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3 Heart-pumping Active Family Vacation Tours in the United States

Biking is a great option on an active family vacation in the United States.

Relaxing beach vacations are awesome for some families. But for other families, they want a little more activity on vacation, a little more adventure. Guess what! Active families are not out of luck. There are vacations designed just for active families to be out biking, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. Starting to sound perfect for your family? Read on and learn about 3 active vacation options your family can take in the United States!

Multi-generational possibilities for an active vacation

Now, what about if you are planning a multi-generational family vacation? An active vacation could be a great experience for your multi-generational family. For less active members of the family, there will be shorter ride options available or they can use an e-bike. They could also take a day at the resort, spa, or shopping while the others are out. Families will young children will appreciate the trailer bikes, kids bikes, and other accommodations available for their rides. Sometimes there will even be specially planned activities for the kids giving adults a little time away. The United States active family vacation possibilities below are planned for families to be able to adjust to the needs of each member while still having plenty of time to adventure together.

San Juan Islands

While biking on your active family vacation in the San Juan Islands in the Untied States you will see a lovely lighthouse overlooking the water.
Lighthouse on San Juan Island

Explore the charming towns, glistening waters, and wooded lanes of the Pacific Northwest islands. During this 6day/5 night vacation, your family will bike along the seashore, kayak through the ocean, hike through dense forests, and enjoy mountain views. Each night your family will stay at boutique inns along the way. The San Juan Islands are a terrific destination for your family adventure.

  • Day 1–Fidalgo Island–Bike the island to get to the Washington State Ferry Terminal. Cruise the stunningly blue sound to Lopez Island. Explore the village and enjoy delicious local food for a welcome social and dinner.
  • Day 2–Lopez Island–Climb on your bike for a flat island ride through farmland and by the sea keeping an eye out for eagles. Following lunch, the ferry will take you to Orcas Island to wander the village and relax at your lovely inn.
  • Day 3–Orcas Island–Time for a little shopping! The first stop is Orcas Island Pottery. Even if you don’t love pottery you will love the dramatic coastal bluff setting and possibly a pottery demonstration. Then spend some time shopping in the village or enjoying the waterfront. On to Moran State Park where you can hike Mt. Constitution. And then possibly swim in the crystal clear waters of Cascade Lake. Tonight, special events are planned for the kids so parents can enjoy a quiet dinner.
  • Day 4–San Juan Island–Begin the day with a ferry ride to Friday Harbor, the largest town in the San Juan Islands. Enjoy the local art galleries or whale museum. After lunch, get back on your bike and ride past the popular photo spot of False Bay and through a lavender farm. The highlight of the day will be the sunset wildlife cruise to learn about the orca whales, porpoises, and bald eagles in the area.
  • Day 5–San Juan Island–Kayaking along the beautiful coastline will start the day. You might even see some harbor seals. Get back on your bike after a relaxing lunch and ride past Lime Kiln State Park. This is a great place to possibly see orcas feeding in the kelp beds.
  • Day 6–San Juan Island–Your last ride around the island will take you to the tip for breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountain Range and the lighthouse. Then it will be time to pack up and head home on a late morning ferry back to Anacortes. You are sad for it all to come to an end but you will forever remember the fun and adventure you shared with those you love!

What will the family members who don’t want to bike do?

  • Spend some time at the spa
  • Relax at the charming inns you will be staying at
  • Take a catamaran cruise from Lopez Island
  • Visit the museums or art galleries
  • Go horseback riding on San Juan Island
  • Hiking all around the islands
  • Sea kayaking

Glacier National Park

St. Mary Lake at Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, in Northwest Montana, is more than just another protected place for wildlife. It is a gorgeously stunning land of snow-capped peaks, mountain lakes, evergreen valleys, colorful rocks, as well as moose, bears, and mountain goats. Couple that beauty with the vibrant western town of Whitefish and some riding and rafting in the Flathead Valley. Definitely a recipe for an awesome family vacation!

