Destinations: Grand Canyon National Park, San Francisco, Maui, Branson, Seattle
Activities: Bird Watching, Boating, Camping, Canoeing, Cycling, Deep-sea Fishing, Disc Golf, Dog Sledding, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Fly Fishing, Golf, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hot Air Ballooning, Ice Skating, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Parks and Playgrounds, Rafting, Rock Climbing, Safaris, Scuba Diving, Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Surfing, Swimming, Tennis, Whale Watching
All the wild critters of the forests and deserts need wilderness areas to survive, but many travelers contend that people do, too. Getting out of the city or suburbs to take in empty spaces, open skies, clear rivers and craggy mountain peaks can be a rejuvenating way to escape stress and enjoy something greater than our hectic day-to-day lives.
But sometimes hiking, camping, rock climbing or rafting in the great outdoors is simply fun. Nothing is so thrilling as finally reaching the summit of a difficult climb, surviving a wet and bumpy ride through a patch of whitewater, or seeing wildlife at home in the great outdoors.
The American West offers some of the best opportunities for outdoor adventures in the world, like in U.S. National Parks such as Yellowstone and Yosemite. Stretched across the country, national parks include the Everglades and Grand Teton National Park. Those who want to travel further afield can explore New Zealand, Argentina or Switzerland, search out wildlife in the leafy green jungles of Ecuador or Brazil or climb to the top of a volcano in Costa Rica.
Family bonding and adventurous recreation come together on whitewater.
Alaska’s wilderness is one of the final frontiers for travelers seeking adventure, unparalleled natural beauty or just a chance to get away from it all.
The highest mountain peak in North America, abundant wildlife and family-friendly activities make this an essential stop on your Alaska itinerary.
From rustic cabins to luxury, all-inclusive accommodations, find the best place to stay on your Alaskan family vacation.
When you’ve exhausted Disneyland, check out these Anaheim gems that’ll educate and entertain your family on the cheap.
What do whales, penguins and seals do if they’re not in the zoo or aquarium? They go to Península Valdés.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see on any trip to Argentina, including for families with young children.
The Texas capital is teeming with city and nearby state parks, with plenty of trails and rivers to please hikers, bikers, kayakers and swimmers alike.
Experience rural Belize and explore ancient Mayan ruins when you stay at these top jungle lodges.
Explore Mayan civilization on your Belize vacation with tours to ancient ruins like Caracol, Lamanai and Altun Ha.
Navigate your way through great beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island for quality sand, snorkeling, swimming, scuba and surfing.
From volcanoes to underwater wonders, coffee to ranches, beach resorts to hula dancing, Hawaii has packed a whole lot into one island.
Choose from a wealth of outdoor family activities on Hawaii’s Big Island, from hiking to horseback riding to helicopter rides.
Hawaii’s Big Island offers cool hikes through molten caves.
Reach for the stars, planets and supernovas at the Big Island’s world-renowned astronomy center.
On a biking vacation, the journey really is the destination. Here are tips for planning the best getaways on two wheels.
Get in on one of the top activities in the BVI—sailing. Learn the ins and outs of chartering a boat, take sailing classes and you’re on your way!
Slip on your flippers, adjust your oxygen tank and head to the Cayman Islands for some of the best deep-water diving in the world.
Colorado ranches offer a nice change of pace for families of city slickers and cowpokes alike.
Learn how ancient Aztecs and Mayans invented chocolate from raw cacao beans on this chocolate adventure tour in a Costa Rican rainforest.
Amigo, catch some totally tubular waves in one of Costa Rica’s top surfing destinations, Playa Guiones.
Tortuguero, on the Atlantic side of Costa Rica, provides a wealth of opportunities to see a variety of sea turtles and other jungle life.
Check out these museums, The Queen City of the plains has plenty to offers great day adventures for both indoor and outdoor enthusiasts.
Dublin helps Ireland earn its nickname the Emerald Island with plenty of parks, gardens and golf greens to satisfy most outdoor enthusiasts.
Farm stays are a growing trend: feed chickens, milk cows and get back to the quiet life on your next family vacation.
There is more to eco-travel than visiting a pristine location. Here’s a guide to make the going greener.
Truckee is a short distance away from Lake Tahoe, for affordable vacation rentals and outdoor activities.
A great family hike is never more than 20 minutes away in Birmingham, Alabama.
View the nocturnal food flights of these furry squeakers as they swarm from caves and bridges around the world.
Learn where to spot whales, birds and other wildlife during your Cape Cod vacation in autumn.
Travel without a car and reduce your carbon footprint by walking, bicycling, kayaking or taking a train on your next vacation.
Prepare for your family hiking or caving adventure with these expert tips on safety and gear essentials.
From NASCAR racing to golf getaways and one extravagant Scotland adventure, check out these Father’s Day travel specials.
With a little help from your friends—aka, professional outdoor guides—your family can have a safe and hassle-free vacation.
Show Dad how cool he is by sending him on an outdoor adventure or a guys’ golfing getaway with his buddies.
