Our Family's Four Fun Hikes In Shenandoah National Park

November 9, 2022 Amanda Luhn

Sunset with the family from atop Blackrock Summit in Shenandoah National Park — Not a bad place to watch the sunset right? We climbed up the rocks to the very top of Blackrock Summit for this awesome view. The best part? It was only a 20 minute hike from the parking lot.

Looking for 360 views from the shortest hikes ever? Look no further than Shenandoah National Park. We loved our day and half here, hiking and rock scrambling and exploring the awesome and appropriately named Skyline Drive. It is easy to get to Shenandoah from Interstate 81, has lots of hikes for all ages, 5 campgrounds or 2 historic lodges to choose from, and some of the best sunset views I have ever seen. Don’t drive past the signs for Shenandoah on I-81. Stop for half a day (or several days) and get to know this fabulous national park.

How To Visit Arlington National Cemetery During A Layover At Reagan National Airport In Washington, D.C.

October 27, 2022 Amanda Luhn

Rows of graves at Arlington National Cemetery — One of the many different sections of graves found in Arlington National Cemetery

Reagan Airport has a metro stop which takes you to several popular tourist sites in just a few minutes. The closest of these is Arlington National Cemetery, one of my favorite places in DC to take kids. There is history and peaceful grounds to explore as well as a chance to teach the kids about honor and respect for our servicemen and women.

A Simply Awesome Day In Shenandoah National Park With Kids: Spectacular Vistas, Waterfalls, And Several Easy And Fun Hikes

October 21, 2022 Amanda Luhn

View from rocks atop Bearfence Trail in Shenandoah National Park — This is the view you get a measly 25 min after you left the car on the awesome Bearfence trail, one of our favorites.

Looking for 360 views from the shortest hikes ever? Look no further than Shenandoah National Park. We loved our day in the park, hiking and rock scrambling and exploring the awesome and appropriately named Skyline Drive. It is easy to get Shenandoah from interstate 81, has lots of hikes for all ages, 5 campgrounds or 2 historic lodges to stay in, and some of the best sunset views from a park I have ever seen. Don’t drive past the signs for Shenandoah on I-81, stop for half a day (or several days) and get to know this fabulous national park.

Why We Love Theodore Roosevelt Island In Washington DC

October 13, 2022 Amanda Luhn

The pedestrian bridge from the Rosslyn side of the Potomac that leads to Theodore Roosevelt Island — The pedestrian bridge leading to the island in the middle of the Potomac River.

While Washington. DC is a fantastic family vacation destination, packed with museums and historical monuments, sometimes you need an activity that just lets the kids run a little and provides you with a little serenity. Enter Theodore Roosevelt Island, an urban forest dedicated to our conservationist 26th President. Take a walk in the woods just steps away from the National Mall and find my favorite off the beaten path memorial in DC.

The United States Botanic Garden- An Oasis Of Calm In A Sea Of Tourists

October 10, 2022 Amanda Luhn

US-Botanic-Garden-Capitol-Washington-DC (1).jpg — You can see how big the Conservatory is in the US Botanic Garden and how close it is to the US Capitol building. It is such a great place to explore.

Looking for a something a little bit different in Washington DC and without the overwhelming crowds? Try the US Botanic Garden, a gorgeous cacophony of green right by the Capitol Building. You can visit a tropical rainforest, a desert, and see carnivorous plants among lots of other things in the huge greenhouse, and kids will enjoy exploring all the nooks and crannies of the outdoor gardens. Our family always enjoys a stop here to escape the crowds of the other attractions on the National Mall.

My Favorite Art Museum For The Whole Family In Washington, DC

October 1, 2022 Amanda Luhn

Entrance to America's Presidents Gallery in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC — This is the nation’s only complete collection of portraits of our presidents outside of the White House and the biggest (but not the only reason) to visit this museum.

Looking for a non intimidatingly large art museum that the kids will actually find interesting? The National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museums are a 2 for 1 special that our family has always enjoyed. Sharing one building and one theme (the story of America through its art and people), we make it a scavenger hunt for the kids to find portraits of certain presidents or influential people that impacted America. Because the museum isn’t on the Mall, it doesn’t get quite as busy as some of the other attractions in DC, an always appreciated bonus!