  • Day 1–Two Medicine Lake to Saint Mary’s Lodge–First thing in the morning you will take a shuttle ride past jaw-dropping mountains and lakes to arrive at Two Medicine Lake. After a picnic lunch, the whole family will be fitted for their bikes, and then off you all ride past Lower Two Medicine Lake, through the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, and over Looking Glass Hill. The ride will end at Saint Mary Lodge on the edge of another stunning lake. You will then get a chance to learn more about the history and legends of the Blackfeet Nation that you are visiting and to really bring your trip to life.
  • Day 2–St. Mary Lake–After a short but rigorous ride toward Logan Pass everyone will meet up at the Rising Sun Boat Dock read to enjoy all St. Mary Lake has to offer. On the scenic boat ride around the lake, you will get a different view of the surrounding mountains, Wild Goose Island, and Sexton Glacier. Then it is on to a 3-mile round trip hike to St. Mary Falls to marvel at the beauty of the rushing water and take some pictures. There should be some time after the boat ride back to possibly explore the visitors center before returning to the hotel.
  • Day 3–Going-to-the-Sun Road–Oh my goodness! Today will be a day to remember because the Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most scenic roads in America. It is narrow and windy and has treasures to see around almost every corner. You will ride past waterfalls, glaciers, lakes, wildflowers, cedar forests, and maybe even some local wildlife. There will be so many places you will be dying to stop and take a picture before arriving at Logan Pass and the Continental Divide. Then it is a thrilling downhill ride to Lake McDonald and a rejuvenating lunch. A shuttle will take your family to Whitefish where you will explore the town for the afternoon.
  • Day 4–Whitefish to West Glacier and the Flathead River–You will now be riding in the less hilly Flathead valley from Whitefish to West Glacier. At your destination of Belton Bridge, you will have a chance to fill up with some food and take a dip in the Flathead River if you like. You aren’t done on the river yet today! The next adventure is a 3-4 hour rafting experience through Class II and III rapids. An outdoor BBQ dinner will finish off the day.
  • Day 5–Whitefish Lake–The schedule today will start with a quiet ride around Whitefish lake. You will love the beautiful farmland views along with the surrounding majestic mountains. Then will be a tough choice. Do you head back to Whitefish and have an afternoon at the spa or time exploring the town OR do you head up Big Mountain for a 5-mile climb with the promise of breath-taking panoramic views?! Tonight will be your farewell dinner.
  • Day 6–Columbia Falls–Time for your final relaxing ride to the town of Columbia Falls. After a quick stop at a favorite coffee shop, you will say goodbye to your guides and be on your way to the airport or possibly another adventure.

What is available for the the family members who aren’t as strong of riders or don’t want to bike?

This biking adventure at Glacier National Park is a little bit more rigorous due to the hilly terrain. It is rated for bikers at a level 2 or 3. If you don’t think you are quite at that level don’t worry. Since this is a family trip there will most likely be bikers of all different abilities. The guides you are will are more than willing to make accommodations for those who don’t want to go up all the hills by providing ebikes, rides in the shuttle or the day off. Other activities might include (additional costs could apply):

  • Explore Whitefish
  • Relax at the spa
  • Kayaking or paddleboarding at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
  • Go horseback riding or hiking

Alaska’s Kenai Penninsula

Mountains across the Cook Inlet near Homer

There simply couldn’t be a list of active, adventure family vacation tours in the United States without one in Alaska! The wilds of Alaska are perfect for a family vacation full of hiking, biking, boating, and kayaking. Let’s see what Alaska’s Kenai Penninsula has in store for your family on this six-day tour!

  • Day 1–Anchorage to Girdwood–Ride out of Anchorage down the Turnagain Arm on one of the most scenic roads in America. Then spend a little time exploring the quaint little town of Girdwood. You might want to take a tram ride up the mountain and hike down.
  • Day 2–Prince William Sound–From Whittier, you will board a boat for a cruise through Prince William Sound. You will be amazed but the glistening blue waters, towering mountains, and hanging glaciers. Then you will travel further south to the town of Seward.
  • Day 3–Kenai Fjords National Park–Get up close and personal with glaciers today! Kids will hike to the toe of Exit Glacier and adults will trek up the mountain to experience the spectacular views of the Harding Icefield. While the kids wait for the adults to return they will get to meet some of the stars of the Iditarod and explore Alaska marine life at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Today will definitely be a day to remember for everyone!
  • Day 4–Homer–Not only will you travel by van to Homer but along the way you will hop on your bikes to slow down a bit and truly appreciate the jaw-dropping views of the Cook Inlet and the volcanoes of the Alaska Range. Your hotel for the night is at the very end of the Homer Spit jutting out into Kachemak Bay. You might get a chance to see a harbor seal or sea lion or just do some tide-pooling when the tide is out.
  • Day 5–Kayaking in Kachemak Bay–A water taxi will bring your family across the bay to pick up your kayaks. For the next few hours, you will enjoy kayaking around Yukon Island. This is another wonderful opportunity to spot harbor seals, porpoises, and sea otters.
  • Day 6–Homer–Take a trip to a local farm complete with furry animals, herbs, art, and views of Kachemak Bay. A nice relaxing finish to a truly adventurous family vacation!


Does any of these active vacation possibilities in the United States sound perfect for your family? Do you have somewhere else that you are dying to explore with your family in a very active way? Let me know in the comments below!

