs can be expensive, and they often end up tossed out or lost anyways. So how can you decide what's best for you to buy at the park? To help you find souvenirs your kids will love, here are the three things you must buy at LEGOLAND.

LEGO Minifigures

One of the best souvenirs from your time at LEGOLAND is going to be Minifigures. These figures are a crowd favorite and they come in plenty of different characters. Your kids can pick out Minifigures while you’re browsing through the park. 

In addition to buying Minifigures in one of the gift shops, you can actually trade Minifigures with the staff members at LEGOLAND as well. This can be a memorable way for your child to have a souvenir to take home. If you do decide to trade, be aware that most of the Minifigures they trade are generic, so if your child has a special character figure, save that one and bring one they won’t miss. 

LEGOLAND Magnet

As simple as it is, the “I love LEGOLAND” magnet is a fun souvenir your kids will love. It comes in both girl and boy magnets and is exclusive to the LEGOLAND shop. Seeing this souvenir on your fridge or cabinet every day will remind your family of your vacation in the park. 

If you're looking for simple gifts or souvenirs like this one, the LEGOLAND gift shops have tons of other exciting gifts such as the mini-figure throw blanket or awesome LEGO style luggage and backpacks. 

LEGOLAND Be a Pirate/Knight Bundle

Part of the fun of visiting a theme park is getting to see the characters and sometimes dressing up as one yourself. This dress up bundle comes in pirate, knight, or in select stores, princess as well. The knight and pirate bundle come with a foam sword and shield and are a great way for your child to dress up during their time in the park. 

If you know your kid will enjoy this bundle, plan on buying near the beginning of your visit to the park so they can take advantage of wearing it throughout the day. Kids age six and up will enjoy playing creatively while dressed as one of these characters. 

Tips for Shopping at LEGOLAND Florida

As parents, we know that visiting a theme park also includes shopping for souvenirs. Sometimes it can be difficult because our kids are excited and often want to buy everything they see. Even though we want them to have something to remember their trip by, we also don’t want to spend more on souvenirs than we did on tickets. Here are some tips for shopping at LEGOLAND:

• Shop based on location — You’re not going to want to carry your merchandise around all day in the park. If you get an idea of what you want to buy and what stores you want to shop at, stop by them on the way out of LEGOLAND. This will keep you from walking in circles trying to find all your souvenirs. 
  
• Avoid buying LEGO sets — It may be tempting in some of the gift shops to buy LEGO sets that aren't LEGOLAND exclusive. But the reality is if they're sets that are sold in regular stores, they're going to be vastly overpriced in the park. If you want to buy merchandise that's worth your while, focus on souvenirs that can't be found anywhere else.

• Set a limit — We know buying souvenirs can be exciting for your kids and sometimes overwhelming as well. If you know what kinds of items you would like to leave with, let them know ahead of time what they're allowed to pick out. For example, you might tell them they can pick out one clothing item such as a shirt or a hat, and one toy such as a small LEGO set or a mini-figure.

• Check the online shop — Many of the LEGOLAND exclusive merchandise available in the park is available on their website as well. If there’s a souvenir you forgot to buy or something is out of stock in the park, check out the online shop after your visit. 

What's a Reasonable Budget For LEGOLAND Souvenirs?

Before you head to LEGOLAND, you'll want to have an idea of how much the souvenirs your kids are interested in will cost. Usually, you'll be able to hop on LEGOLAND's website to get an idea of the price range. Expect to pay a slightly inflated price in the park.

Individual minifigures tend to be fairly cheap, usually only costing a few dollars. If you buy a larger minifigure set, you'll have to pay more. Magnets are fairly inexpensive as well, costing several dollars each. The costume set is the most expensive option on this list, costing around $25 as of July 2023.

The budget that you set for yourself and your kids is going to be dependent on your own situation. If you have the ability to spend upwards of $100 on LEGOLAND souvenirs, then that will free your kids to pick up quite a few minifigures and a costume, or perhaps a large minifigure set. If your budget is a lot lower, your kids can still pick up a few minifigures or magnets.

It feels impossible to leave a theme park without at least a few souvenirs. Especially if it's your first time, you'll want something to remember your trip by. If you're buying souvenirs during your visit to LEGOLAND, check out some of the items on this list. 

Other Articles You May Love:

• How to Spend Fall Break at LEGOLAND
• The Best Fast Rides at LEGOLAND

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Lewis Tse/Shutterstock.com.

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Seattle, WA, is a tourist attraction of its own. Residents who live here or nearby often prefer to take day trips that take them on short excursions up to 2 1/2 hours away. Parents are often looking for fun day trips that their children will enjoy that are located within a few hours of Seattle. Read on for ten exciting day trips from Seattle with a few attraction details for each destination.

1. Port Townsend

Port Townsend is an ideal spot for a family day trip. You can get to this fun destination by a ferry ride across the Puget Sound or opt for a longer drive around and access the area from Olympia and the Hood Canal.

A must-visit locale is the former military installation of Fort Worden, which is now an intriguing state park. Kids love to run through this area using flashlights and pretending that they are soldiers protecting this collection of old batteries that provide plenty of climbing fun and adventures.

Drop in the nearby Marine Science Center with viewing tanks of marine life from spring until they are released in the fall. Plan to eat lunch at the Ajax Café situated in nearby Port Hadlock that boasts a wall of hats that kids can try. The menu offers local favorites and a variety of more traditional kids meal choices to provide fuel for their adventures. Stop at the eco-friendly Elevated Ice Cream & Candy Shop with delicious flavors, then hit the candy store next door for a sweet treat before heading home.

2. Great Wolf Lodge Located in Grand Mound

Another fun place for family adventures is Great Wolf Lodge situated in Grand Mound just 90 minutes from Seattle. There is a huge indoor water park that everyone in the family will enjoy. Kids and teens will love the ShadowQuest Game here, which is interactive and offers a challenging pastime, or take advantage of the mini golf setting with glow-in-the-dark fun.

Parents in need of some relaxation can undergo luxurious spa treatments on-site, and this destination also includes appropriate kid facials and other treatments for something different. This is a great calming activity to balance energy levels used when engaging in this region’s more adventurous pursuits.

3. Iron Springs Resort in Copalis Beach

If you are looking for a family-friendly beach destination, many families head to the well-known and highly-rated Ocean Shores. However, there is another phenomenal beach locale just a bit north that is a truly spectacular Pacific Northwest beach option: Corpalis Beach. This is home to the fabulous Iron Springs Resort located just about 2 1/2 miles from Seattle.

There are quaint lodges available with amenities that include fireplaces with fully stocked kitchen cabinets that parents will find incredibly convenient. Bring along your beach attire and ample sunscreen, along with sand buckets and shovels. You may be able to dig for the seasonal clams that are prevalent here.

These cabins are situated on a shady bluff that overlooks the water and provides lots of opportunities for hiking in the woods. The nearby resort general store even stocks fun family board games that can be checked out. The resort also allows dogs.

4. Tacoma

Families searching for closer destinations, for their intended day trips, should head to Tacoma– about a 40-minute drive from Seattle. This city is situated on Puget Sound and offers lots of kid-friendly tourist attractions, such as the Washington State History Museum, the Museum of Glass, LeMay Americas Car Museum, and the Tacoma Art Museum.

Head to nearby Port Defiance to take advantage of the Port Defiance Zoo, tour the gorgeous gardens here, and relax on miles of pristine sandy beaches perfect for swimming and other water adventures. The Fort Nisqually Living History Museum is always a family fun adventure, and this region holds lots of special events throughout the year.

Downtown Tacoma can be a challenge to navigate by car, especially during rush hour, and many experienced visitors to the area recommend taking the available public transportation options if wanting to see the sites without the traffic hassles.

5. Leavenworth

Wander the old-fashioned streets of this Bavarian-inspired town that are simply enchanting to see in person. Leavenworth is about a 2 1/2-hour drive from Seattle and makes an ideal option among possible day trips with or without kids in tow. Lake Wenatchee offers a wealth of exciting water-related activities, such as boating and more.

Take a hike along the nearby trails that meander through the trees, plan to go horseback riding, or bike the nature paths full of delightful glimpses of area wildlife, gorgeous wild floral blooms, and other plant life found in this laid-back setting.

The scenery is pretty all year round, but the fall season here is memorable for the boldly colored foliage that gives the land here a refreshing and crisp atmosphere.

Plan some shopping downtown in the quaint shops that are reminiscent of life in an earlier era where everyone is friendly and willing to help anyone else when needed. Leavenworth also holds yearly festivals that are known to attract large crowds each season.

6. North Cascades National Park

Many individuals have seen stunning postcards and pictures of the beautiful North Cascades National Park. The sparkling and vibrant blue-green waters amidst the splendor of glaciers and mountain forests of pine and conifer trees are something that must be seen up close and in-person to fully appreciate the glorious scene.

During the winter months, plan to ski on the snowy alpine peaks at the Mount Baker Ski Area or opt to hike along the slopes of Mount Shuksan. There are terrific camping sites here, but many prefer to take day trips. Drop by Diablo Lake at some point, as this destination offers breathtaking views from this higher vantage point.

The park provides outstanding hiking trails and rugged vistas of intense natural beauty not seen elsewhere.

7. Olympic National Park

Considered a rainforest, Olympic National Park is a huge expanse of mostly untouched and pristine wilderness region that is now under protection. This is done to keep this region's unique and unspoiled ecosystems safe from harm while preserving valuable and scarce natural resources.

It is possible to spend weeks and more exploring all the diverse wildlife and other natural area ecosystems, but there are some great shorter day trips too. Olympic National Park is about a 2 1/2-hour drive from Seattle.

Head towards dense and vibrantly green Hoh Rain Forest, walking the short trail here, or make Hurricane Ridge your destination instead. This scenic road trip takes you through charming towns and sandy beaches that are mostly wild and untamed, with incredible marine treasures to see and appreciate.

There are some splendid and convenient tours that take passengers from Seattle to this invigorating natural wonderland. Parents can relax and enjoy the panoramic views during the trip, so bring along your camera for memorable shots that will be cherished for a lifetime.

8. San Juan Islands

Despite the Spanish-sounding name, these lovely island retreats are located northwest of Seattle. The travel time is about 2 1/2 hours with an hour-long ferry ride. One ferry boat also carries cars across the water, and there are three islands that the ferries serve that include San Juan Island, Lopez Island, and Orcas Island.

Each island offers totally different and unique activities to enjoy. There are superb overnight and extended stay accommodations, but it is possible to make this a day trip. Along with the ferry service, these islands may also be accessed by private plane or boat as well. Using private and faster transportation cuts down on the travel time.

Activities to enjoy on the islands include whale watching, swimming, hiking, and kayaking. Many visitors also enjoy the laid-back and delicious waterfront dining venues, specialty shops, and boutiques to explore in Friday Harbor.

9. La Conner

This smaller town is home to the gorgeous tulips that are at full bloom in April during this area's popular spring Tulip Festival that draws many. There are many impressive and trendy shops that sell a wide variety of retail items, and visitors can watch local artisans work at Handmade La Conner and/or shop their beautiful wares. The compact and convenient collection of boutiques, restaurants, and other venues are easy to walk and offer unique items.

Visitors are amazed by the peaceful atmosphere that this pastoral landscape exudes, and there is a top-rated art museum situated in the center of this upbeat and friendly town. Plan to tour the tiny marina here and relax along the leisurely flowing Swinomish Channel after eating at the divine Seeds Bistro for a blissful escape from everyday stressors. La Conner is about 2 hours from Seattle, ensuring its place as one of the best fun and relaxing day trips around.

10. Vashon

A simple day trip that's fun for children, teens, and adults is a day trip to Vashon. Catch the handy ferry from West Seattle, then drive a few scenic roads to reach your destination. Get wet and soak up some mud and fun at the Vashon Island Beach Park.

Stop for a chance to enjoy the candy wall at The Little House and grab a fun toy. Relax and warm up on cooler days by drinking hot chocolates or lattes at the popular Café Luna. Take time to visit the still-working lighthouse at Point Robison Park before you head home.

Honorable Mentions

Due to the nature of the Pacific Northwest, there are dozens of ideas that didn't make the list. If none of these ideas suit your fancy, here are a couple more honorable mentions that will definitely make for some amazing family memories.

Drive Up to Vancouver

Vancouver is an amazing city with insanely good food, museums, and countless activities. You will need passports for you and the whole family, but it is 100% worth the effort and time.

Mount Rainer

Rainer National Park is coveted as an amazing national park that attracts thousands of visitors every year! Located just a short 2 hours away from Seattle, this national park has plenty of hiking trails, nature areas, and tons of opportunities for your kids to learn about the natural world!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Artazum/Shutterstock.com.

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Portland is a fun, quirky city that can make for a wonderful family vacation, but it isn't the only destination worth visiting in Oregon. Here are just a few day trips from Portland that can keep the good times rolling!

Columbia River Gorge

Located right along I-84, the Columbia River Gorge is a popular destination for Portland day trippers. Its proximity makes it easy to reach in less than 30 minutes, and its scenery is lush, green, and almost jungle-like. You definitely won't be in Portland anymore, Dorothy!

Hot spots at the gorge include 90 different waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls, the tallest in Oregon. You can check them out on a scenic drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway, or you can park the car and go on a hike to Crown Point or Mount Defiance, two well-known lookouts for sunsets over the canyons.

Another popular pastime is windsurfing. The unique geography of the gorge creates wind tunnels of up to 35 miles per hour, so windsurfers from all across the country flock to places like The Hatch, where the land meets the sea in perfect conditions for taking flight.

If you're an outdoorsy family, you won't want to miss the many adventures to be had at the Columbia River Gorge. There's a reason why Portlanders love it!

Lincoln City

Offering beaches, kite festivals, sandcastle competitions, and all of the saltwater taffy that you can eat, Lincoln City is a lively tourist town just two hours south of Portland. Your vacation options will depend on when you visit. There are actually two Lincoln City Kite Festivals, one in the summer and one in the fall, and there are a number of other seasonal events that range from the Great Oregon Coast Garage Sale to the Lincoln City Arts Week. Spring breakers might enjoy The Festival of Illusions in March. Ghost hunters will appreciate the Haunted Taft in October.

Other tourist attractions are available year-round, especially for nature lovers. One of the most stunning sights is Drift Creek Falls, a waterfall poised over a suspension bridge 100 feet in the air! Bring your sweet tooth and a taste for adventure to Lincoln City. You'll be able to satisfy both.

Mount St. Helens

Though it's located across state lines in Washington, Mount St. Helens is just a two-hour drive from Portland, and it's worth the extra mileage. How many times in your life will you get the chance to see an active volcano?

Adventures on the rock include everything from ziplining through the trees to camping under the stars. You can also go hiking, biking, horseback riding, four wheeling, and helicopter touring. Climbing is allowed, but you'll need a permit.

If you're traveling with kids who aren't quite ready to go mountaineering, more leisurely activities might include a trip to Mount St. Helens Visitor Center with its seismographs and model volcanoes.

