Taking the kids: To a museum safely
Many museums have reopened during the pandemic with restrictions, while many remain shuttered but with excellent virtual programming
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YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE A SUMMER JOB WILL LEAD
I last rafted the Grand Canyon 40 years ago on a trip where we paddled, following the guide’s shouted directions. I was glad for the opportunity to go again, confident that we could raft safely and stay healthy with Western River’s comprehensive COVID-19 mitigation plan
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Family dynamics, safety concerns upend pandemic gatherings
When it comes to big multi-generational families, not everyone is on the same page about what they should do to protect themselves and others, wearing masks, social distancing and washing hands frequently.
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Cure Your Wanderlust on a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip This Fall
If your wanderlust is stronger than ever and you have some flexibility in your schedule, there may be no better time for a Grand Canyon rafting adventure than now.
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Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Getting There | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Weekly Column
Taking the kids: To Aspen this summer and fall
Everyone who visits Aspen — summer, fall or winter — should make time for an ACES activity, whether guided hike (there are free guided walks), winter snowshoe tours, storytelling, free junior naturalist activity books and the chance to visit the resident rescued Golden Eagle, Red Tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl that can no longer live in the wild
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Even if it rains, glamping is still fun
For the uninitiated, glamping means experiencing the outdoors without the work or challenges (except maybe weather!) that camping typically requires
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Staying safe in national parks from COVID, bears, bison and more…
As well as keeping our distance and wearing masks to avoid contracting COVID-19, it’s imperative as we flock to national parks to consider what else we must do to keep ourselves and our families safe
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Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Getting There | Lodging | Pandemic Family Travel | Parks & Outdoors | Weekly Column
On the road this pandemic summer
We experienced the mask issue firsthand on our 2,850-mile road trip from Colorado to Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, social distancing as much as possible
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The short strange ride on an E-bike, up to Maroon Bells near Aspen CO
We headed up eight miles to the Maroon Bells, one of Colorado’s most iconic rides along Maroon Creek Road from Aspen Highlands to Maroon Lake
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Pizza in Aspen? Pizza in Heaven? This is Colorado
The Gant Aspen not only is Aspen’s only condominium hotel that offers food and beverage right here, but the new artisanal take out pizzas from Boulder’s popular Boss Lady Pizza has proved a huge hit on weekends.
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Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Pandemic Family Travel | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries
Pandemic Summer reunion in Crested Butte CO
This Pandemic summer, Elk Avenue has been made one way to allow for more outdoor socially-distanced seating and masks are required for those strolling on Elk Avenue.
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Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Getting There | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Weekly Column
To a unique family-owned Montana ranch
A visit to Flathead Lake Lodge, just south of Glacier NP, this pandemic summer is about a lot more than learning a new sport or upping your skill, visiting kids say, especially after being stuck at home for months.
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On a Road Trip in Eastern Utah
Many families like to anchor themselves in Moab because they can visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, as well as mountain bike, paddleboard, river raft, horseback ride, hike, fish, golf
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A picture perfect day in Jackson Hole WY on the last day of our epic #CovidSummer2020 road trip
The big difference this pandemic summer: Families wearing masks when they are near other people or inside shops. Clerks and restaurant servers are wearing masks too.
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Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Getting There | Pandemic Family Travel | Parks & Outdoors | Taking the Kids Blogs
More masks everywhere – including Jackson Hole WY
Certainly, there is a lot to feel anxious about this summer whether you are at home or traveling with spikes in COVID-19 cases in many states. Locals in Wyoming, like elsewhere, say they are nervous seeing so many out of state license plates
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Away from it all: At River Dance Lodge in scenic central Idaho
We’re spending a couple of days in a cabin at River Dance Lodge in Idaho, part of the Row Adventures portfolio, known for their rafting and sea kayaking trips.
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Planning Ahead for Next Year
there are also pluses to waiting until next year. Perhaps there will be a vaccine for COVID-19 that will make travel safer for all of us. And in many cases, you will get an especially good deal if you put down a deposit now.
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Families give Paws Up high marks
Suha Jhaveri opted for a mom-son road trip to the Resort at Paws Up, where they stayed in a huge safari-like tent
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Chuckwagon caps a day of weather challenges
When it rains, you just soldier on as we did horseback riding and riding ATV vehicles
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A cold summer rain can’t stop the fun: Paws Up
At least we are cozy and dry in our tent. That’s right—our tent. electricity, an in-suite bathroom, and heated floor.
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Navigating Glacier National Park during #COVIDSUMMER2020
So far this summer, the east side of the park remains closed due to heavy winter snows—we could only go as far as Avalanche, where we went hiking to Avalanche Lake, about a two miles each way with a gradual gain of about 500 feet in elevation.
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Families & Groups | Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Food and Dining | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries
At Glacier National Park: a Covid summer like no other
Glacier National Park is only partially open this Covid summer. No park lodging. Eastern side closed completely. So be prepared for scarce lodging, food, even hiking options
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Flathead Lodge: Kids discover friendships and much more
After months sheltering at home, “This place encourages you to make new friends,”
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Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Pandemic Family Travel | Parks & Outdoors | Weekly Column
How to make the most of the pandemic summer
The good news: If you can work remotely with kids’ camps and summer school canceled, you can opt for a longer break. Perhaps this is the year to take that big road trip out West or get a longer rental in a mountain or beach town.
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Best Bacon Ever: On a breakfast trail ride
“The breakfast ride is my favorite thing at the ranch. Breakfast tastes so much better,” says Sydney Byrne, 17, a guest at Flathead Lake Lodge in NW Montana
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Best of Taking The Kids | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries
Three generations, 75 years: The Averill family and Flathead Lake Ranch
Flathead Lake Lodge is much more than a lodge – it’s a ranch, farm and acre upon acre of wilderness and lakefront.
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A huge menu at Flathead Lake Lodge in Montana
What should we today? that’s the biggest decision a guest must make with nearly two dozen activities—including those just for kids and for teens.
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Flathead Lake Lodge copes well with Covid Summer
At Flathead Lake Lodge, rather than 125 people spread out in 22 cozy log cabins and the main lodge, there are 83, including 30 kids
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A mind game: fly-fishing in Yellowstone National Park
Fly fishing in Yellowstone is a big deal. If I could have only one fishing license in the world it would be here at Yellowstone National Park,” says Almond, who traded an executive career to become a fly fishing guide.
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A different kind of camping – Under Canvas
This is camping Under Canvas style, modeled after the traditional safari experience and especially welcome this Pandemic summer when everyone is anxious to enjoy the outdoors but may not want the work of camping, sleeping on the ground or sharing communal bathrooms.
