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Great White Water Rafting -- Middle Fork River, Idaho

If you have older kids, a great excursion is to try some white water rafting in some of the best river to do so. One of the best is located in Idaho. The Middle Fork River, a tributary of the Salmon River, which is also the main tributary of the Snake River, which in turn is the main tributary to the Columbia River, offers one of the most exciting white-water raft experiences in the U.S. You must plan well in advance for the trip, as a permit is required to travel down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Caveat: getting a permit is not very easy, and you should work with your travel agent to figure out how to jump through the hoops. But once approved, this trip promises one of the most exciting white-water adventures you could ever experience. It has 300 rated rapid, and among them are Dagger Falls, Sulphur Slide, Velvet Falls, the Chuts, Power House, Pistol Creek, Tappan Falls, Red side, Weber, Cliffside and dozens of others.

Best Campground - Hendy Woods, California

Hendy Woods located in the middle of the Anderson Valley wine district near Sonoma Valley is a nice off-the-beaten path campground. The 845-acre park is warmer and less foggy then other redwood campgrounds and parks along the California coast. The Navarro River runs the length of the park and offers some great water activities for the family to enjoy in the warmer summer months. Plenty of hiking trails such as Big Hendy, an 80 acre, self-guided discover trail, will keep the family occupied exploring and discovering the beauty of the region. The park is also famous for a fallen redwood stump that was home to the Hendy Woods Hermit.

Best Regional Mountain to Climb -- Mt. Shasta

If you want to find a mountain to climb that you and your teenagers can conquer, try Mt. Shasta in Northern California. Many experts consider it one of the best treks in California. You can take one of the most popular routes to the 14,179-foot summit rise more than 7,000 feet from the trailhead. Do be aware you will be challenged by rocky terrain, snowfields and glacial features. The challenges mean small children should no participate in the fun and be left with a caregiver. For older children, the challenges will be a lot of fun. Physically fit families are advised to give this one a go.

 

Best Lazy River Pool -- The Grand Wailea

Nothing is more fun or relaxing than a chance to lazily float in a tube or raft down a manmade lazy river. While many hotels nationwide have some great lazy rivers, nothing beats the The Grand Wailea lazy river and pool. The resort offers a 25,700-square-foot, 2,000-foot-long pool complex comprised of nine pools connected by river that takes floaters from lazy to rapids. It also features four jungle pools, a Tarzan rope swing pool, six waterfalls, a baby pool, five water slides, three hot tubs, and the world's only water elevator. You will not find another water recreation area -- especially on Maui -- with so much diversity and water fun to be enjoyed.

Pebble Beach

Did you know one of the best times to visit the beach is in early spring? Why? Because once it heats up warm air pulls fog inland. Now is the time to visit the beach and enjoy the crystal-clear weather. One beach that you should visit is Pebble Beach perched on the Monterey peninsula. The beach's rugged cliff line provides a fantastic view to see some amazing sea life, including seals that sunbathe out on the rocks, a plethora of seagulls and other birds, and whale watch during the migration season. This time of year it is cool and windy, so wear windbreakers and enjoy the tidal pools. Also, for golfers, you can enjoy the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links 18-hole, par 72 course and walk through the incredible scenery loaded with cypress trees. Take 17-Mile Drive down to the beach and enjoy the spectacular scenery and views. 

Huatulco, Mexico

Looking to stay close to the U.S. during spring break, but also travel internationally? Take your family (if you have older children) to world-famous Huatulco, Mexico located on the Pacific Coast in the state of Oaxaca. The area is known as a tourist development, and the industry is centered on nine bays where travelers will find numerous hotels, oceanfront villas and condos, inns and bed and breakfasts. The famous Dreams Resort and Spa is one of the most popular luxury resorts in the area. Huatulco is near the foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains and about 500 km south of Acapulco. The area has a very Caribbean-like feel with palm tree-line beaches and turquois-blue bays to enjoy water recreation. The weather isn't too warm in springtime and provides the perfect escape for the entire family to enjoy some relaxing time together.

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Are you a tree lover? The snow will melt soon and invite plenty of hiking time in nice weather. How about a trek to the Ancient Bristlecone Forest in Inyo County in what are called the White Mountains in eastern California? The Great Basin Bristlecone Pine tree grows between 9,800 and 11,000 feet above sea level. Plan your family hiking adventure to the Methuselah tree, which is a tree more than 4,750 years old -- that is 1,000 years older than any other tree in the world. The tree is not marked to ensure added protection from vandals, but a little research and effort (and maybe a good GPS) and you'll find it. This hike requires true backpacking and proper equipment and is not recommended for hikers under the age of 10. You will be at high altitudes and can get altitude sickness so train for the hike ahead of time. The tree makes a great goal to make as your end point for your adventure.

Napa in the Springtime

The dry and sunny Northern California weather begs for a beautiful drive through Napa. The mustard flowers are blooming, daffodils have come up early, and the grass is greening. Many of the trees are blossoming into a light floral pink of pedals that blow off the limbs and can look like a gentle snow. A favorite, scenic drive is to take Highway 12 from the city of Napa and head lengthwise down the valley and through the small towns of Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga among others. Make it a family day to picnic at one of the family-friendly wineries. Stop at a delicatessen as there are several along the route, pick up sandwiches and other assorted goodies such as cheese and fruit and make it your goal to stop perhaps at the Beringer campus where they have outdoor picnic tables. Continue your peaceful and beautiful drive on down to Calistoga and opt to stay in one of the many bed and breakfasts or resorts. Enjoy the drive. You'll see plenty of natural beauty, and when you arrive at your destination consider renting a bike and taking a ride through the winding backcountry roads in and around town or maybe just shop and stroll the streets of Calistoga, enjoy lunch and head back home.

Mardi Gras World

Visiting New Orleans during Mardi Gras with small children is not recommended, however during other times of the year you can visit Mardi Gras World, just a ferry ride across the Mississippi from Canal St.  This warehouse and float builder is a place for you to try on costumes and masks as well as view enormous sculptures used in celebrations past. Check out the Audubon Insectarium, Aquarium and New Orleans Zoo while you are visiting the Big Easy. There are also many “haunting tours” for those not faint of heart.Just take a stroll and recognize some familiar places from recent and classic Hollywood films sure as Fantastic Four, Green Lantern and A Streetcar Named Desire. Be sure to take in a jazz or zydeco show at one of the many music venues. Jackson Square, a plaza in the heart of the French Quarter, is a fun spot for families to explore. 

 

Having Fun with Fish

The Waikiki Aquarium recently opened the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Exhibit. Showcased in a 4,400-gallon tank are marine life from the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. Kids will be able to see table corals, Hawaiian Morwongs, Masked Angelfish, Bandit Angelfish and Japanese Pygmy Angelfish to name a few. If you want a more hands on approach, and what kid doesn’t, there are interactive touch screens and graphics in the exhibit as well. Open daily from 9am to 4:30 pm or visit the website at www.waquarium.org.