No matter what you do, however, a trip to Mount St. Helens is the kind of vacation memory that'll last a lifetime. It's a real volcano! It just doesn't get any cooler than that.

Tillamook

Are you a cheese connoisseur? You won't want to miss Tillamook. It sits at the heart of Oregon's “dairy country,” and in addition to notable attractions like the Tillamook Creamery, it also offers an exciting time for culinary enthusiasts of all types. The Tillamook County Fair, for example, is an annual event filled with sundaes, hot dogs, elephant ears, and cheese curds. You'll be so stuffed that you might actually miss other attractions like its demolition derbies or Pig-N-Ford races.

If you're lactose intolerant, don't worry; you can have fun in Tillamook, too. Just visit non-foodie destinations like the Tillamook Air Museum, or sign up for outdoor excursions with groups like Kayak Tillamook County. It's actually known as something of a kayaking hot spot thanks to its proximity to freshwater river currents. Tillamook Bay is always quite lively in the summer.

All in all, Tillamook is a unique destination that you won't want to pass up. It's less than 1.5 hours away from Portland, so it's easy day trip material, and it has a unique calling card for cheese and dairy lovers. Who's in the mood for some ice cream?

Willamette Valley Wine Country

Home to more than 600 wineries, Willamette Valley Wine Country could arguably put Napa Valley to shame. Its rolling hills and valleys look like the very portrait of a vineyard utopia. You don't have to drink, however, to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the area. And you don't have to travel far; Portland is technically located within the area, along with cities like Eugene and Salem.

What distinguishes the valley from the rest of Oregon is its beautiful scenery, small-town charm, and interconnected network of businesses. The South Willamette Valley Food Trail, for example, is comprised of more than 50 different restaurants committed to sustainable, farm-to-fork practices. There are also family-friendly farms along the route where kids can pick apples, take hay rides, and run among pumpkin patches.

Willamette Valley Wine Country might be a big region, but it'll give you a warm and fuzzy feeling, and you won't even have to drink a glass of Pinot noir to get it.

Mount Hood

Another great outdoor destination, Mount Hood offers stirring sights that will take your breath away with their natural beauty. Between fields of wildflowers and crystal-clear lakes framed against misty, snow-capped mountains, it's the kind of destination that'll make you stop and stare for awhile.

Once you get over your awe, however, you'll find plenty of activities to keep you busy. Trillium Lake offers equipment rental for boating, fishing, and camping, and Mirror Lake adds skiing and snowshoeing to the mix. You can also hike, bike, and picnic along nature trails such as the McNeil Point Trail.

If you're really in the mood to challenge yourself, try trekking to local waterfalls like Ramona Falls, a hidden gem tucked away in the woods after a seven-mile hike.

Mount Hood is a gorgeous destination year-round, and since it's only 60 miles east of Portland, it can make for an awesome day trip as well.

Eugene

If you're looking for day trips from Portland that are just as exciting as what you're leaving behind, consider Eugene. It's chock-full of tourist attractions ranging from the Cascades Raptor Center to the Eugene Science Center. You could spend days in Eugene and still not finish with everything on your itinerary!

You can give it a try, however, by circling the city based on your interests. For example, history buffs might like the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House with its Victorian tours and tea times. Shopaholics might enjoy the festival-like atmosphere of the Eugene Saturday Market with its many vendors, crafters, foodies, and music performers. Nature lovers might dig the Owen Rose Garden, especially since it has free admission.

Eugene is a top-notch tourist destination in its own right, so it'll be excellent as a day trip from Portland. The only bad thing about the city is that, with so many entertainment options, you won't know where to start!

Sauvie Island

Fun for kids and adults like, Sauvie Island is known for its family-friendliness. Its most famous feature is its large number of farms, orchards, nurseries, and gardens, many of which are open to the public for fruit and vegetable picking. Just a few examples are Topaz Farm, Sauvie Island Farms, and Columbia Farms U-Pick.

Many of these farms offer other wholesome activities as well. For example, Pumpkin Patch has corn mazes, hay rides, and a live animal barn.

When you're done petting goats and stuffing yourself with fresh-picked berries, consider a kayaking trip around the Multnomah Channel or a sightseeing adventure at the Warrior Rock Lighthouse. There are tons of tourist attractions available on Sauvie Island, so it's just a matter of figuring out where you want to go and what you want to see while you're there!

Cannon Beach

It would be a shame to visit the Pacific Northwest without hitting up its most iconic beaches, so after you've had your fill of Portland, take off your shoes and dig your toes in the sand of Cannon Beach. It offers sweeping coastline views that are so beautiful they're actually cinematic: Haystack Rock has been featured everywhere from The Goonies to Kindergarten Cop.

Other things to do at the beach range from exploring tide pools to watching tufted puffins at play. If you feel like driving a little further north, you can also visit Ecola State Park, which is a part of the Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) and includes many historic landmarks such as the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.

There's no beating the beach for fun, family-friendly vacation time. While Portland has several of its own, you can also hit up Cannon Beach for further splashing under the sun!

These are just a few of the best day trips from Portland. Whether you're looking for high-stakes ziplining excursions or leisurely trips through pumpkin patches with the kids, Portland can be a gateway for many adventures along the Oregon coast.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Dene' Miles/Shutterstock.com.

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Baby names that mean strong-willed run the gamut — from Saffi to Cassidy to Gavi and beyond. Take a look at this list featuring names for both boys and girls and find the perfect fit for your son or daughter.

RELATED: Baby Names That Mean Strength

• Saffi – The name Saffi means “wisdom.” It is of Greek origin. This is a unisex name perfect for a boy or girl. With just two syllables, it is easy to pronounce and spell.
• Chalvant – The name Chalvant is most often used to name boys. It has Indian origins and means “a determined person.”
• Amzi – The cute name Amzi means “strong, mighty.” It is a Biblical name perfect for parents in Christian families. This is a unisex name.
• Hartman- Hartman is a given name and a surname. It is most often associated with actor Phil Hartman. The name means “strong, hearty man.”
• Narve – Narve is a unisex name meaning “healthy, strong.” The name has a Dutch origin.
• Cassidy – The unisex name Cassidy means “the clever one.”It has Irish origins where it is derived from the surname O Caisade.
• Millicent – The name Millicent is most often used as a girl's name but can work as a name for boys. It means “brave strength” and is of Old French origin.
• Achia – A cute, simple name of Sanskrit origin. The name means “one who is immovable or firm of decision.”
• Rillie – The name Rillie is a unisex name meaning “courageous one.” It has several spelling variations including Riley. The name has Irish and Gaelic origins.
• Warrick – The name Warrick means “strong leader who defends.” It is a name for boys of English origin. The name Warrick sounds strong and determined.
• Ajita – A cute name for girls, Ajita is unique and simple. The name means “unconquerable, a winner,” making it a great choice for parents who want t give their daughter a name inspired by being strong-willed. This name has Indian origin.
• Aaron – Aaron is a boy's and girl's name. It can be spelled in several other variations, most often Erin for a girl. This name means “strong, exalter one” and has Hebrew origins.
• Pacome – The name Pacome means “of strong nature.” The name is of French origin, most common as a name for boys. Pacome was the name of a saint in the country. This is an unusual name that you do not often hear, especially in the states.
• Gavi – A short name for girls, Gavi means “God is my strength.” This name has Hebrew origin and is a diminutive form of the name Gabrielle.
• Boman – The name Boman means “a great mind.” It has Persian origins where it is commonly given to boys, but not so much here in the states.
• Senan – Meaning “old and wise,” Senan is an old-fashioned name most often used to name boys. It was the name of the ancient founder of monasteries.
• Anah – A beautiful name for girls, Anah is often used in Muslim families. The name means “perseverance and patience.”
• Oswald – A name for boys meaning “power, ruler,” Oswald has Old English origins. Oswald was most popular during the early 1900s and while rarely used, is not uncommon in the 21st century.
• Kuvira – This name for girls means “courageous woman.” It has Indian origin. Kuvira is easy to spell and pronounce and a unique and fun name.
• Nickan – Meaning “the winner of war,” Nickan is a unique, fun name that stands out. It is a shortened version of the name Nicholas.
• Azzum – The name Azzum means “determined, resolved.” It is a popular name in Muslim families.
• Viljo – The name Viljo means “determined, guardian.” It has Finnish origins. This is a unique name for girls that you will not hear often in the US.
• Charumathi – This name has Indian origin. It means “beautiful mind.” Though difficult to spell and pronounce the name is cute enough to learn!
• Vikrama – This unusual boy's name means “stride, strong.” It is of Indian origin.
• Khine – A unisex name meaning “firm.” It is of Burmese origin.

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What parent doesn't envision having a smart and capable child? Having a knowledgeable daughter may just start by giving her one of these girl names that mean knowledge. Here is a nice selection of feminine options that lay the foundation for a lifetime of brightness and brilliance.

RELATED: Boy Names That Mean Knowledge

• Satomi – This feminine name carries Japanese roots. In the Asian tongue, Satomi symbolizes individuals possessing knowledge, cleverness, and intelligence.
• Ronalda – Ronalda is a girl’s name. The moniker’s origins are Scottish. In said language, it means knowledgeable. Moreover, it is the female variant of the male title Ronald.
• Sumati – The history of this feminine label began in India. When translated from the Hindi dialect, Sumati salutes wise people with good minds. Furthermore, it is most typically seen in the persons born into the Hindu faith.
• Bridget – Parents throughout the world often designate newborn daughters Bridget. The title was first seen in Ireland. In Irish, the name celebrates exulted or wise subjects. That said, the title enjoys several acceptable spellings.
• Emer – Emer is a lady’s name. The denomination honors a mythological Irish Goddess said to possess great wisdom and knowledge.
• Ismene – This name holding significant Greek ancestry is awarded to newborn females. In the ancient tongue, Ismene is the namesake of a knowledgeable figure from Greek mythology.
• Maiara – Parents born into the Tupi Native-American tribe were first to name newborn daughters Maiara. In their language, the honorific salutes old and wise female relatives like great-grandmothers.
• Medea – The nations of Georgia and Greece are where this female title first grew to prominence. In said languages, Medea pays respect to cunning, knowledgeable, and wise counselors.
• Prudence – Prudence is a classic and proper female offering. It holds French and English origins and recognizes wise and skilled persons. The name was made famous by the Beatles in their hit song “Dear Prudence.”
• Saraswati – This denomination is most popularly seen in girls born to mothers and fathers conversing in Indian dialects like Hindi and Marathi. The name celebrates a namesake historians suggest was the Hindu Goddess of Learning and the Arts.
• Tomoko – Moms and Dads of Japanese extraction might designate infant girls Tomoko. In their native tongue, the moniker represents wisdom and intelligence.
• Alysane – Language historians maintain that this feminine name holds unknown origins. However, these same professionals do believe that the label recognizes those possessing the urge to gain knowledge.
• Jomarie – The beginnings of this female title can be traced back to Australia. In English, Jomarie salutes individuals who share knowledge.
• Griselle – The origins of this feminine title are Latin. When interpreted from the old tongue, Griselle honors persons possessing knowledge and intelligence.
• Michiko – Michiko is a common girl's name in Japan. In Japanese, the title recognizes those holding superior intelligence.
• Philberta – The name Philberta owes its creation to the English language. It means knowledgeable.
• Gudruna – The nations of Belgium and Germany are where the feminine title Gudruna first took hold. In German, Dutch, and French, the moniker celebrates those possessing divine knowledge.
• Jinni – Jinni is an English designation awarded to girls. It honors persons displaying knowledge and vision.
• Juliette – Though relatively popular throughout the world, the female honorific Juliette holds French and German heritage. In said western European tongues, the name honors people who enrich others with knowledge.
• Aoj – This denomination of unknown ancestry is given to infant females. That said, language experts do believe that the title represents individuals with a significant degree of inner wisdom and strength.
• Dael – Dael is a girl's name. When interpreted from its native Hebrew, the moniker means valley of knowledge.
• Gyana – In Hindi, Gyana salutes those brimming with knowledge. The name can be spelled using different letter combinations and has been adopted by numerous cultures.
• Monisha – Mothers and fathers born in India might choose to name newborn daughters Monisha. When interpreted from several of the nation's dialects, the moniker honors knowledgeable and intellectual subjects. Moreover, the title is most often given to those born into the Hindu faith.
• Orlaith – Orlaith is a designation given to girls. In Irish, the offering recognizes persons carrying spectacular knowledge.
• Ilma – The roots of the feminine title Ilma were planted in the Spanish and Latvian languages. In said tongues, the denomination represents intelligent and strong-willed individuals.

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They say knowledge is power, so give your child one of these baby names that mean knowledge, and they will have a powerful foundation from day one. Names like Beren, Sage, Athena and Sophia are just a few of the unique options on this list. Keep reading to find even more.

RELATED: Baby Names That Mean Power

• Beren – This Turkish title is bestowed upon both boys and girls. In the Middle-Eastern tongue, Beren represents intelligence and strength.
• Hikmat – Hikmat is a unisex moniker. When interpreted from Arabic, the honorific pays tribute to wise or knowledgeable persons.
• Hildred – The language origins of this gender-neutral denomination are Old English. When interpreted from the passe tongue, Hildred celebrates wise counselors. Alternatively, the name means strength.
• Wisdom – Though relatively rare, Wisdom is a designation given to newborn males and females. In English, the offering is a variation of the word wise.
• Sage – Parents yearning to honor newborn children with a name recognizing knowledge might title said youngsters Sage. Its language roots are English and salutes wise individuals. A noted current holder is sports journalist Sage Steele.
• Ramiro – Persons of Spanish or Portuguese ancestry might label newborn males Ramiro. In those European tongues, the moniker honors knowledgeable advisors. A well-known bearer is former Major League pitcher Ramiro Mendoza.
• Sophia – This time-honored and popular feminine name’s history dates back to ancient Greece. In Greek, Sophia represents wisdom. Moreover, its first holder was said to be a mythical saint. A famous possessor is legendary actress Sophia Loren. In addition, the name can be spelled using different letter combinations.
• Hardmod – Individuals of German heritage may opt to title newborn boys Hardmod. In the language spoken by most German and Austrian citizens, the designation honors those with brave minds. However, language historians argue that the offering also means strong spirit.
• Pratibha – Pratibha is a girl’s name popular in India. Specifically, the name is said to have originated in the nation’s Hindi and Marathi dialects. Historians suggest that the name symbolizes intelligence. Additionally, said professionals maintain that other meanings include light and splendor.
• Tancred – This honorific is given to boys. Its language ancestry is old Norman. In said tongue, Tancred honors wise and thoughtful advisors or counselors.
• Athena – Athena is a female denomination synonymous with ancient Greece. During said historical era, Athena was her culture’s Goddess of Wisdom and Warfare. Furthermore, she was the namesake for which the modern Greek capital Athens was designated.
• Daichi – Japanese mothers and fathers might choose to name infant males Daichi. In the ancient Asian tongue, the offering represents wisdom and intelligence. Alternatively, the honorific is thought to mean large, great, and earthen.
• Randi – Randi is a feminine title. When interpreted from Norwegian and Danish, it honors knowledgeable advisors and counselors. In addition, the name is said to symbolize beauty.
• Talib – Talib is a denomination handed down to boys. In Arabic, it celebrates those seeking knowledge.
• Aqila – Arabic-conversing Moms and Dads might designate newborn daughters Aqila. In the language spoken by many persons of the Muslim faith, the offering represents wise and intelligent individuals. Moreover, it is the female variant of the male moniker Aqil.
• Bilguun – This male title is popular in Mongolia. In Mongolian, Bilguun salutes wise and knowledgeable subjects.
• Gouyen – Gouyen is a feminine label usually bestowed by members of the Apache Native-American tribe. In the Apache tongue, the honorific means knowledgeable.
• Manish – Indian parents might favor Manish as a title for newborn males. In several of the nation’s dialects, it honors attributes such as thought, knowledge, and wisdom.
• Oyuunchimeg – Oyuunchimeg is a Mongolian designation. In said tongue, the feminine name symbolizes wisdom.
• Tammaro – Those born in Italy or fond of said country’s culture might label infant sons Tammaro. In Italian, the honorific celebrates thought. A famous namesake is a fifth century Catholic saint.
• Vivi – This Scandinavian moniker is awarded to girls. When interpreted from languages such as Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish, Vivi recognizes wisdom.
• Yeong-Cheol – Korea contributed the masculine name Yeong-Cheol to the world’s pool of monikers. In the Asian tongue, the offering salutes perpetually sage and knowledgeable persons.
• Basira – Basira is a common female title in the Arabic-speaking world. In the widely spoken Middle-Eastern language, the label means wise.
• Conrad – The male designation Conrad first came into being when ancient German was a common form of communication. In Germanic tongues, the powerful denomination honors brave and knowledgeable counselors.
• Dagrun – Individuals possessing Norwegian heritage might choose Dagrun as an appropriate name for newborn daughters. In the northern European language, Dagrun honors those holding secret knowledge or intelligence.

