Dear family travelers:
This month marks the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite Grant Act which set aside Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove as the first protected wild land in the country-the first time scenic, wilderness lands were set aside specifically for preservation and public use by the federal government. This set a precedent for the 1872 establishment of Yellowstone as our nation's first national park.
A visit to a national park is one of the most cost-effective vacation options you can find and a terrific way to get the kids outdoors away from electronics and give them a hands-on lesson in how they can help protect the environment.
Here are nine tips to make the most of a National Park visit this summer:
1. Avoid the crowds by visiting a less visited park-there are 397 to choose from. Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California, for example, has thermal features similar to Yellowstone - but only one-seventh the visitors; We loved our visit to Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado where the kids could climb up a 32-foot ladder to visit ancient cliff dwellings.
2. Get the kids involved in the planning. Many of the park websites have special areas for kids and there is also Webrangers with online games and fun facts. Decide together what you want to do while you are there. There are plenty of kid-friendly ranger programs, and hikes to choose from.
3. Get an annual America the Beautiful pass for just $80 that admits the driver and all passengers in the vehicle; kids 15 and younger are admitted free. Seniors 62 and older can get a $10 lifetime pass. Those with disabilities get a free Access Pass.
4. When you arrive, stop at the visitor center and ask the rangers to suggest hikes and activities appropriate for the kids' ages.
5. Encourage the kids to become Junior Rangers, a free federal program designed to help them engage with the environment around them with special activities. Read my column about becoming a Junior Ranger.
6. Be prepared when you head out on a hike with rain jackets, an extra layer of clothing, reusable water bottle, snacks, and charged cell phone. Talk to the kids about what to do should they get separated from the group: "Hug a Tree!" and wait for you to backtrack to them. Don't forget some chocolate for when you reach your destination!
7. Pick a children's book at the National Park store about local wildlife.
8. Explore the parks and take the stress out of driving with a guided tour from an experienced company like Austin Adventures. Meet new oeople, make new friends, and don't worry about where you stop next.
9. Slow down! Consider spending all of your time at one park. Remember, it's about the journey-and the memories.