Think your GPS can only get you through traffic? A blossoming sport uses the high-tech tools to find treasure and teach kids about the world.
Looking for an adventure-packed guy getaway escape? Check out these six active volcano locales for a hot time with molten lava.
Head to Mackinac Island for famous fudge, historic forts and the great outdoors.
Take a family vacation road trip to these New England destinations that are kid-friendly and affordable.
Jibe, tack and turn hard a-starboard on an unforgettable sailing vacation in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
Bobsled, luge, skate and ski at these North American sites that formerly hosted the Summer or Winter Olympic Games.
Try these wild, but safe, activities to satisfy the adrenaline junkies in your family.
Take a fall foliage driving tour, then see the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze at harvest festivals in Westchester County.
Read our expert’s tips on the best trails for day hikes in the Grand Canyon.
From tents to luxury accommodations on the Canyon Rim, you’ll find plenty of Grand Canyon hotel options to suite your overnight needs.
Read our tips for taking in the best vistas and historic sites of this national treasure, one of the seven wonders of the natural world.
Whether you have 30 minutes for a helicopter ride or two weeks for a rafting trip, there’s a canyon tour bound to suit you.
Hike the Emerald Isle with experienced tour guides who lead you on a scenic journey through the Irish countryside.
Find the best attractions and places to take the kids when visiting this quaint Idaho mountain town.
Read why this gorgeous mountain destination with an acclaimed arts community is considered one of the best small towns in the west.
Inspired by the national Olympic team, Jamaica now offers a cool run through the hot Jamaican jungle at Mystic Mountain.
Sophistication, culture and a beautiful coastline make this a favorite Southern California vacation destination.
Read about the best hiking trails for checking out rare pines, colorful sandstone cliffs and native vegetation at this state park overlooking the Pacific.
From dog-sledding to kite-boarding to the new Heavenly Flyer, there are adrenaline rush experiences in Tahoe to sate any adventure lover.
Save money on your Lake Tahoe family vacation with these tips on special deals and discounts.
From pirate ship sailings to glass blowing to volunteer opportunities, there are plenty of off-beach family activities for Cabo vacationers.
Cabo activity options—from whale watching and deep sea fishing, to horseback riding and desert treks and more—are sure to fit any family itinerary.
This luxury retreat offers bejeweled-wall tents, silk bedding, a seaside spa and guided activities. Roughing it has never been so glamorous.
Witness an otherworldly sunrise atop Haleakala volcano, where you’ll see orange-red craters and purple valleys—but remember to bring your jacket.
Leave your worries behind and take the slow road on Maui’s Hana Highway.
Australia’s second-largest city boasts arts festivals, eclectic ethnic cuisine, exotic wildlife and easy, walkable streets to explore it all.
Known as the Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park’s scenery rivals the European Alps for beauty and variety.
Read our picks for five essential national parks to see before you die, and five worthy ones that are under-the-radar.
Southern Utah’s bedazzling red-rock park offers countless hiking trails and special events this year to mark Zion’s centennial.
Learn about Hawaii and explore Oahu’s natural wonders on these affordable kid-friendly excursions.
Outdoor enthusiasts love the Mayan city of Cobá—so do tropical birds, monkeys and alligators.
Family-friendly exploration is easy and affordable in Copán, Honduras, from gazing at Mayan ruins to getting up close with tropical birds.
With its lakeside parks, karst limestone mountains and caves, this area of China takes on a fairy-tale air.
Fresh air abounds at this historic mountain village near Mumbai where all mechanized transport is banned.
Travel from cloud forest to rain forest in the Manu Biosphere Reserve to view the highest concentration of bird species in the world.
Sleep in one of these tree house accommodations—from rustic thatched huts to luxurious tree mansions—to reconnect with your childhood, and nature.
Traverse precipitous cliffs and waterfalls on these mountain climbs and treks popular in the Swiss Alps and Dolomites of Italy.
Use this camping guide to help plan your outdoor adventure whether you’re a first-time or seasoned camper.
Go where no other boats can. Plan your kayaking vacation with our expert tips on how to choose the right type of trip and find recommended tours.
Check out these top Palm Springs attractions in this wonderfully warm destination, from golf to architecture to Hollywood history.
Explore the natural and scientific attractions of this laid-back Panamanian archipelago oasis.
What to expect and how to plan for the journey of a lifetime in Peru.
Cycle your way through one of America’s top bike-friendly cities.
The City of Roses has something for everyone: microbreweries, biking trails, and plenty of green spaces and places.
One reason to love this Pacific Northwest destination is the multitude of nearby outdoor adventure activities easily accessible on a Portland day trip.
Alltournative’s tours are geared for the entire family. Our writer’s day-long adventure with her son featured kayaking, swimming in cenotes, a traditional Mayan meal and four-wheel fun.
After visiting this Mayan site rich in history, check out the nearby theme park Xel-Há.
Looking to get in an active workout while on your urban endeavor vacation to the Bay Area? You’ve found the right place.
Dig for clams, rent a sailboat or hit the hiking trails in the hills for some memorable outdoor adventures on your next Seattle family vacation.