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For a unique and inspiring take on a baby name, check out this selection of girl names that mean moon or stars. Each name is interesting and impactful. Explore the options and pick out the perfect name for your daughter!

RELATED: Baby Names That Mean Galaxy

• Celeste – From the Latin word caelestis or “heavenly,” this could be a baby name that's simply divine. It invokes a celestial feeling but has an even deeper meaning.
• Danica – Danica is an old Slavic name that means “morning star.” Traditionally, it's pronounced DAH-nee-tsa, but modern parents also use dah-NEE-kah.
• Skye – A more feminine version of plain old Sky, this name could inspire your little one to dizzying new heights!
• Sunniva – Derived from old Norse, Sunniva means “gift of the sun,” and she's also a patron saint in her native country of Norway. Possible nicknames include Sunny, Niv, and Niva.
• Citlali – Hailing from the Native American language Nahuatl, this is an utterly unique baby name that means “star.”
• Reeva – Reeva means something akin to “shore” or “riverbank” in its original Sanskrit, but it's also commonly used to mean “one who guides” such as a river or a star.
• Alcyone – Part of a brilliant open star cluster, Alcyone is also one of the seven sisters of Pleiades in Greek mythology. It can be pronounced al-KEE-oh-nee or al-SEE-oh-nee.
• Chantrea – Chantrea means “moon” in the Khmer language of Cambodia, making it both ancient and elegant.
• Nova – Though it literally means “new,” Nova has celestial connotations thanks to the word “supernova.” It could be a baby girl's name that really burns bright!
• Elanor – Elanor dates back to Europe in the early 1100s, but if you want a cosmos-inspired name, tell people that your daughter is named for the meaning “sun star” in The Lord of the Rings.
• Mahina – Mahina is a Polynesian name meaning “moon.” It's pronounced mah-HEE-na.
• Venus – It's a planet, of course, but did you know that Venus has been called “the morning star” for thousands of years? It's been a symbol of divinity for countless cultures around the world.
• Etoile – Etoile is the European version of Astra. It literally means “star.”
• Cassiopeia – Another name from the intersection of Greek mythology and constellations, Cassiopeia is both beautiful and timeless. It could be used as a more sophisticated alternative to something like Cassie or Cassandra.
• Twila – In classic Hebrew, Twila means “woven of two threads,” but most people will assume a more English origin: twilight.
• Mani – Mani is a girl's name that comes from the Old Norse word mani meaning “moon.” It also means “jewel” in Sanskrit for another shining meaning.
• Vespera – This is another baby name with a distinctly vintage feeling. It means “evening star,” so it has a kind of old Hollywood glam mixed with otherworldly origins.
• Dione – Dione is one of Saturn's moons, but it also means “divine queen” in its native Greek, so it could be a mighty name for a little girl who will grow up strong.
• Yvaine – The name Yvaine comes from Arthurian mythology, but it's also the name of a fallen star in the form of a woman from Neil Gaiman's novel Stardust.
• Nashira – Nashira is a star name that also means “bringer of good news” in Arabic, so if your little bundle of joy is the best thing that's ever happened to you, it could be quite fitting.
• Esmeray – Esemary is another lyrical name that comes from the Turkish language. It means “dark moon” and was once the name of a famous Afro-Turkish singer.
• Sitara – Sitara comes from Urdu, a beautiful language spoken in India and the Middle East. It means “star” and is related to similar Persian names like Setareh and Setare.
• Realtin – Meaning “little star,” Realtin might be a bit hard to pronounce for the non-Irish, but it does sound gorgeous: RAYL-teen.
• Andromeda – When a star isn't big enough, try an entire galaxy! Andromeda is a large and powerful name, and it has endless nickname potential, too. Think Andi, Romi, Eda, Eddie, and more.
• Neoma – Pronounced nee-OH-ma, Neoma comes from the Greek word for “new moon.” It's unique, gorgeous, and just a bit mysterious, so it'll be perfect for a baby girl that signifies new beginnings.

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There is something mystical about these boy names that mean moon or stars. Each conjures the intrigue of silent night with dazzling stars above with everything lit up by the moon. Peruse these handsome baby names and find the perfect option for your little boy.

RELATED: More Baby Names That Mean Moon or Stars

• Apollo – You might recognize this name from Greek mythology, but Apollo 11 was also the NASA mission that put man on the moon.
• Jericho – Jericho is a Hebrew name that can be traced to both the words yareach (“moon”) and arach (“to travel, wander”). It's not unlike how the moon itself travels through the sky.
• Altair – Though technically meaning “bird,” “falcon,” or “flying eagle,” Altair is also the name of the brightest star in the constellation Aquilae.
• Tarak – Tarak is a name from old Sanskrit that can mean either “star” or “protector,” so it'll have layered symbolism for a son.
• Ehann – Ehann is an Arabic name that means either “bright moon” or “full moon.” It's been climbing the ranks in the U.S. in recent years thanks to its beautiful spelling and meaning.
• Cosmo – A fun and unique boy's name, Cosmo could be great for a firstborn son who is the first to join your constellation.
• Luan – This name is thought to derive from lua, the Portuguese word meaning “moon.” It's similar to Luna but with a masculine slant.
• Elnath – Also spelled Alnath, this name comes from the Arabic word an-nath meaning “the bull's horns.” It's a constellation that could also double as a strong male name.
• Oberon – Oberon is one of the biggest moons of Uranus. It's also a Shakespearean name from A Midsummer Night's Dream if you're the literary type.
• Nash – Though it has a down-home, country kind of feeling, Nash isn't related to the city of Nashville. Instead, it's a gigantic star in the Sagittarius constellation, making it perfect for baby boys born in November or December.
• Bahloo – Bahloo is a unique boy's name hailing from the aboriginal people of Australia. It means “moon man.”
• Aibek – Give your son a powerful name when you name him Aibek. Thanks to modern Turkish colloquialisms, it translates to “master of the moon.”
• Kuu – Kuu is a gender-neutral name in Finnish that means “moon.” However, parents show a slight preference for it as a boy's name.
• Iah – In ancient Egypt, Iah was a male deity associated with moons and lunar phases. He also had connections to death and rebirth if you're looking for a darkly glamorous baby name.
• Hilal – With so many names meaning “new moon” or “full moon,” how about one that's in the middle? Hilal is an Arabic word meaning “crescent moon.”
• Elio – Elio is a name derived from Helios, the Greek god of the sun. It'll be a celestial name that isn't quite as obvious or out-of-this-world as others.
• Badar – Common in Arabic-speaking countries, Badar hasn't crossed over to the Western world yet, but it's a trend waiting to happen. It means “full moon.”
• Atlas – Best known for carrying the world on his shoulders, Atlas is also associated with math, astronomy, and philosophy. He could also be a good name source for travelers!
• Sirius – It might be a baby name that inspires a few Harry Potter jokes, but Sirius is a real-life star, and it's one of the brightest in the sky.
• Lux – Simply meaning “light” in Latin, this could be a short and cute baby name for a boy. Think of it as a more celestial version of Max.
• Orion – One of the most famous constellations in the sky, Orion is also the name of a hunter in Greek mythology as well as a number of NASA spacecrafts and sci-fi characters.
• Anshul – Meaning “sunbeam” or “ray of light from the sun,” Anshul has Hindi origins, but its beautiful symbolism is universal.
• Artemis – Though traditionally a feminine name, Artemis is a male cat in the classic anime Sailor Moon, and he's marked by a crescent on his forehead.
• Itri – Itri comes from the Berber languages of Africa. It means simply “star.”
• Endymion – Endymion could be a really unique boy's name. He was the human lover of Selene, goddess of the moon, and sometimes enchanted with eternal sleep to grant him immortality with her.

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Few things are as breathtaking as a clear night sky. Capture that brilliance and beauty by bestowing upon your little one any of these baby names that mean moon or stars. From Luna to Esther, each of the options is delightful and befitting your beautiful little one. Take a look!

RELATED: Baby Names That Mean Galaxy

Names That Mean Moon or Stars

• Luna – Luna means “moon” in Latin and Latin-based languages. She was also the Roman goddess of the moon, where she was hailed as the “queen of the stars.”
• Dawa – Though it sounds similar to Dawn, this is a distinctive Tibetan name that means either “month” or “moon.”
• Saros – Pronounced SEH-ros, this is an astronomical term for the time period between solar and lunar eclipses. It could make a fun and unusual baby name for both genders.
• Stella – From the Latin word meaning “star,” Stella is a brilliant baby name that will shine throughout your child's life.
• Izar – Izar means “star” in the Basque region of Spain, but make sure that you're pronouncing it correctly: ee-SAHR.
• Mayari – Mayari is a moon goddess from the Philippines. She's known to rule the night with her beauty, power, and grace, so this could be a very enchanting and empowering baby name.
• Esther – Esther comes from the old Persian word stara meaning “star.” It can also be traced to the old Hebrew s-t-r meaning “to hide, to conceal.” Either way, it's an elegant and mysterious name.
• Seren – Seren is somewhat popular in its native country of Wales, but it isn't that well-known across the pond. It means “star.”
• Hoku – Meaning “star” in Hawaiian, Hoku is a short and sweet baby name that can be used for both genders. It's traditionally a male name, but it's best known because of female pop singer Hoku.
• El – El is the fictional word for “star” in The Lord of the Rings, and it's the basis for many beautiful, fantasy-inspired names such as Elenya, Elen, Eleni, Elear, and Elenath.
• Indu – Literally translated to “bright drop,” Indu is more commonly known as the Sanskrit word for “moon.” Use it for either gender.
• Ayla – Ayla has multiple meanings depending on its language of origin, but in Turkish, it refers to the halo of light around the moon. Other names meaning “light,” “halo,” and “moon” are Aylin, Tulin, and Aylanur.
• Maristela – A multicultural name, Maristela blends Latin, Spanish, and Portuguese as a tribute to the Virgin Mary, also known as Stella Maris or “Our Lady, Star of the Sea.”
• Kamaria – Pronounced kuh-MAR-ee-ah, this beautiful baby name comes from the Swahili language, and it means either “moonlight” or “light of the moon.”
• Sterling – Sterling is most often translated as “of the highest quality,” but it can also be a reference to the old French word esterlin or “little star.”
• Astra – Meaning “of the stars,” Astra is a classically beautiful girl's name derived from the Greek word astron or “star.” The male version is Aster.
• Eirene – Eirene is one of the lesser-known moons of Jupiter. Other potential baby names from the mega-planet include Thebe, Cyllene, Aoede, Kalyke, and Elara.
• Aadhira – Though it has a somewhat feminine spelling, Aadhira is also used as a boy's name in Hindu-speaking countries. It means “moon.”
• Jura – Jura is the name of a real mountain range on the moon. It's technically unisex, though it's most commonly associated with the “Maiden of the Moon,” which is a shape on the moon's surface that looks a bit like a woman's profile.
• Hesper – Meaning “evening star” in Greek, Hesper has an old-fashioned ring to it, so it could also be great as a vintage baby name. Alternatives include Hespera and Hesperia.
• Tara – Tara is another name with different meanings depending on what language it comes from, but in Sanskrit, it means “star” and symbolizes the light of the soul. It can be used for boys and girls alike.
• Sidra – Another name used in multiple cultures, Sidra can come from the Latin word sidereus meaning “glittering,” “shining,” or “of the stars.”
• Soleil – Soleil means “sun” in French, and as you're probably aware, the sun is the most important star in our galaxy. This kind of bright and fiery name can be a real trailblazer for your little one.
• Yemoja – A deeply revered figure in Africa's Yoroba culture, Yemoja is the name of a water spirit associated with everything from moonlight to motherhood.
• Selene – Selene is the Greek goddess of the moon. She's associated with a lot of lunar themes and icons, including stars, tides, light, and more.

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Phoenix is a beautiful city with much to offer, but there are times when you want to leave that city and see more of the state of Arizona. If you have already been to the botanical gardens and art museum in town, perhaps it's time to round up the family and check out one of these day trips from Phoenix.

Ash Fork

If you and your family are interested in transportation, roads, travel, and old vehicles, you will enjoy visiting the Ash Fork Historical Society Museum. This museum is run by a knowledgeable staff and it features information about Route 66 and pieces from the past. The Ashfork-Bainbridge Steel Dam is also something worth seeing while spending time in Ash Fork. Close to a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Phoenix, Ash Fork is the perfect type of day trip destination.

Miami

You don't have to go all the way to Florida to visit Miami. Instead, you can drive east from Phoenix for just under an hour and a half to reach Miami, Arizona. This town offers a historical and beautiful downtown that is fun to walk through and eat in, and Miami also features a well-cared-for golf course, multiple museums, and the Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park.

Cottonwood

If you are looking to learn more about ancient Native American culture, you will enjoy visiting the beautiful Tuzigoot National Monument in Cottonwood. Under two hours away from Phoenix, Cottonwood has much to offer when it comes to both nature and history. You and your family can spend time fishing at the Dead Horse Ranch State Park, touring vineyards and wineries, or getting an education at the Clemenceau Heritage Museum.