If you would like more information about booking an active vacation in the United States for your family or with other families please schedule a complimentary consultation!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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Family Reunion

3 Activities in Oahu, Hawaii Everyone Will Enjoy

There is so many activities for everyone in Oahu, Hawaii. Waikiki Beach is just one.

There are so many things to wonderful things to do while you are in Oahu, Hawaii. There is the hopping area of Waikiki with shopping, dining, nightlife and of course the beach. You could spend your whole vacation right in this area. Or you could venture out and experience even more. But, what if you are with a whole group of people of all different ages. What are some good activities around the island of Oahu, Hawaii that everyone in your group of family or friends will enjoy? Read on and find out!

Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center draws guest in and immerses them in the different cultures of the Polynesian Islands. You can wander through the villages of Hawaii, Aotearoa, Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. While you explore each village you can learn more about the culture through stories, hands-on workshops, dance, music, games and food.

Throughout the day you can learn a native dance, how to weave with leaves, or throw a spear. For those in your group who don’t want to be as active they can enjoy a listening to a talk about the history of the country, attend a marriage ceremony, watch a cooking demonstration, or sit and enjoy in the beautiful atmosphere. The whole area is very stroller and wheelchair friendly.

At night the Polynesian Cultural Center comes alive even more. The Ali’i Luau Buffet is a fun way to eat and enjoy a show. At the buffet, you will fill up on authentic Polynesian favorites. Then you will enjoy the family-friendly luau show. The audience participation brings some extra fun.

After this show, you can choose to attend the amazing Ha Breath of Life Show. It is truly an experience to behold with beautiful dancing, and music, exciting special effects, and heart-stopping, blazing, twirling fireknives.

Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve

Kualoa Ranch is on the east side of the island of Oahu in a gorgeous tropical setting. The ranch is high up on the hillside with breathtaking views of the island and ocean. They strive to protect and enhance the land while providing recreational activities for guests. The tours provide Kualoa Ranch the opportunity to keep the land undeveloped for future generations.

Kualoa Ranch was the setting of parts of Jurassic Park and Jurassic World and of course, they have a tour to show you all the fun spots. They also have a tour of other famous Hollywood movie sights. They provide so many different ways to show you their beautiful land–jeep, ATV, horseback, electric mountain bike, bus, or zipline. And, if you don’t want to go on a tour then you can just have a delicious homecooked Hawaiian meal at Auntie Pat’s Cafe.

What makes Kualoa Ranch great for families is the wide variety of activities. Since they have so many different ways to tour there is something that will work for everyone. If you have family that are too young or don’t want all the bumping and jarring of the jeep or ATV tours they provide a nice bus option. Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Preserve is an excellent day trip activity for everyone to enjoy while you are vacationing in Oahu, Hawaii.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial and Historic Sites

Pearl Harbor National Memorial is one of the must-do Oahu activities. Through the USS Arizona Memorial and other historic sites you will get a fuller picture of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the military forces in the Pacific during WWII.

At the USS Arizona Memorial, you have the chance to remember those who lost their lives on that fateful day, December 7, 1941. For kids, there is a Junior Ranger program to help kids understand the significance of this memorial. There is also a movie and exhibits to enjoy.

Other Pearl Harbor Historic Sites

In the area, but not run by the National Parks Service are some other historical sites that are very interesting. Tickets and transportation can be arranged at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

  • Battleship Missouri Memorial–The USS Missouri was the last battleship commissioned by the United States. The Japanese signed their surrender onboard, ending WWII. They have tours or you can go at your own pace.
  • USS Bowfin Submarine Museum–The USS Bowfin launched one year after the attack and was nicknamed the Pearl Harbor Avenger. She is permanently homeported at Pearl Harbor and guests can take a tour through the submarine.
  • Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum–This museum is housed in two hangars and the Ford Island Control Tower. The exhibits focus not only on the events of Pearl Harbor but also on the entire war in the Pacific. You will see a lot of aircraft used throughout the war, some even still have battle scars.

If you are traveling with very young children you can use a stroller in many places. The USS Missouri is stroller and wheelchair accessible. The USS Bowfin doesn’t allow children under 4 on the submarine, but they can enjoy the grounds while waiting for other family members to finish the tour (supervised of course).

If you have family members who aren’t as mobile there can be quite a bit of walking. They might want to stick to the USS Arizona and the hangar at the Aviation Museum with the exhibits (the hangar with more planes is fantastic but is pretty large). The USS Bowfin isn’t very large but the space is pretty cramped and the stairs are very steep. On the USS Missouri, they don’t have to visit every part. Just being on the battleship and seeing the scale is pretty awesome. There are elevators to some of the decks for wheelchair access.

