Author

Mike Baron

REI Quarterdome 3 overlooking the Yellowstone River
Camping and Hiking, Camping and Hiking Tips, Road Trip Tips With Kids

The Complete Family Camping Checklist

If you are like most people, a family camping trip usually starts off without a camping with kids checklist. It comes with grand ambitions of leaving early in the morning, pitching the tent together, some sort of recreational activity, and then relaxing by the fire roasting marshmallows while the Instagram worthy meal heats up and the picnic table is set. What usually happens, however, is a mad scramble to pack the car that extends close to noon, you end up at McDonald’s for a late lunch, and you pitch the tent in the dark while the kids groan about being hungry. You then realize you brought hot dogs, but forgot condiments. Trust me, I’m not throwing shade, we’ve been there more often than we’d like to admit! And you have landed here so we are making a few assumptions.

Fortunately, after three kids and countless outdoor adventures, we feel pretty good about the essentials of camping with toddlers and young kids. This break-down has been curated after years of fine-tuning for a minimalist list of car camping essentials and fun activities, leaving behind the camping gear you just don’t need!

Read more
The right hiking boots can make a big difference on the trails, even for the little guys
Camping and Hiking, Camping and Hiking Tips

Actually useful guide to buying kids’ hiking boots

If you plan to spend a lot of time on the trails, arguably the single most important piece of equipment you can own is appropriate footwear.  A lot has been written about how to choose the best hiking boots, and there is even a recent heated debate in the hiking community about whether hiking boots are even the best tool for the job, but factors that go into hiking footwear decisions for children varies wildly from those for adults.  This guide aims to help simplify the options and identify the best hiking boots or shoes for kids.

Read more
Family-Restaurant-Guide
New York City, Northeast, Road Trip Destinations

16 toddler-friendly restaurants in NYC that are local favorites

People come to New York City for a variety of reasons, but after having lived in the city for nearly a decade, we can attest to the fact that the food really is top-notch.  There are plenty of food guides for a proper foodie trip to New York, but when traveling with toddlers there has to be a balance of unique and different from home versus requirements of the kids.  Luckily for New York City tourists, we have a solid list of 16 toddler-friendly restaurants in NYC where we frequently eat and recommend.

Read more
Panorama Point, Boulder, CO
Camping and Hiking, Camping and Hiking Tips, Mountain-West

The 7 best family friendly hikes near Boulder, Colorado

Boulder, Colorado is a gateway to the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Hiking is a way of life for most locals, but with so many options it’s hard to narrow down the most amazing family friendly hikes near Boulder.

Below are the best of the best. We prioritize hikes based on activities spanning age ranges, meaning easy enough terrain for the toddler, rocks or streams to climb or play for the older kids, and stunning beauty for all.

Read more
Close