Prescott

Another option for day trips that is just under two hours away from Phoenix is Prescott. This city boasts a population of over 40,000 people and has much to offer its visitors. You can rent an e-bike and go for a ride on The Peavine Trail, go for a relaxing horseback ride, or visit Watson Lake. The Heritage Park Zoo is something that both children and adults will enjoy checking out, and you will be drawn to the stories of the animals there, many of whom are orphaned and needing the home that the zoo offers them. Prescott has great restaurant options available when you and your family start to get hungry, offering you the chance to enjoy all types of cuisines.

Tucson

Head just under two hours southeast of Phoenix and you will come to Tucson, a well-known city with much to offer. Those who choose to take a day trip to Tucson will stay busy all day long with everything available for all ages. Visit the Pima Air & Space Museum to learn more about jets and planes. If you are interested in nature, you will want to check out the Saguaro National Park. Tucson also offers the Reid Park Zoo, the Tucson Botanical Gardens, many shopping opportunities, and trendy places for you and your family to enjoy a meal together. This is a city deserving of multiple day trips, and you will want to visit it again and again.

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

Just under two and a half hours west of Phoenix sits the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge was established in 1939, and it is a beautiful place for you and your family to spend time in the quiet of nature. If you and your family enjoy hiking and exploring, you will enjoy this refuge and the sights that it offers. If you are interested in wild animals, you have the opportunity to run across some at this refuge. Lizards, jackrabbits, and bighorn sheep all make their home in this refuge.

Coconino National Forest

Under ninety minutes north of Phoenix is Coconino National Forest, a place that many families visit when taking day trips out of the city. This is a special piece of nature, offering you the chance to view the Red Rocks of Sedona, alpine tundra, and pine forests. You and your family will enjoy spending time hiking at this forest, and you will have the chance to watch for some special wildlife while there, as well. Elk, coyotes, horned toads, prairie dogs, and black bears all make their homes in this area. Mountain lions are also something to watch for when you take your family to Coconino National Forest.

Lake Havasu

If you and your family have never seen the London Bridge over the Colorado River, you want to head to Lake Havasu to get a good view of that. Just over three hours southwest of Phoenix, Lake Havasu offers you the chance to visit the beach or spend time at the Lake Havasu Museum of History. You and your family can spend time in this city taking part in watersport activities or getting adventurous and doing some off-roading.

Tombstone

Just under three hours southeast of Phoenix lies Tombstone. With a population of just over one thousand people, this small town might not be something that you think of when you think of day trips, but it has much to offer to your family. In Tombstone, you can learn all about the history of the Wild West. You can visit the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, take part in a mine tour, or visit the Boothill Graveyard. There is much to keep your family entertained when you take a day trip to the small town of Tombstone.

Whiteriver

Visiting the Kinishiba Ruins can be a learning experience for you and your family when you head to Whiteriver for the day. You will have to drive over three hours to get to Whiteriver, but you will find that there is a special kind of beauty there that makes the drive worth it. You and your family can visit the Apache Cultural Center in Whiteriver, spend time river rafting, or go to one of the nature and wildlife centers in the area.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock.com.

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Nashvillians can find honky-tonks downtown, museums throughout the city, rivers, lakes, natural beauty, history, parks, restaurants, shopping, and so many other things to do and experience within the city, but sometimes, exploring nearby areas can be fun, too. If you want a great adventure with the kids away from Music City, here are ten great day trips from Nashville.

Scottsboro, Alabama

Located approximately two hours, 14 minutes south of Nashville, Scottsboro, Alabama is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. There are unlimited outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing at various spots along the mountain.

The town of over 14,000 people is known as the “land of the lost luggage.” If you want to score a great deal on unclaimed luggage, and whatever contents might be inside, stop by the Unclaimed Bagged Center.

If you prefer an outdoor experience, the Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place to spend the day with kids. Situated on 264 acres of land, the wildlife refuge is home to a cave, but it's closed to the public, as well as several species of bats. For about an hour at dusk, approximately 400,000 bats leave the cave to search for food.

If you want to experience some history, check out The Scottsboro Boys Museum, a civil rights museum housed within a historic church. The building is newly renovated and offers a vivid look into the past injustices of life in the American South.

Stones River National Battlefield

Interested in history? Take a drive to Stones River National Battlefield in Murfreesboro, Tennessee to explore the location of one of the bloodiest, most brutal battles of the American Civil War. The visitor center and museum start your visitor experience. You'll view an orientation film and knowledgeable staff are useful in answering any of your questions.

Explore the park at your own leisure via one of the self-guided tour options, where you can explore the replica artifacts. Daily programs and events put on by park rangers give a more in-depth look into the battles that took place on the grounds. Park guides do plan programs and daily events for those interested.

Stones River is just 33 miles from Nashville along I-24. Plan to spend the day exploring the interesting history presented at this park.

Cathedral Caverns

Located about two and one-half hour's drive from Nashville, Cathedral Caverns in Marshall County, Alabama, is a great family-fun cave experience for all ages. The cavern has paved walking trails so they're easily accessible with strollers.

The caverns were originally occupied by Native Americans. You'll find a collection of arrowheads and artifacts dating back some 9,000 years representing Native American history, gigantic rock formations like the Goliath, and a frozen waterfall awaiting you during the 90-minute cavern tour.

Land Between The Lakes

A 170,000-acre nature area located an hour and 45-minute drive from Nashville, Land Between the Lakes starts in Kentucky and ends in Tennessee. It's the perfect destination for nature lovers.

Many visitors bring their tents and make this trip a weekend adventure, but if you can only stay for the day, there's still plenty of fun.

Stop by the four main attraction areas — the Woodlands Nature Center, the Planetarium, the 1850s Homeplace, and the Elk and Bison Prairie — for a fulfilling day adventure.

Take a boat out on the lake, fish with the kids, or take a hike along one of the trails where unlimited surprises await. View the wildlife or explore the lands during your Land Between the Lakes visit.

U.S. Space and Rocket Center

Drive two hours south on I-65 to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. It's one of only three places in the entire U.S. where you can explore the history of NASA and space rockets as you learn more about the history and future of space. Visit during the 4th of July to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display.

Plan to spend the entire day exploring the space center. There is so much to see and do that you can easily blow through eight hours of time without realizing how long you've been at the center. Day trips like this are the best day trips!

Ticket price includes all the exhibits, rides, and two simulator experiences. Tickets for the IMAX Theater and a third simulator are sold separately. The Discovery Center features interactive shows about life in space. Each show lasts 30 minutes. Visit the Mars climbing wall, where you can climb 12 stations with increasing difficulty.

The Team Redstone Exhibit showcases advancements in rocket weaponry, while outside you can explore Rocket Park and see and walk under rockets and a lunar crater. The space center also features many changing traveling exhibits and, most importantly, a small play area for young kids.

Window Cliffs State National Park

Located in Putnam County, Tennessee, near Cookeville, Window Cliffs State National Park is home to a group of natural bridges spanned together in a narrow 200-foot-ridge in the neck of Cane Creek.

Hike the 2.7-mile trail to access the day area, where you can enjoy scenic views, even more trail ways, beautiful waterfalls, several state-listed endangered species, wildlife, and relaxing nature.

Dinosaur World

About an hour and a half from Nashville in Cave City, Kentucky, is Dinosaur World, the perfect adventure for anyone who enjoys the prehistoric animal. The attraction has tons of life-size dinosaurs displayed throughout the park, a small theater with dino-mite performances, a Dinosaur Playground, and numerous attractions.

Fossil Dig is pretty fun for smaller kids. This attraction lets kids dig for fossils -and they're sure to dig up a bone! The Boneyard is home to a huge dinosaur head that's perfect for photo opps!

The Dinosaur Walk is the main attraction. Replica dinosaurs stand tall throughout the trail, with plaques giving more information about each one. Go off trail to Mammoth Cave to explore life-size replica mammoths and stop by Photosauras to snap a photo of the gigantic dinosaur.

Clarksville, Tennessee

Located just an hour north of Nashville, the city of Clarksville is minutes from Ft. Campbell Army Base where weekly tours give visitors more information about military life and current events. Locals and visitors alike enjoy exploring Dunbar Cave. It's one of the most popular things to do in Clarksville. Bring a flashlight and expect to see bats. Shop till you drop at Governor's Square Mall, where you'll find stores like The Children's Place, GameStop, and Zumiez, as well as a movie theater and plenty of dining options.

Beech Bend

Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Beech Bend Park and Splash Lagoon is an affordable adventure just an hour from Nashville. You'll find rides like those you'd see at the county fair, with options suitable for kids and adults of all ages.

Rides include bumper cars, a carousel, flying swings, and many others. Mixed in with the rides are plenty of carnival-style games and a theater with several shows throughout the day.

The Kentucky Rumbler is the one and only rollercoaster found at Beech Bend, and it doesn't disappoint. The Splash Zone is nearby the Rumbler to keep you wet as you ride.

Young kids love the petting farm, where they can get up close with goats and other animals. Older kids enjoy going through the haunted house.

Be sure to play a game of mini golf before leaving Beech Bend.

Chattanooga

For plenty of day-trip action, head to Chattanooga, which is a short two-hour drive from Nashville. Your first stop should be the Tennessee Aquarium. It's home to hundreds of mammals, amphibians, invertebrates, and aquatic critters for your viewing pleasure. Most visitors are surprised at how close they can get to the different species of creatures here.

This aquarium gives visitors a chance to get up close and personal with birds and reptiles in Alligator Alley. There are several alligator presentations at Alligator Alley. The Ocean Journey takes visitors through a tour of the rainforest. There is a touch pond filled with stingrays and a butterfly area with hundreds of butterflies. The South Pole area is home to penguins and birds. Plan about two hours inside the aquarium if you want to explore all the animals and presentations along the way.

Also in Chattanooga, you'll find Lookout Mountain, which offers a breath-taking view of seven states from high atop the Cumberland Plateau. There you'll also find Rock City Gardens, which offers a 4,000-foot walking path among rock formations, gardens, and caves. There is also an Incline Railway that lets you take in every detail of this magnificent area. A limestone cavern, known as Ruby Falls, will complete your getaway with an underground waterfall that is accented with lights and music.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Kevin Ruck/Shutterstock.com.

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Located in central California, San Jose is a wonderful travel destination that can also serve as a base of operations for more travel. It's so centrally located that you'll be within two hours of countless other towns, cities, beaches, state parks, and more. Here are just a few hot spots located within easy traveling distance — check out these day trips from San Jose!

1. San Francisco

Alcatraz. The Golden Gate Bridge. Pier 39. San Francisco is filled with world-famous tourist attractions, and your family could definitely make some memories among them. From eating ice cream on the beach to making faces at the monkeys at the zoo, there's so much adventure to be found in San Fran that you'll never be able to fit it all into a single trip.

The good news is that San Francisco is located less than an hour from San Jose, and there's a direct route available for cars and buses alike. If the kids beg you to go back, you can visit over and over again without any trouble. Twin Peaks. Union Square. The Walt Disney Family Museum. Truly, the fun never stops in San Francisco, which is why it'll be such a great day trip for you and the fam!

2. Alameda

With its mid-century architecture, Alameda looks like a town that time has forgotten. It has a quaint and charming vibe that's apparent everywhere from its mom-and-pop diners to its vintage movie theater marquees. It also has numerous museums that celebrate days gone by, including the Pacific Pinball Museum with more than 90 antique pinball machines!

Other fun destinations at Alameda include the monthly Alameda Point Antiques Faire, the largest of its kind in the state, as well as everyday attractions such as maritime USS Hornet Museum and the Crab Cove Visitor Center.

Ultimately, however, you don't go to Alameda for the attractions. You go for the vibe. If you've always wanted to show your kids what the world looked like before it was overtaken by smartphones, a stroll down Alameda's main street can paint a vivid picture.

3. Santa Cruz

If you love the sun and surf of San Jose, you won't want to miss Santa Cruz. It's just 30 minutes by car and 50 minutes by direct bus route, and the latter costs less than $5. You can hop aboard and be on your way in no time!

What awaits you in Santa Cruz? To be honest, it's quite like San Jose, especially in the beach department. It has miles of coastline, tons of water-based activities, and lots of fun, kitschy tourist shops and seafood shacks. It also has the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk teeming with games, rides, activities, food, drink, and music.

If you love San Jose and aren't ready to leave it just yet, stop by Santa Cruz for more of the same.

4. Gilroy

If you're looking for good day trips out of San Jose, consider putting Gilroy on your shortlist… as long as you aren't Dracula. Known as the “garlic capital of the world,” Gilroy is most famous for the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival. Thousands of visitors descend on the town each year to enjoy everything from garlic fries to garlic tacos to garlic ice cream.

If you're feeling vampirish, however, you don't have to eat any garlic. There are plenty of other fun things to do in Gilroy. You can shop at Gilroy Premium Outlet, a gigantic mall; you can go cherry-picking through U Pick Orchards; you can let the kids play games and hop on rides at the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. It's a very family-oriented destination, so visitors of all ages can enjoy themselves.

5. Año Nuevo State Park

Nature lovers, this one is for you. Año Nuevo State Park offers some of the most gorgeous natural scenery in California, in no small part because of its pure, unspoiled nature reserves dedicated to local wildlife.

Its most famous inhabitants are its elephant seals. Every year, more than 10,000 seals migrate to the rocky coastlines to molt, mate, and give birth; it's a sight right out of National Geographic. Other animals in the area include otters, lions, coyotes, red-legged frogs, garter snakes, and dozens of species of birds and fish.

If you're looking to make magical memories with your children, consider a once-in-a-lifetime experience like observing the elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park.

6. Berkeley

Though it's known primarily for its college, Berkeley is unlike many other college towns. It's something of an arts and culture hot spot, offering an enriching experience for foodies, art lovers, history buffs, and other people who enjoy the finer things in life.

Attractions at Berkeley include everything from the UC Botanical Garden to the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. You can wander art galleries; you can watch plays and theater performances; you can take expansive food and drink tours. There's even a planetarium inside the Lawrence Hall of Science if you want to leave your terrestrial body behind and fly among the stars.

You can tour the campus of UC Berkeley, too. Encourage your kids to study hard and come back as students one day!

All in all, Berkeley can be a wonderful place to visit for those who want to shake off the sand for awhile and experience a nicer atmosphere. Conveniently located near San Jose, it's road trip material for sure.

7. Napa Valley

It would be a crime to visit California without stopping by wine country. Fortunately, Napa Valley is just 1.5 hours from San Jose, so you can make it a day trip or weekend getaway while you're in the area.

You might be surprised to learn that there's more to do in Napa Valley than just drink. While it's true that there are hundreds of vineyards, including truly impressive ones on the grounds of castles and chateaus, there are plenty of kid-friendly attractions as well. You can visit ranches, orchards, state parks, historic homes, farmer's markets, and more. There are also sightseeing opportunities for the whole family like the Old Faithful Geyser.

Long story short, don't write off Napa Valley just because you're traveling with kids. Everyone can have fun at this bucket list destination.