From lush rain forests to staggering mountain peaks, experience the rugged beauty of the this state’s three national parks, each an easy day-trip from Seattle.
Hone your skills on the slopes, bond with fellow females and learn lifetime lessons at a women-only weekend ski workshop.
Explore the great outdoors with your special needs child at several accessible national parks.
A patchwork of colonial history, this Eastern Caribbean island offers a variety of activities, attractions and cuisines stemming from French, British and African influence.
Melted snow turns to whitewater fun for the whole family on Northern Colorado rivers.
Linked to its western traditions, Steamboat Springs mixes champagne powder with cowboy style to create a Rocky Mountain high everyone can enjoy.
From climbing Harbour Bridge to riding the waves at Bondi Beach, don’t miss these top family attractions if exploring Sydney with kids.
Explore Tampa on a nature tour, including crabbing on the bay, canoeing near alligators and visiting the Big Cat Rescue sanctuary.
Tag along for this teen’s perspective on her hiking adventure along the scenic and slippery slopes of this beautiful northern trail.
Our young writer shares his excitement and avian finds while bird watching on a family vacation to Costa Rica.
One teen hikes the Great Wall on her family vacation and takes a memorable zip-line flight off its edge.
A teen adventurer hikes through the Costa Rican rainforest to check out a lava-spurting volcano.
From last minute summer escapes to upcoming winter specials, there are plenty of discounts and packages to help you explore the great outdoors.
This week’s deals are for a Branson hotel, free Florida kids camp and golf, a music festival in Aruba, and family retreat discounts for Utah or South Africa.
This week’s discounts are at San Francisco hotels, a free night’s stay in Santorini, a museum package in New York and passes to North Carolina attractions.
This week’s discounts are for Los Cabos and Honolulu hotels, an Innsbruck ski season package and a way to contribute during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Wind your way through elaborate cornfield mazes across the United States and even the world for an exciting, and often corny, outdoor adventure.
Start to plan your 2008-2009 ski trips. Here are the season’s opening dates for premier ski resorts in the United States and Canada.
Baja California’s warm waters attract the gentle giant fish and adventurous tourists, who are willing to swim with them.
Elder travelers are no longer strangers to the adventure market. In fact, they’re one of its key drivers.
Get outdoors with a trip to Traverse City, for beachcombing, scuba diving, kayaking and more.
Wet and dry caves in southern Arizona provide a cool way (literally) to learn about the region’s history and geology.
This southern Arizona city blends rustic, Wild West charm with modern-day sophistication.
You don’t have to dive deep to explore a vibrant undersea world in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Check out our dive expert’s top spots.
A St. Croix dive shop offers scuba programs especially geared toward kids to help them learn about the wonders of the deep blue Caribbean Sea.
Grab your sailing gear and head out on a boating adventure in the waters around St. John and St. Thomas.
Chill on gorgeous beaches, ply Caribbean waters, tour historic attractions and shop duty-free on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John—while leaving your passport at home.
With several new properties and many existing property updates, get the latest in Vail accommodations.
Our expert offers her inside tips for a few of the myriad outdoor adventures available to sportsmen and women of all ages during a Vail summer vacation.
Whistler is known for its skiing, but it’s also a nature lover’s paradise in spring, summer and fall, making it a resort for all seasons.
Whistler ski resort in British Columbia, Canada—ranked number one in North America and the site of the 2010 Olympics—offers an incredible assortment of thrilling winter activities for the family.
How do you get up close and personal with all that Yellowstone has to offer? Camp!
Venture into the wild with the help of expert naturalist guides.
A family vacation stay in Yellowstone National Park means adding your own chapter to the history book.
Geysers and buffalo and bears! Arrive early and stay late to see the natural world at its best.
Make the most of your wolf-watching adventures in Yellowstone National Park with our tour and viewing tips information. The experience may just help you discover your inner wildness.
From camping to luxury hotels, family-friendly cafeterias to fine dining, Yosemite offers something for every taste and budget.
Yosemite National Park offers several wilderness trails that are ideal for families traveling with children. Our expert reveals her insider tips.
Yosemite National Park is one of the few places on the planet where you can see a moonbow.
Paddle amid spectacular scenery in Yosemite Valley on an inflatable raft.
Enjoy nature at its finest along with cultural amenities you might not expect in a national park.
Introduce your children to the great outdoors with expert advice on how to make sure your first camping trip goes smoothly.
Explore the Big Island and Maui with two guidebooks that highlight outdoor adventure in the Hawaiian Islands.
Top skiers uncover the best winter resorts in the United States, Canada and Europe.
Two comprehensive and educational guidebooks cover everything from Yosemite hikes to helping kids identify animal tracks and droppings.
Our Yosemite issue marks the official launch of the TravelMuse Beta site and introduces the Inspiration Finder—an industry first—and the TravelMuse Planner.
Yellowstone was the first designated national park in the United States and remains one of the most popular.
Camping gear for those who like their creature comforts on the go.
These non-toxic, DEET-free insect repellents are good for you skin, and the environment too.