There are so many different activities to choose while in Oahu, Hawaii. But these are such great ones that will appeal to just about everyone in your group of family or friends. You’re gonna love them!

Got questions about these or other Oahu activities? Contact me and let me get you some answers!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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Family Reunion

Phoenix, AZ–Perfect for Your Family or Friend Reunion

Normally, large cities are not the best vacation destination for a multi-generational reunion or groups of friends. But, Phoenix, Arizona is a little bit different. Since Phoenix is a genuine resort destination it could be a very nice option for your families. Phoenix has a nice mix of big city fun, outdoor recreation, great dining, and stellar resorts that recommend this warm weather destination for group vacations. Plus, it is a US destination that is easy to get to. Let’s get on with it. Here are some reasons why Phoenix, AZ could be the perfect destination for your family or friend reunion!

Amazing Resorts in Phoenix, AZ

Being that Phoenix is a very popular vacation destination there are tons of wonderful resorts spread throughout the greater Phoenix area. For your family or friend reunion vacation you will have some great choices that will fit the whole group. At these resorts you can possibly reserve a conference rooms to have activities for all of you together.

For a family reunion, I suggest checking out the resorts that have rooms that will accomodate 6. This gives a better opportunity for even larger families to only have to book one room.

There are fantastic resorts that groups of adults will love. The rooms are beautiful and serene creating a feeling of complete relaxation and comfort. They have wonderful spa facilities, pools, and dining. Many are even on golf courses.

Phoenix, AZ has some amazing resorts for your family or friends reunion vacation.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa

Then, there are the resorts for families. The resorts geared toward families are absolutely amazing! Now, don’t think that adults won’t also be pampered at these resorts. There is something for guests of all ages! At many of the resorts, you will experience sprawling pools, kids programs, daily activities, and multiple restaurants with kid-friendly menus. And then, there are those that are just a step above with tennis courts, maybe mini-golf, a lazy river, or an adventure-filled waterpark, perfect for the hot days.

Lots of Outdoor Recreation in Phoenix, AZ

There are lots of outdoor adventures perfect for your family or friend reunion vacation.

Phoenix has the benefit of being very close to a lot of different low mountain ranges with tons to explore. They have really nice parks spread throughout the city with splash pads so you are not too far from one where ever you are in the city. These outdoor adventures are often great things to do with your whole group. Here are just a few places of many you might like to explore all together.

  • Papago Park–One of the most easily accessible desert areas in Phoenix. Has hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, lagoons, and a golf course nearby. There is an app that can make exploring the park even more fun for the family. Click here for more about Papago Park and some other hikes in the area.
  • White Tank Waterfall Trail–A great short hike for kids to a seasonal waterfall. If there isn’t a waterfall there are still some cool hieroglyphs along the way. White Tank Mountain Park has a nature center and offers fun events for families.
  • Spur Cross Ranch Recreation Area–Another great exploration area. There are a couple of nice trails for all ages (Dragonfly Loop, the Metate Trail, and Fairy Duster Loop). Make sure you have a map with you in this area before you set you. These trails can have water in the seasonally (Nov-Mar) or after a heavy rain so have proper footwear and a bucket or two.
  • Head to a lake outside of Phoenix—Lake Pleasant is just 45 minutes away and is one of the most scenic water recreation areas. Tonto National Forest has a few lovely lakes (Saguaro, Apache, Canyon, and Bartlett Lakes) less than a hour east of Downtown. They even have boat rentals (even for up to 20 people), you can waterski, wakeboard, paddleboard, kayak, or just have a lazy day of fishing.

Big City Activities in Phoenix, AZ

Whole Family Activities

As Phoenix is a very large city there are tons of things to do. Here are a few of the most popular that the whole family might enjoy. These are fantastic activities for family time during your reunion in Phoenix.

Phoenix Zoo

Mainly for Children

Children’s Museum of Phoenix

And then there are the places that kids love that give parents a little break.

As you can see, there is so much to see and do in Phoenix, AZ. There is a nice mix of activities that can be attended together as a whole group. Plus, there are opportunities to split up and do something that interests a smaller group like shopping, golfing, museums, going to the spa, mountain biking or maybe more intense hiking. All in all, Phoenix is the perfect place for your next family or friend reunion vacation!

When to Visit Phoenix, AZ

Before you go, let’s mention when during the year is best to plan that vacation. For the best weather you will want to plan for Fall or Spring. October and April are very warm but not too hot. Winter has nice weather but not super warm. Splash pads and community pools are only open April-October. Summer has the benefit of being a break time for the kids in your families. It will be quite hot but a great time to enjoy all the water activities to the maximum.

Happy Travels to you…until we meet again!

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