8. Half Moon Bay

You've probably seen Half Moon Bay in pictures even if you've never been there. Its sandy beaches sit at the bottom of tall, smooth, and weather-beaten cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea in a semicircle shape. The cliffs are surrounded by redwood forests on three sides. It's a popular sight for photographers who want to show off the natural beauty of California.

It's also a popular site for travelers. Despite its fame, it's less crowded than places like San Jose, so it serves as a popular retreat for city dwellers who want to escape the masses for awhile. You can walk the picturesque Pebble Beach, poke around the tide pools of Pescadero Beach, or go sightseeing at stunning vistas like Gray Whale Cove. Best of all, you can have these adventures without constantly rubbing elbows with other tourists!

Day trips to Half Moon Bay can be a great choice if you're looking for peace and quiet while on vacation. California might be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but you can still enjoy alone time when you visit the right spots.

9. Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley is a region with nebulous borders that include San Jose, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara. For the purposes of a day trip, however, all you need to know is that Silicon Valley is located just 15 minutes from downtown San Jose.

You know why Silicon Valley is famous. Everyone does. It's the tech capital of America, boasting headquarters for Apple, eBay, HP, Intel, Twitter, Netflix, and more. Its gleaming high-rises are technological innovations all by themselves; what goes on inside these digital powerhouses is even more mind-blowing.

As for attractions, you'll have your pick of everything from the Computer History Museum to The Tech Interactive. There are non-STEM attractions as well, but since you're in Silicon Valley, why not stay on-brand?

Small children might not be impressed by Silicon Valley, but teens and adults will be hard-pressed not to stare in wonder. It's worth a side trip, especially since it's so conveniently close to San Jose.

10. West Cliff Drive

Curving more than three miles along the shores of the Pacific Ocean, West Cliff Drive isn't actually a drive. It's a walking and cycling path that will take you through some of the most scenic destinations in the area.

Notable attractions include the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, home of a historic lighthouse, and Natural Bridges State Park, home to wildlife observation that includes the annual migration of monarch butterflies. You can also stop at plenty of West Cliff beaches, coves, and parks to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. If you're really lucky, you might spot some dolphins leaping through the tranquil waters of Monterey Bay!

Strap the babies in their strollers and go for a slow, winding walk along West Cliff Drive. It's the kind of destination that embodies the phrase “stop and smell the seawater.”

If you're looking for fun day trips out of San Jose, these are just a few possibilities for you and the kids. There are many more, and they unfold in every direction from the city. You can literally grab a map, point at a spot, and find something new. San Jose is a wonderful base for all kinds of day tripping, road tripping, and globetrotting!

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If you're looking for a fabulous vacation destination, look no further than the island of Kauai in Hawaii. From the best family resorts to the top beaches around the island, here's everything you need to know about planning your Kauai vacation!

The Best Beaches on Kauai

If you're looking for the island's best surf and sand, here are the best beaches on Kauai. Take a look!

The Kauai Sights You've Got to See

From helicopter tours to massive waterfalls, these are the Kauai sights you've got to see!

The Top Family Resorts on Kauai

If you're traveling with kids, you'll want to book a stay at a family-friendly spot. Here are the top resorts for families on Kauai!

Top Things to Do as a Couple on Kauai

If you're leaving the kids at home, then you'll want to take advantage of the couple-friendly outings available on Kauai. Here are the top things to do as a couple on Kauai.

5 Unusual Things to Do on Kauai

When you're ready to check out this lush island's offerings beyond surf and sand, here's a list of five interesting places to go and unusual things to check out on Kauai.

Maui vs. Kauai — Which Island Should You Visit?

If you're dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation, then choosing your island destination is the first choiec you'll want to make. If you can decide, check out Maui vs. Kauai: A Hawaii Guide From Someone Who's Been to Both!

Related Links:

• Oahu Vacation Planning Guide
• Maui, Hawaii: Plan the Perfect Getaway

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Regina L Floyd/Shutterstock.com.

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Indianapolis is a tourist destination in its own right. You can visit the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial downtown and spend some time in the restaurants located nearby. Speedway is not far away and is home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which has a Hall of Fame dedicated to the people and teams who raced at the track. Looking at day trips is a good way to see how you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The top 10 day trips from Indianapolis are just 2.5 hours or less from the city.

South Bend

Day trips from Indianapolis to South Bend will take you right around 2.5 hours. Known as the home of Notre Dame, the city has a deep connection to that university. Even if you don't get tickets to a game, you can visit the stadium and see the famous Touchdown Jesus painting. Corby's is one of the top college hangs outs. This small bar is open six days a week and has a gorgeous tin ceiling. It also appeared in the hit film, Rudy. At the Potawatomi Zoo, you will see tigers and more than 400 other animals. Fans of cars love the Studebaker Auto Museum that sits in the former Studebaker auto factory. End your trip with a sweet treat from one of the South Bend Chocolate Café locations.

Fort Wayne

When you plan day trips to Fort Wayne, give yourself a little over two hours to get there. The Foellinger-Freimann Conservatory has some of the city's most beautiful flowers. You'll find 25,000 square feet of interior space with more than 1,200 types of flowers on display, along with cacti. The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo has more than 1,000 animals living on more than 60 acres of land. You can check the calendar of events to find out about feeding times and special events. You may not know that Fort Wayne was once a military fort, but you can learn about its history at Old Fort Wayne. Old Fort Wayne sits on the original spot of the 1794 fort that the army built. Volunteers dress up in old costumes and take visitors on tours around the fort.

Salem

Salem is not just the name of a city in Massachusetts because Indiana has a town of its own. Less than two hours south of Indianapolis, this small town is home to the Salem Speedway. David Stremme started his racing career here and even set a track record that still stands today. The track hosts regular races and more than 10 special events each year. West Side Tavern is the best place to rest and grab a cold drink. Not only does the tavern offer local beers, but it hosts live entertainment a few times a week. The John Hay Center is a must-see for history buffs because it has a large collection of artifacts from the state's and city's history. You'll also find a trail outside that takes you around some original buildings and replica structures.

Bedford

Only 90 minutes from Indianapolis, Bedford is home to the Bluespring Caverns. The caverns are open from March through October and let you check out the nation's biggest underground river. Once you finish with your boat ride, have fun looking for the insects and animals that call the more than 21 miles of caverns home. The Bedford Limestone Pyramid is one of the more unusual attractions you'll come across. Indiana limestone was a popular building material for many years. This pyramid started as a way for the town's residents to pay respect to the stone. Whether you want to buy decorations for your home or souvenirs for your friends, stop by the Bedford Antique Mall. It is one of the largest malls in the area and has dozens of booths that can take hours to explore.

Mishawaka

Mishawaka is so close to South Bend that some people confuse the two, but it's a separate city and worth a visit. The Riverwalk allows you to get close to the Saint Joseph River and enjoy the scenery. Though you can walk the trail, it also allows you to bring your bike or skates. Henry Frank Park is one of the city's biggest public parks at more than 12 acres. All of the picnic tables are close to covered pavilions and come with BBQ grills you can use for free. You might also enjoy Miami Monkey Island. This Mishawaka landmark requires that you take a boat trip across the water to reach it or use the old stone bridge. The island has a boat launch for those who bring their boats and a playground for kids.

Bloomington

It takes a little over an hour to reach Bloomington from Indianapolis. This college town is home to the University of Indiana at Bloomington where you can watch one of the teams play or check out the historic buildings on the campus. McCormick's Creek State Park is close by and was the state's first official park. With more than 200 sites available, the park makes it easy for you to camp for a few nights and lets you choose between primitive sites and spots with hookups. Canyon Inn is an on-site lodge that has modern amenities and comfy beds. Follow the B-Line Trail for 12 miles to wind your way around Bloomington while leaving your car behind. This trail passes by both museums and restaurants. The WonderLab Museum of Science, Health, & Technology is another spot you won't want to miss because it has both outdoor attractions and indoor exhibits.

Porter

People come from all across the state on day trips to Porter, which is home to Indiana Dunes National Park. Though it was a state park for many years, it become a national park in recognition of its history and nature. Ghost hunters often head here during the Halloween season in the hopes of seeing Diana of the Dunes, a murder victim they claim haunts the beach. You don't need to worry about coming across spirits in the middle of the day though, which is the best time to enjoy the sand. The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education offers guests the chance to learn about the park's environment and volunteers' efforts to protect it. With roughly 15 miles of beaches, the park is a great place to explore and see Lake Michigan. You'll find hiking and biking trails and historical sites, including several homes from the 1933 World's Fair Century of Progress exhibit.

Columbus

Drive south for around 45 minutes to reach Columbus. Former NASCAR driver and now team owner Tony Stewart lived here for many years and built a huge mansion just outside of the town. When you stop by the Visitor's Center, you can pick up a brochure that takes you on a tour of the historic buildings in Columbus, some of which major and famous architects built. The Miller House and Garden was the former home of J. Irwin Miller. This famous philanthropist established an organization that helped pay for improvements around the city. His former home is now open to the public and looks quite similar to the way it looked during its early years. Mill Race Park is the perfect place to visit at the end of your trip as it features an observation tower and multiple lakes.

Muncie

Day trips from Indy to Muncie take just over an hour and give you the chance to explore this historic city. At the National Model Aviation Museum, you'll find hundreds of model planes. The museum is close to the Cardinal Greenways, which run for more than 60 miles. Though you may not want to follow it all the way to Marion, you can walk or ride as long as you want. Albany, Indiana once made more glass than almost any other city. The Albany Glass Museum features a huge collection of those pieces and tells you more about the history of the local company. You won't want to miss the Bob Ross Experience either. Bob Ross lived and filmed his hit “Joy of Painting” show in Muncie. You can now tour his former home and studio.

Crawfordsville

You can spend your whole life in Indianapolis and never visit Crawfordsville, which is a shame because this small town has more buildings on the National Register of Historic Places than almost any other city in the Hoosier State. Founded in 1823, it boasts the 1882 Rotary Jail Museum, which some residents claim is haunted. The General Lew Wallace Study & Museum pays homage to the Major General of the same name. It features a huge collection of memorabilia dedicated to his life. History also comes to life at the Lane Place Antebellum Museum. The house dates back to the 1840s and is now part of the local historical society. On top of the antiques on display, the museum has a silk hat that the former owner wore when he traveled to Washington, DC, for President Lincoln's funeral.

Enjoy your adventures on these day trips from Indianapolis!

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Jacksonville, FL, is one of the biggest cities in the country, which means there is always something to do, whether you want to spend a day soaking up the culture of the big city or a day on the beach soaking up the gorgeous Florida sunshine. But what's even more awesome about Jacksonville is that there are so many amazing day trips within less than two hours. Beaches, parks, charming towns, islands, animals, history, culture, food, and shopping — you'll find it all and more when you venture outside of the city limits. Here are ten of the top day trips from Jacksonville, FL!

Amelia Island, Florida

Located just about 45 minutes north of Jacksonville, Amelia Island is a beautiful barrier island that offers a little bit of everything for everyone. Enjoy 13 miles of gorgeous untouched beaches, amazing scenery, and wildlife galore. You'll also find plenty of kid-friendly activities, like horseback riding, boat tours, ghost tours, parks, mini golf courses, bakeries, escape rooms, arts and craft centers, and ice cream shops. Downtown, you'll find plenty of charming shops and restaurants galore. Dine on fresh seafood at beloved spots like Timoti's or The Salty Pelican. Depending on the time of year you visit, Amelia Island hosts several fun festivals and events, like the annual book festival or restaurant week.

Marineland, Florida

Marineland is located about an hour south of Jacksonville. While it's technically a small Florida town, it's centered around the marine park by the same name. While the park has undergone many changes over the years, today, it's the perfect spot for families who love the water and wildlife. When you visit, you can swim with and spend time with dolphins in their habitats. You can take part in other interactive experiences with animals like tortoises, sea turtles, and sharks, or you can simply watch presentations that take place throughout the day. Want to get out on the water? Marineland also offers kayaking and boat tours. It's the perfect spot for day trips.

Daytona Beach, Florida

Daytona Beach, which is known as one of the biggest racing cities in the country, is about an hour and a half south of Jacksonville. A trip to Daytona International Speedway is a must for NASCAR and other racing fans. You can visit for a big event like the Daytona 500 or simply tour the speedway on an off day and get a glimpse at what goes on behind the scenes. Beyond the speedway, there are dozens of other ways to enjoy some family fun in Daytona. There are beaches, of course, as well as mini golf, escape rooms, watersports, a skateboard park, and eco-tours. You can also visit museums like the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and the Museum of Arts & Sciences.

Jekyll Island, Georgia

Head about an hour and 15 minutes north of Jacksonville, and you'll find yourself on the beautiful Jekyll Island off the coast of Georgia. Much of the activities here focus on outdoor adventures, like boat tours, paddle boarding, bird watching, fishing, and horseback riding, but you'll find some other cool things to do as well. For active visitors, you'll find playgrounds, mini golf, tennis courts, and regular golf. Jekyll Island is home to 10 miles of beautiful beaches, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and several historic sites and tours, plus the Mosaic Jekyll Island Museum. Kids will love to cool off at the Summer Waves Water Park.

Fort Clinch State Park

Fort Clinch State Park is about 45 minutes north of Jacksonville near Amelia Island and the Florida-Georgia state line in Fernandina Beach. It's the perfect family-friendly spot for history and nature buffs. The biggest draw is the old fort, which was used during the Civil War. Visitors can explore the fort and its grounds, plus watch living history presentations. Other things to do at Fort Clinch include hunting for shark's teeth and seashells, walking the nature trails, biking, camping, picnics, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and watching the unique assortment of wildlife that lives at the park.

Ichetucknee Springs

The beautiful Ichetucknee Springs is located about an hour and a half west of Jacksonville, and it's the perfect spot for families who love the outdoors but want to get away from the ocean and see what else Florida has to offer. Swimming and tubing around the six-mile crystal clear springs are the most popular activities, but the more adventurous can go snorkeling or even cave diving. The springs are part of a larger 2,669-acre state park filled with beautiful scenery and cool wildlife, like otters, ducks, turkeys, and beavers. There's also a playground for the kids, a restaurant, and concessions.

Palatka, Florida

Palatka, Florida is a small town that's just over an hour south of Jacksonville. It's often called one of the most family-friendly small towns in Florida. There's always something going on. Depending on when you visit, you might get to attend the Florida Azalea Festival, the Bostwick Blueberry Festival, or the Rock N Blues BBQ Bash. Palatka has a charming downtown area filled with shops and restaurants. Ravine Gardens State Park is one of the biggest attractions in town. It's home to two 120-foot ravines and some of the most beautiful gardens in the state. Other great spots to check out in Palatka include Riverfront Park on the St. Johns River, the historic Bronson-Mulholland House, and the Rice Creek Conservation Area.

St. Augustine

Known as the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine is about 45 minutes south of Jacksonville and one of the most beautiful and exciting day trips in all of Florida. There's so much to see and do that we don't even know where to start. History buffs will love to check out Castillo San de Marcos or the Lightner Museum. Kids will love the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum or the many oddities at Ripley's Believe It or Not. You can also tour an old schoolhouse and jailhouse museum, but be careful — the jailhouse is said to be haunted. Speaking of, if you stick around at night, you can scare yourself silly with ghost tours galore. Don't forget to stop by the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park and check out the wildlife housed here. You can even feed the alligators.

Gainesville, Florida

Gainesville is about an hour and a half southwest of Jacksonville. This exciting college town is home to the University of Florida, so you'll find plenty of activities, like football games and other sports, as well as live performances at the university. Beyond the school, there's so much to see and do, like the Florida Museum of Natural History. Be sure to check out the ultra-cool Butterfly Rainforest while you're there. If you want to explore nature even further, visit the Kanahapa Botanical Gardens, which sits on 62 lush, beautiful acres. See animals at the Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Center, or explore Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, which is essentially an old sinkhole with parts that are thousands of years old.

St. Simon's Island, Georgia

St. Simon's Island in Georgia is just over an hour north of Jacksonville. The family-friendly spot is known for its beautiful year-round scenery and all the history and nature you can enjoy. This includes horseback riding, fishing, golfing, kayaking, and swimming. You can also walk or take a trolley tour to see the island's famous historic sites. For the kids, be sure to visit Neptune Park and check out the Fun Zone Water Park, and you can even bring Fido along to one of the many pet-friendly beaches at St. Simons. Dine on fresh seafood and Southern cuisine at local favorite restaurants like Iguanas, Barbara Jean's, and Coastal Kitchen. Many of the restaurants offer outdoor dining with beautiful coastal views.

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Los Angeles, CA, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States and the world. Sojourners travel to America's second-largest city to see celebrities, stand in the epicenter of the entertainment industry, and soak in the sun and typically warm temperatures.

That said, however, some visitors might wish to leave the large metropolis for a time and check out other places and attractions the surrounding regions offer. Fortunately, the Los Angeles area provides numerous opportunities for memorable day trips supplying fun for the entire family. Here are ten great day trips from Los Angeles.

Solvang

This quaint town is situated in California's Santa Ynez Valley region that was settled by Danish settlers. The location's Scandinavian heritage is evident in almost every facet of its people, architecture, and food. Many travel industry professionals maintain that Solvang usually ranks in the top ten of family day trips from Los Angeles because it introduces children to a different culture. Numerous homes and other constructions were built in the style of actual Danish villages. This little slice of Scandinavia offers the perfect backdrop for family photos.

Furthermore, visitors are afforded many options for which to sight-see. In addition to vehicles, the town houses various bike rental shops. Families truly yearning to get an insider's perspective are encouraged to ride the old-fashioned trolley car tours offered by townsfolk. Or perhaps exploring by horse-drawn carriage is more your thing.

Kids and adults who are interested in different animals can check out Ostrichland, which is home to the unique birds of the same name. And when a day of sightseeing concludes, families can refuel at any of the town's numerous eateries. Many of these establishments are known for crafting sweet Danish pastries.

Solvang is approximately two hours from Los Angeles.

Wrightwood

Everyone knows that Los Angeles and the southern California region is known for its abundant sunshine and palm trees. That said, locals and visitors yearning for snow and cold might find such phenomena at a destination called Wrightwood. This location is found high up in the San Gabriel Mountains about an hour and a quarter from downtown Los Angeles.

Wrightwood boasts a winter paradise called Mountain High Resort, where travelers can engage in activities such as snow ball fights, building snowmen, and creating snow angels. Families who wish to remain out of the snow can still enjoy Wrightwood's beautiful scenery by renting a bike and pedaling throughout its grounds. History buffs will love the Wrightwood Historical Society and Museum. Moreover, the tourist attraction is home to several kid-friendly eateries serving popular children's fare like pizza and burgers.

Wrightwood is about a one hour and 15 minute ride from Los Angeles.

Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead is affectionately referred to as the mini Lake Tahoe. Located roughly 90 minutes from Los Angeles, this is an extremely popular destination for family day trips. Those who love water and water sports will feel right at home during excursions to this destination. Choose from swimming, boating, and water skiing. Individuals seeking quieter and less strenuous activities might enjoy observing the water fowl and other creatures that call the lake home.

Parents looking for an educational spin on their day trips often favor Lake Arrowhead because its staff members offer lessons on nature, ecology, the environment, and wildlife at outposts like the Heaps Peak Arboretum and Wildhaven Ranch. Subjects desiring a greater view of the expansive grounds might opt for boat tours or rent a bicycle and challenge themselves on several cycling trails.

Additionally, Lake Arrowhead is also home to SkyPark at Santa's Village. This fun, family-friendly attraction features a bike park, roller rink, fly fishing, rock climbing and more. Additionally, grab a bite to eat there or snag a souvenir.

When visitors get hungry, they can enjoy picnic lunches on the lush green grass surrounding the lake. Those seeking fancier options are invited to venture into the vibrant town center harboring numerous restaurants offering a variety of culinary favorites.

Underwood Family Farms At Moorpark

Moorpark is home to Underwood Family Farms. This is the ultimate destination for families who are fond of nature and love spending time outdoors. The most optimal times to visit are the fall and summer. During the fall, farm folks offer visitors hayrides and the opportunity to pick the perfect jack-o-lantern in the expansive pumpkin patch. In the summertime, visitors often enjoy picking berries and other farm-grown produce.

Underwood Family Farms also serves an educational outpost where young people receive instruction on topics such as the importance of farming, the farming process, and the latest farming equipment.

The farm also houses an animal center sheltering a fair balance of commonly seen and relatively exotic creatures. Kids love the petting zoo, where young people can pet and pose with friendly farm animals. Underwood Farms at Moorpark is about 45 minutes from Los Angeles.

Calico

Families hoping for adventure might head to Calico. This town located just under two hours from Los Angeles is home to an abandoned mining center turned into a tourist destination. It offers a significant amount of kid-approved fun such as the Mystery Shack, Maggie Mine, and the Odessa Railroad, all attractions at the Calico Ghost Town. Those yearning to follow in the footsteps of the historic California gold prospectors can search for the precious metal at the Gold Panning Adventures Center, also located on the property.

Additionally, caricatures of the town's legendary figures continually roam around the town's streets to meet, greet, and pose for pictures with visitors. The town is also home to several restaurants offering various culinary choices.

Palm Springs

This desert oasis is a popular getaway for Los Angeles's celebrity set. That said, the city has morphed into a preferred excursion for family day trips. Roughly 90 minutes from Los Angeles, Palm Springs harbors countless family-style resorts with amenities such as pools and nice restaurants. Families who enjoy sports like golf and tennis have ample opportunity to partake in such events.

Persons who enjoy hiking are encouraged to test their mettle at the famed Indian Canyons, which is touted for providing several challenging courses. Those favoring a calmer activity like horseback riding might wish to visit Cottonwood Canyon Ranch.

However, many choose to absorb the picturesque tranquility Palm Springs has to offer. Palm tree-lined streets draped by a mountainous background provide countless memorable photo opportunities.

Santa Barbara

Though sometimes overlooked, Santa Barbara is continually growing as a popular southern California family day trip destination. Families with children who love animals are urged to stop by the Santa Barbara Zoo, which is home to hundreds of creatures and animal exhibits. The MOXI Wolf Museum for Innovation and Exploration is another educationally based destination housing numerous exhibits celebrating innovations in science and technology.

That said, an appreciable number of people head to Santa Barbara to spend time along its famous coastline. Those desiring more time on the sea should consider taking a boat tour traveling to interesting destinations like the nearby Channel Islands.

Another prime point of interest is the Marine Sanctuary. Visitors can rake in the beautiful sea visuals or opt to challenge themselves on kayak rides. Santa Barbara is a little more than an hour and a half from Los Angeles.

San Diego

This major city situated roughly two hours from Los Angeles provides countless fun family excursions. San Diego is home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Moreover, the destination harbors 11 public beaches. Included among such sandy outposts is a child-friendly location called Children's Pool, which is partially sheltered by a seawall.

Families looking for more action are urged to visit Belmont Park. This landmark amusement park is located adjacent to a beach and boasts numerous rides and attractions. Other prime family attractions found in San Diego include Legoland and SeaWorld.

Baseball fans visiting during the spring, summer, and early fall might opt for a visit to the exciting and modern Petco Park to watch the home Padres ply their craft.

Malibu Creek State Park

Malibu Creek State Park, located in Calabasas, CA, features a body of water, which runs an astounding 25 miles, sits in the backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains, and serves as an incredibly desirable destination for outdoor-loving families. Naturally, the place is the perfect spot for swimmers, fishing enthusiasts, and wildlife observers. Persons interested in seeing the rest of the park may do so by exploring the several hiking and cycling trails offered.

Families who enjoy camping out can do so at any one of several family-friendly campsites on the park's grounds. These facilities typically offer basic amenities, including showers, grill pits, picnic areas, and water supplies. That said, they tend to fill up quickly, so travelers are implored to reserve their spots well in advance of their anticipated arrival.

Malibu Creek State Park is 45 minutes from Los Angeles.

Catalina Island

Catalina Island is one of the more popular family day trips taken by those living both inside and outside of Los Angeles. The excursion to this ocean-surrounded destination begins with a one-hour ferry ride leaving from ports at Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, or Newport Beach. Upon arrival at Catalina, visitors can participate in various tours, engage in sports like paddleball and kayaking, or partake in more common endeavors like swimming, sunbathing, and beach side strolls. One highlighted undertaking for families to consider is cruise on a glass-bottomed vessel. Such an outing offers breathtaking views of the plant and sea life below the ocean's surface.

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Dallas is one of the top tourist destinations in Texas, but it's far from the only location that can offer food, fun, and festivities for travelers of all types. If you're looking for fun alternatives around the Dallas area, check out these fun-filled day trips from Dallas your family will love!

Fort Worth

A popular tourist destination in its own right, Fort Worth is jam-packed with fun things to do, including malls, zoos, water gardens, art museums, and amusement parks. You can tour a winery; you can ride a roller coaster; you can visit a wax museum. The attractions are suitable for all kinds of travelers, including families with kids.

Another nice thing about Fort Worth is that it's located just a half-hour east of Dallas, making it perfect for day trips. You can even take the Trinity Railway Express, a commuter train that connects the two cities' downtown areas if you don't want to drive.

Put Fort Worth on your bucket list if you want to have nonstop fun in Texas. Cram as many experiences as you can into your vacation! You never know when you'll have time for another one!

Athens

You can't visit Texas without seeing an authentic rodeo, and Athens is home to several. You can experience bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and more! The local arena also plays host to everything from auto shows to horse and livestock shows if you're in the mood for other forms of cowboy-style fun.

When you're done with the rodeo, hang up your spurs and seek out other pastures in Athens. If you're into the outdoors, you might like visiting Lake Athens or the East Texas Arboretum. If you're into history, you'll want to check out the vintage buildings of downtown. If you want something adult-oriented after the kids have had their fun, stop by the local vineyard and winery.

It might not be Greece, but it's not trying to be. Athens is a Texas destination through and through.

Turner Falls Park

Though technically located in Oklahoma, Turner Falls Park isn't that far from Dallas, and its gorgeous natural scenery is well worth the side trip. It offers more than 1,500 acres of forests, creeks, caves, waterfalls, and swimming holes, including a famous “blue hole” that will absolutely dazzle the eye.

As you might imagine from the name, Turner Falls is the biggest point of interest at the park. At 77 feet, it's the largest waterfall in all of Oklahoma, and it draws visitors from all across the South.

Other things to do at Turner Falls Park include hiking, camping, picnicking, and general exploring and sightseeing. There are a number of geological formations to admire. There's even a genuine stone castle dating back to the 1930s! How often can you see something like that in Oklahoma?

Denton

Turn back the clock with a visit to Denton, Texas, a place where life moves more slowly than the big cities. It can make for a relaxing day trip as well as a quaint vacation destination.

Often considered “the little D” to Dallas, Denton, Texas, is a place of Southern hospitality, country charm, and old-world grandeur. Many of its buildings still have the colonial look of centuries past, including the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum, a historic landmark that dates all the way back to 1896.

Are you feeling hungry? Grab a healthy bite at the Spiral Diner & Bakery, a vegan establishment. Do you want some souvenirs? Stroll among the mom-and-pop shops that line the city plaza. Do the kids need to expend some energy? Let them run around parks, creeks, and orchards to their heart's content.

Longview

Located about 2.5 hours from Dallas, Longview is a bit of a drive in terms of day trips, but its attractions will make up for its distance. Your kids will love the adventures waiting for them in the entertainment distinct, which include Arcade, Thomas Falls Ziplines, splash pads, Lazer X laser tag, and Longview World of Wonder children's museum.

The kids aren't the only ones who will enjoy Longview, however. From gourmet restaurants to fine art museums, there are plenty of attractions for adults. You can even visit the symphony if you want a taste of high-class culture!

Last but not least, Longview is also home to a number of festivals, including the Great Texas Balloon Race. If you've always wanted to see hundreds of hot air balloons crowding the sky, this is your chance to make it happen!

Lake Murray State Park

Another destination that's technically located in Oklahoma, Lake Murray State Park is about two hours north of Dallas, but you won't even care about the extra gas when you get your first glimpse of the wide, glittering expanses of the lake.

You'll have your fill of adventure, too. There are beaches and marinas; there are parks, cabins, and campgrounds. You can ride your motorcycle in the ATV area; you can fly your remote-controlled helicopters in the RC flying area. Whether you're looking to swim, boat, fly, run, hike, or scuba dive, you'll have the opportunity here.

You can drive as well. Though Lake Murray State Park is a staggering 12,500 acres, there's a single highway that surrounds it all. It makes for an awesomely scenic drive as well as a convenient gateway to all of the park's amenities, so don't be afraid to fill the tank, hit the gas pedal, and go exploring for awhile.

Canton

If you're a thrifter, you might already be familiar with Canton, Texas. It's home to First Monday Canton, the largest outdoor flea market in the world! More than 5,000 vendors set up shop each year, offering arts, crafts, antiques, fashion, furniture, homemade goods, and more. Vendors also set up food stalls selling everything from funnel cakes to deep-fried turkey legs, and campgrounds are nearby for families who want to enjoy the festivities all day, every day. Some people say First Monday Canton is even better than the state fair!

There are other cool places in Canton, too, including a farm with a petting zoo, a country club with a golf course, a showroom for classic cars, and Paradise Island | Splash Kingdom, where you can slide and splash the day away. Whether you're into shopping, dining, or putting, you can find plenty to do here.

Ultimately, however, the flea market is the heart and soul of Canton. It's the reason that the city is on the map. You won't find anything else like it in the whole Lone Star State, so if you're looking to make unforgettable vacation memories, this could be the place to do it!

Tyler

Nature lovers, this one is for you. Tyler is nicknamed the “Rose Capital of America” because of its beautiful, bountiful bouquets, including those found at the annual Texas Rose Festival. You might also enjoy the Tyler Rose Garden, the largest of its kind anywhere in the US, which boasts more than 32,000 rose bushes of every size and color.

Tyler is also home to Lake Tyler, a popular outdoor destination for tourists who want to swim, kayak, canoe, and paddle board. Its waters are known to be temperate, so it's great for the little ones.

Finally, don't miss out on Tyler's scenic drives! There are a number of trails in and around the city that will take you through some of the most gorgeous vistas in Texas. They're particularly nice in autumn when the leaves change, but rest assured that they'll be a sight for sore eyes all year long. Whether you're headed to Texas in the dog days of summer or the cool winds of winter, the city of Tyler will welcome you.

Lake Texoma

Situated right between Texas and Oklahoma, Lake Texoma is just a couple of hours from Dallas, and it's a great way to beat the heat during a blazing Southern summer. There's nothing like jumping into a cool, clear lake to give you a sense of joy and freedom!

As you might imagine, the main activities at the lake are things like swimming, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, and cruising around on pontoon boats. However, there's plenty to do even after you dry off. Camping is a popular pastime; you can rent a fully-furnished cabin or claim a spot with your RV. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants with waterfront views if you'd like to go exploring. There are even a few mills and other historic landmarks that speak to the history of the lake and its importance to long-ago settlers.

All things considered, Lake Texoma will make a fine day trip outside of Dallas. If you ever find yourself working up a sweat during your vacation, just pack up the kids and hit up the lake. You'll be cool in no time!

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the vacation possibilities. If you're looking for ways to continue the fun even after you're done with Dallas, use these suggestions for exciting, family-friendly day trips in the Lone Star State.

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People come from all across the globe to visit Charlotte, NC, especially NASCAR fans. They can take in a race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway and then head to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, as well as check out some of the pro race shops in the area. As much as you love the city, you may find yourself looking for fun things to do in other towns. That is why you should consider one or more of these day trips from Charlotte.

Winston-Salem, NC

You don't need to travel far to reach Winston-Salem because it's only 80 miles from Charlotte. It is one of the three cities that make up the Research Triangle, an area known for its science and tech firms. Old Salem has more historical sites and buildings than you can see in a few hours, along with some amazing restaurants. Fans of museums won't want to miss the Frank L. Horton Museum Center. When you buy a ticket, you get full access to all of the sites within the center and the option of signing up for a guided tour. Kaleideum North is another popular attraction that has science and art exhibits designed for kids. You won't want to miss the Travel Adventure section, which helps you take a trip around the world without leaving North Carolina.

Asheville, NC

Also in North Carolina, Asheville is only around two hours from Charlotte. Day trips to this city let you explore the Biltmore Estate, which was once the largest private estate in the country. You can easily spend a few hours wandering through the house and exploring the landscaped grounds. If you love cheese, follow the Western North Carolina Cheese Trail. This trail winds its way through the western region and takes you to some of the South's top cheese makers. Asheville also has a reputation for its restaurants because the city is a melting pot. While you can head to a tapas bar for some small plates, don't miss out on the authentic Indian restaurants or some of the city's microbreweries.

Greenville, SC

Day trips from Charlotte to Greenville, SC, take only two hours. One of the city's top attractions is the Greenville County Museum of Art. It focuses on artwork created by artists from the Carolinas and has pieces you have never seen before. Over at the Greenville Zoo, you have the chance to get close to some of the world's most beautiful animals. You may even get lucky and see the zookeepers feeding some of the babies. Falls Park on the Reedy is the place to go if you want to spend some time outside. This park has several gardens that surround the river, along with a waterfall that you can view from different spots. You don't need to worry about finding a hotel either, because you can bring your camping gear and spend a night or two in Paris Mountain State Park.

Mooresville, NC

Mooresville is a great place to visit if you want to get home in time for dinner because it's just a few minutes outside of Charlotte. Start your day trip off on the right foot with a stop by one of the small shops that sell Sundrop Freezes. Lake Norman State Park is within the city limits and is home to a huge lake with places for swimming and fishing. During the warmer seasons, many guests like to camp in the park.

Lazy 5 Ranch is one of the more unique attractions in the area because the founders brought in animals from six different continents. You can visit with all of those animals within a few hours. Don't forget about Zootastic Park either, which is a zoo that has exotic animals as well as a train that takes you around the park.

Kannapolis, NC

Also close to Charlotte is the small town of Kannapolis. The Curb Museum for Music and Motorsports honors Dale Earnhardt, who lived in the town for years. You have the chance to see one of his famous race cars along with one of the #43 cars that Richard Petty drove during his career. Not far away is the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza. Grab a map and work your way around the town as you see some of the places the NASCAR driver lived and worked. You also have the chance to see a monument built in his honor. Visiting during the spring or summer lets you get tickets to see the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers minor league baseball team play. The Triple-A farm team has a legion of fans and sends players to the Chicago White Sox every year.

Gaston County, NC

Gaston County is close to Charlotte and home to Gastonia, which is the County Seat. It has a farmers market that is open several days a week, where you can pick up fresh produce and food made by local farmers. The Dallas Lavender Lane Farm covers six acres and has more than 5,000 lavender plants that produce a fragrant scent as they bloom. You'll love all of the animals that roam through the farm — primarily goats and horses, some of which will walk right up to you. At the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, you can explore nearly 400 acres of land and thousands of flowers. The garden is open year-round and houses a conservatory where orchids bloom. Crowders Mountain State Park is in Gaston County, too. Catawba Village in the park offers a look back at the county's history and is conveniently near some of the park's ample hiking trails.

Salisbury, NC

Located just 45 minutes from Charlotte, Salisbury has so much to do that you may want to plan multiple day trips. Start at the Historic Salisbury National Cemetery, which opened in 1874. It is the final resting place for veterans of most major wars and several unknown soldiers from the Civil War. Downtown is where you will find the Rowan Museum, which sits in the town's former courthouse from the 1850s. The museum is one of the oldest buildings in the entire state. Visitors often hit the Gold Mines Historic Park, too. This park covers more than 70 acres and has hiking and biking trails. You won't want to miss some of the sites that date back to the early gold mining days either, including the Russell-Rufty Memorial Shelter and Bernhardt Log Barn.

Seagrove, NC

Roughly 90 minutes outside of Charlotte, Seagrove is a charming little town with a big history. Founded in the 1700s, it was the home of a local pottery collective. They established the city because of its gorgeous red clay, which they used in their art. The North Carolina Pottery Center helps you see some of their work and also learn about the town's history. Right outside the center are several studios where you can watch potters at work and pick up some of their pieces to take home as souvenirs. The Table is one of the town's top restaurants and the place to go for breakfast. It is inside of an old hosiery company that dates back to the 1920s. You can also stop by the Four Saints Brewing Company, which has live events on the weekends and local beers on the menu every day.

Davidson, NC

If you want to find day trips that take less than an hour, consider Davidson. It's only 40 minutes from Charlotte and features a historic Main Street that looks similar to the way it did during the city's early years. Stop by 77 Grounds Coffee for a quick pick-me-up and grab lunch or dinner at Brickhouse Tavern, which has some of the state's top burgers. Davidson College is a small private college with dozens of sculptures scattered around its campus. The Pepper Family donated a Rodin sculpture, which encouraged others to follow suit. Though the college changes its displays fairly often, you can always see a few of its sculptures on your visit. The Soda Shop is another must-see. Opened in 1951, it still retains its original look and can make you feel like you're on the set of Happy Days.

Boone, NC

Fans of the great outdoors and nature love Boone, which is only two hours from Charlotte. The Mile High Swinging Bridge is an attraction that will get your heart racing because it sits a mile above the water below. Though not suitable for people who are afraid of heights, you might love the way you feel when you get across the bridge. The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts will get your heart racing in a different way. Attached to the local university, Appalachian State, the museum has gorgeous artwork on display. Linville Caverns are the state's only caverns that are open to the public and have access for handicapped visitors. Not far away is Mystery Hill, where the laws of physics do not apply. The Appalachian Heritage Museum is also on-site and lets you take a step back in time as you explore a former home from the 1890s. Boone also boasts several ski resorts with trails that are suitable for beginners and advanced visitors.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©ESB Professional/Shutterstock.com.

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Have you been wanting to visit the Hawaiian Islands and you're just not sure which Hawaiian Island to visit?  It's the dilemma of many, as each island has such different things to offer. We have traveled a lot in the last several years, but the Hawaiian Islands remain one of my favorite travel destinations!

What's the BEST Hawaiian Island to Visit?

Picking which is the best Hawaiian Island to visit will generate different answers depending on who you are talking to, which is why it's better to compare the different options and let you choose for yourself!

We have been to them all and I still switch back and forth on which one is my favorite. And it certainly depends on what your main goal is for your vacation: Are you wanting relaxation? Adventure? City life? Whatever your goal may be, make sure you read our “Hawaii Tips” article that covers everything we wish we knew before our first trip to Hawaii (it applies to all the islands).

To help you plan the best Hawaii vacation, we have put together a comparison of the islands so you can pick which one is best for you.  But first things first, one of the questions that gets asked a lot:

How Many Hawaiian Islands Are There?

You can see on this map, there are 8 main islands that make up Hawaii, listed below from largest to smallest.  Typically the first 6 islands are your tourist destinations that we will focus on, with the first four being the most popular (Hawaii, Maui, Kauai and Oahu).

It's good to get familiar with the island names so that you can keep them straight when you ask people for travel tips. 

Hawaii – The Big Island

With about 4,000 square miles and a population of somewhere around 185,000 people, Hawaii is by far the biggest island — about 60% of the total area of all the islands. It is still smaller than the state of Connecticut, one of the smallest states in the continental U.S. 

This is the only Hawaiian island with an active volcano and certainly has some of the most diverse climates because of that. The volcanoes act as shields and you can catch everything from snowy mountaintops to tropical rainforests.  You can choose your climate here, the wetter tropical side (hilo), or the sunnier dry side (kona). 

Temperatures average in the low to mid 80s with very low rainfall on the kona side and quite a bit of rain on the hilo side. 

Maui – The Valley Isle

Oh how we love Maui! Wondering if you can afford the luxurious Maui? Check out our article on how to do a Hawaii vacation on a budget.

A little over 700 square miles (just smaller than Rhode Island) and a population of 140,000, Maui is one-fifth the size of the Big Island but similar in population size. This is the best fit for someone looking for a mix of rural life and adventure, while not breaking the bank. The road to Hana can't be passed up which makes it important to have a car on this island. 

You will get to experience beautiful gardens, amazing waterfalls and more. Haleakala National Park houses its dormant volcano and for an awesome treat, catch this at sunrise. You can see some amazing beaches, and black, red and white sand, all on this one island. A black sand beach is not an experience to be missed! 

Flights are typically the second cheapest to Maui (the cheapest being to Oahu). Maui gets a little warmer (especially on the south side) averaging in the high 80s and fairly low rainfall except for Hana. 

Check out more about Maui in our Maui Vacation Planning Guide.

Oahu – The Gathering Place

We have been to this island multiple times (see our article on North Shore Oahu: Top Things to Do and See). And if you are traveling on a budget, don't miss our list of 103 Free Things to Do in Oahu

Almost 600 square miles and a population of 950,000 people — about 70% of the population of all the Hawaiian Islands — Oahu is much smaller than the Big Island and slightly smaller than Maui with five times the number of people. The state capital of Honolulu is on the island of Oahu. 

Known for value (typically flights to Oahu are the cheapest of the islands), city, nightlife, history and activities, some of the most well-known surf towns are on this island. Must-sees here are Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and the North Shore. This is the most “touristy” for good reason, with some of the best eats, and cultural activities you will never have a dull moment here. 

You can find a little of everything from sunbathing and snorkeling, to surfing, to great luaus. This island certainly gives you a taste of everything that makes Hawaii Hawaii. Temperatures on most of Oahu hover in the mid 80s with moderate rainfall. 

Check out more about Oahu in our Oahu Vacation Planning Guide.

Kauai – The Garden Isle

At 550 square miles and with only 66,000 people, Kauai is the oldest of the islands and because of that has a much more diverse topography.  It is most well-known for its outdoor activities because of the mountains, cliffs, rainforests, rivers and waterfalls. 

It's great for kayaking, snorkeling, zip lines, helicopter rides or hiking (basically the outdoor adventurer).  It will typically cost you a little more to fly here, but some of the must-sees are Hanalei Bay, Poipu Beach, Kokee State Park, and Waimea Canyon State Park. 

You'll find great resort options here (just like Oahu and Maui), with added adventure and a little more peace and quiet. Average temperatures are in the mid 80s with moderate to high rainfall compared to Maui or Oahu. 

Molokai – The Friendly Isle

Molokai is 260 square miles and has only about 7,000 people. This is one of the most remote islands, lacking in modern amenities and is the most off the beaten path. If you are looking to get a Hawaii experience “off grid” and away from the hustle and bustle of most of the islands, this could be a great fit. 

There are no longer any resorts on Molokai but smaller accommodations can be found, and no direct flights from the mainland to Molokai. See Molokai lodging options here.

Lanai – The Pineapple Isle

At 140 square miles and with about 3,000 people, Lanai is a tiny, tiny island, and you get there by ferry from the island of Maui, so you might want to visit Lanai in addition to another island. Most of the population are plantation workers, but have no fear — there are two great resorts as well as a renowned golf course. 

Niihau – The Forbidden Isle

At 70 square miles, Niihau has only around 170 inhabitants. 

Kahoolawe – The Target Isle

Kahoolawe is 44 square miles and uninhabited. 

Still looking for vacation destinations? Check out our travel section here.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©TravisHoppe3781/Shutterstock.com.

The post The Hawaiian Islands Compared: Which Hawaiian Island Should I Visit? appeared first on Moms Who Think.

If you're planning a trip to Hawaii, then you're likely looking for all the information you can gather to make the most of your time and money. Having traveled there several times, there are a few lessons I've learned and plenty of pointers I've compiled. Here is what I wish I had known before our Hawaii vacation and some handy tips you'll hopefully find useful.

Hawaii Tips: Planning Your Hawaii Vacation

Snorkeling

Snorkeling will likely be a part of your Hawaii vacation. (If you've read my 103 Free Things to Do in Oahu article, it's one of my favorite things to do in Hawaii.) Whether it's a fun boat tour or doing it on your own, snorkeling is just plain awesome.

The first time we went, we didn't take snorkel gear with the intent to rent. Sure, it saved room in our luggage, but for the amount we paid to rent, we could have just checked an extra bag. The second year we went, we heard great things about the full face snorkel masks, and after reading reviews for several hours, we ended up getting these and taking them with us. GAME CHANGER!

These things are amazing, and everyone in our group agreed they were the best money spent on our whole trip. No fogging, no water in your mouth or snorkel, and effortless breathing since you can breathe normally with them. My mom didn't have one, and refused to go snorkeling unless she was using one of our masks. She was a beginner, so the mask really put her at ease.

Footwear

While we are on the topic of snorkeling, I need to add a little tip on footwear. Please take some water shoes with good grip on the sole! Especially if you are going to travel around to different snorkel spots on the island.

All the best snorkel spots are in rocky, coral areas, which means you can really scratch yourself up if you are trying to get into the water and waves are knocking you over onto the rocks. Or if you step on sea urchins … or something worse.

I also wore my water shoes and Chacos on all the hikes, so I was wearing them ALL THE TIME and putting them to good use.

*Keep in mind that if you choose to do something like a Zipline adventure, you must have closed-toed shoes.

Clothing

Bring a rashguard. In fact, bring TWO rashguards — one short-sleeve and one long-sleeve. This is one of my best Hawaii tips. I don't sunburn very easily, and when I do it's not bad, so I have never owned a rash guard in my life. But for Hawaii, they are a must. I now own three rash guards.

The sun is different in Hawaii — it's right on the equator, so the sun is direct. And since it's humid, you might not think you are burning, but you really are. Plus, if you plan on snorkeling, that's a lot of direct sun right on your back, which is my least favorite spot to get a sunburn!

Even if you plan on coming back with a nice tan (always my plan), you should pack a rash guard. If you don't want to peel, you'll want to give your skin a break for a day or so after it's been in the sun a long time. Even on your hikes there will almost always be water, waterfalls, or cliffs to jump off.

Photography and Video

Burglary can be an issue in Hawaii, so think twice before bringing a pro-grade camera. Of course, these days, everyone has a cellphone with a camera that shoots incredible photos and videos. But one option you may want to consider is bringing a GoPro. Not only are newer models waterproof, but they also can be strapped on, freeing up your hands for more important things — like throwing your arms in the air as you soar along the zipline!

Visit Multiple Islands

If you are going to fly all the way to Hawaii, you might as well visit multiple islands, as inter-island flights aren't that expensive. Also, with inexpensive airlines like Southwest flying to Hawaii, it shouldn't be too hard to pay for your flight to Hawaii entirely with points. See my post on how to fly to Hawaii for free for more info on this.

The “Blue Bible”

The NUMBER ONE thing I wish I had done before our trip to Hawaii was to buy the Hawaii Revealed guidebooks at least a month before our trip. Several people had recommended them to me for great Hawaii tips, but I didn’t pay too much attention until a couple of weeks beforehand.

I had no idea how thorough these books are. What I love about the guidebooks is that all of the Hawaii tips are completely unbiased. He does all of his reviews anonymously, and he pays for everything that he does. These books are SO DETAILED — he has done it all.

I had a hard time putting down the books because they were so well put together, and the author is pretty funny too. The sad thing is that even after all my months of planning, there were so many things he mentioned that I wish I had done differently. Many of his recommendations were golden, and as such were already booked out when I called to make reservations. If you get the books at least a month in advance (ideally a couple of months), you can make sure you get in with all the best activities before they sell out.

When I called to make reservations for the very best, most authentic luau (The Old Lahaina Luau), they had been sold out for a month already. The next year that I went, I made reservations well in advance and had a wonderful evening!

Depending on where you are going, there is a guidebook for each island: Maui Revealed, Kauai Revealed, The Big Island, and Oahu Revealed. The one caution I would give you is to call ahead on some things. Some of the restaurants have since been shut down, so we drove to get food and sometimes the place didn't exist anymore.

Enjoy your travels to Hawaii, and put these tips to good use to make the most of your time and money! Find more great family-friendly travel ideas in our family travel archives.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©okimo/Shutterstock.com.

The post Hawaii Tips: What I Wish I Had Known Before Our Hawaii Vacation appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Aaaaaah, paradise … white sand beaches, palm trees, fresh tropical fruit, warm breeze … reserved only for the rich and famous, right? WRONG! You can totally go on a beautiful Hawaii vacation when you are on a budget. It's 100% doable! Take notes, everyone, because I'm about to show you how anyone (yes, even you!) can enjoy a Hawaii vacation on a budget!

I consider myself quite the budget-savvy traveler. My husband usually would rather spend “fun” money on electronics so I've learned to show him that trips can be fun and affordable (and way better than electronics.) He's a good sport and always enjoys them. I've been to Kauai once, Maui twice, and Oahu twice and have learned some tricks for enjoying these gorgeous destinations without going broke.

Though you have six major islands to choose from, I'm going to be focusing on Oahu, but just for fun I'll throw in a bit of the other islands here, too.

RELATED LINKS:

• Maui Vs. Kauai (from someone who has been to both)
• Hawaii Tips (What I wish I had known before our first trip to Hawaii)

Plan the Perfect Hawaii Vacation on a Budget

1. Finding Cheap Flights to Hawaii

Now, you are dreaming about that island breeze and warm beaches already, but how do you get started?  FLIGHTS. This is being covered first because it's most important (and if you don't plan smart, you will waste your budget on your flights).

Cheap Flights to Hawaii can be hard to come by if you don't plan ahead, because Hawaii is always in high demand. My biggest recommendation is to use Cheap Air for searching for flights because they have a flexible dates search option, but mostly because they have Price Drop Payback, which offers you a travel credit if your particular airfare drops in price after booking. I hate it when I wait to book a flight because I think the flight price will drop, and then it only gets more expensive! This takes the worry away.

They also have a fare tracker that you can set up. It emails you when there are cheap flights to Hawaii. Remember that flights leaving on Tuesdays are almost always the lowest price.  Adjusting the day of the week you are leaving and returning affects ticket prices significantly.

They also have a “When to Buy Flights” option that will give you advice for your particular airport and options. You can also search for Hawaii in the “Flights deals” section of the website.

If you really want cheap flights to Hawaii, you can plan ahead by signing up for certain credit card bonuses and get a free flight. Alaska Air gives you a companion pass which would allow someone to fly with you, and they also give a 30,000 point bonus for signing up, which makes the first ticket cheaper too.

Southwest has announced that they are going to soon offer Southwest flights to Hawaii, so signing up for their card is another great way to score a flight to Hawaii. It is expected that they will start offering these flights end of 2018, or early 2019. See our post How to Get Free Flights for more info on how we score free flights with Southwest.

2. Set a Hawaii vacation BUDGET and save money.

Why? Because if you don't, you come home and realize that you just spent your mortgage on tropical smoothies and leis. There are so many AMAZING, shall we say, temptations in Hawaii. It is very easy to be swept off your feet and overspend.

That being said, there are SO MANY free things to do in Hawaii, that you really can do a trip without spending a bunch. If you are going to Oahu, see our post 103 Free Things to Do in Oahu. Setting a budget beforehand and planning for fun expenses keeps you from overspending.

Another reason to set a budget is so that you can do fun things and not stress about the cost! You've already set aside the money and you can just enjoy. ONE OF THE BEST ways to do this (if you are visiting Oahu), is to get the Go Oahu Card. That way, you pay for the card upfront, and then all the activities you can imagine are already taken care of for your trip.

 3. The Best Time to Visit Hawaii: Consider the off-season

Off seasons in Hawaii allow you to get flights, hotels and rental cars for cheaper than peak season. Spring and fall are commonly considered off seasons whereas summer and around the holidays are peak. This is a general rule of thumb, but be aware that you may find a great deal on flights in the peak season if you have alerts set up on Cheap Air. Winter is a great time to go to Hawaii because of whale watching and escaping the cold — just don't expect to find great deals on rental cars or hotels so you'll want to factor that into your budget. Do look around though! Deals happen.

4. Get Discount Vouchers for Your Hawaii Vacation (Oahu and Big Island)

Living Social is available for Oahu and the Big Island, a site where you can get activity and restaurant discounts. Unfortunately, they haven't hit the other islands but you're in luck if you are going to the capital city of Hawaii. Months before your trip, sign up for these daily deals.

You can search through them until you find the perfect activity(s) for you and your budget. It's a great way to eat out and enjoy activities that otherwise would be too pricey. It also allows you to get more bang for your buck and do multiple activities where before you may have only been able to afford one.

My husband and I were able to eat at a very fancy restaurant for our anniversary for WAY less than normal and the both of us got to enjoy a catamaran cruise for less than half of what it normally costs for one person to go! The catamaran Cruise ended up being our favorite activity and I don't think we would have tried it had we not gotten that deal.

 5. Read up on Travel Forums for Free/Inexpensive Activity Ideas

Hawaii is one of the best places to be on a budget, because although there are many temptations, there are HUNDREDS of free things to do EVERYWHERE! All of the Hawaiian islands are beautiful with endless amounts of things to explore! Here are some tips for each island:

• Inexpensive Things to Do in Maui
• Free Things to Do on Kauai
• Free Things to Do in Oahu Hawaii
• Free Things to Do on the Big Island

6. Read up on Guidebooks Before You Go

Planning your trip is incredibly important, even if it's just knowing which region of the island to be at each day. Planning allows you to maximize your vacation and not miss out on the must-see items on your checklist. You'll also save on gas by making sure you plan activities that are close to each other each day. Don't forget to plan time to relax!

Our favorite guidebooks are the Hawaii Revealed Series. You will see them in all the stores when you get to Hawaii. I have heard them referred to as the “Blue Bible.” They are packed with all kinds of helpful info, and I love that it divides activities up by region for you, so that you can save gas by hitting everything in close proximity. Here are the different guidebooks for each island:

• Maui Revealed
• Oahu Revealed
• Kauai Revealed
• Big Island Revealed

7. Eating on Your Hawaii Vacation: Utilize COSTCO for Food

Lucky for you — now Costco is on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and The Big Island! You have to have a membership but this is so worth it! If you have any kind of mini-fridge or kitchenette in your hotel, buy groceries at Costco!

Restaurants are super pricey and eating out for every meal, every day, adds up big time. Don't be sucked in to buying groceries from the local ABC Store either– we bought a gallon of milk for almost $10. That combined with the cereal, plastic bowls and plastic spoons ended up costing more than what it would have cost to go to McDonald's every morning. Lesson learned.

Costco is a great way to buy food on a budget– you can pack picnic lunches to eat on the beach and make your own dinners. Thanks to Groupon or Living Social, it will still be possible to enjoy a few restaurants but this way you won't have to stress when you do! Also, while at Costco — fill up your gas tank! It is usually cheaper than any other station.

8. Save Money on your Hawaii Vacation Lodging

HOTELS

Let's face it, hotels are going to be a major part of your budget. You just have to count on that, unless you go with one of the camping options below (Hawaii would be a great place to camp).

Trip Advisor is my favorite place to search because it allows you to compare a bunch of different sites and find the best price. If you go to the Hawaii landing page, you can find guides on each of the islands, as well as look up hotels in various categories (for couples, family friendly, best beaches, popularity, etc.).

I have also booked a ton of our vacations on Travelocity because they are always competitive, they give you discounts on other parts of your vacation once you have booked with them, and they are really easy to cancel. It also tells you how popular your dates are, and how booked that particular area is (for example: “Maui is 96% booked for your dates.”). This will help you to know how fast you need to reserve your lodging.

I really like to read reviews on Trip Advisor before I stay at ANY hotel, but sometimes it takes a lot of time, so what I will often do is book multiple hotels on Travelocity (so they don't book out or get more expensive), and then once I have read all the reviews and made a decision, I will go into Travelocity and cancel all the ones I don't want. Most hotels will let you cancel up to the week of your trip, and Travelocity makes it really easy to do that (just click a button).

VACATION RENTALS

Vacation rentals are an excellent way to save money on your Hawaii vacation! VRBO is our favorite, but airbnb is another great option. We have found many beachfront options in the $100/night range!

If you are more picky and have your heart set on a fancy resort, I've also found you can book many of the resorts on VRBO for a lot cheaper than you can direct, because vacation owners will rent out their timeshares here. We have booked the Honua Kai twice through VRBO (in Maui) and the Waipouli Beach Resort (in Kauai) through VRBO and got much better rates than anywhere else.

CAMPING

Don't totally close your mind off to the idea of camping in Hawaii. It's such a beautiful place and we rarely spent time in our room anyway, that I would totally camp in Hawaii! It's a great way to save money! Here's a list of the top 10 Hawaii Camping locations, including some cabins and tentalows!

There you have it, you can afford to go to Hawaii.

What tips have YOU discovered that allowed you to enjoy Hawaii on a budget?!?

The image featured at the top of this post is ©okimo/Shutterstock.com.

The post Hawaii Vacation on a Budget: A How-To Guide appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Oahu, Hawaii is an idyllic vacation destination for couples, families and even girlfriends. If you're looking to plan a trip to Oahu, make sure you check out our Oahu travel series. Peruse the articles below to get answers and ideas for your big Hawaiian getaway!

The Top 5 Resorts for Families in Hawaii

When you want a tropical escape for the whole family, these are the resorts at which to book your stay. Each offers something unique and exciting — from beachfront fun to kids' activities to a spa escape for the parents and so much more. Here are the Top 5 Family Resorts in Hawaii!

The Best Restaurants for Families on Oahu

When it's time to feed the family after a fun day on Oahu, you'll want to know about these options. Here are the best restaurants for families on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.

8 Things to Do With Kids on Oahu

If your family is heading to Hawaii, you're likely in the market for some fun ideas. Here are eight great things to do with kids on Oahu — there's something for everyone!

Unusual Things to Do in Oahu

If you want a break from the beach, carve out time to explore these unusual things to do in Oahu. From museums to murals and more, these are the curious outings to take while visiting this lush Hawaiian paradise.

Things to Do With Babies on Oahu

Traveling with our tiniest family members can be tricky, but thankfully, on Oahu, there are plenty of fun things for all ages. Here are 6 things to do with babies on Oahu.

Things to Do With Toddlers on Oahu

If you're traveling to this Hawaiian island with toddlers, you'll no doubt be looking for ways to keep them busy. Here are some great ideas for things to do with toddlers on Oahu.

9 Things to Do as a Couple on Oahu

If you're leaving the kids behind for a couple's escape, layer in some couples-only activities among your relaxation time. Things like a sunset catamaran trip, a couple's massage and Hawaiian cooking classes are a few of the ways to enjoy the island as a pair. Here are 9 Things to Do as a Couple on Oahu.

The Best Beaches on Oahu

Whether you're looking to surf or just spend a day on the sand, these are the very best beaches on Oahu. Take a look!

6 Must-See Sights on Oahu

If you're planning your Oahu vacation, make sure to add these six stops to your itinerary. These are the places you'll want to see and things you'll want to do. Here are 6 Must-See Sights on Oahu.

North Shore, Oahu: Top Things to See and Do

When in Oahu, absolutely head north — to the North Shore, that is. There are plenty of ways to spend a day there. Here are the top things to see and do on the North Shore of Oahu.

103 Free Things to Do in Oahu, Hawaii

If you enjoy a cutting costs on your island adventures, check out these 103 Free Things to Do in Oahu, Hawaii. From the state art museum to the historic walking trail to the “Eat the Street” food truck rally, there's never a shortage of affordable fun waiting to be had.

Find more great family travel options in our travel section.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©aines/Shutterstock.com.

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