A few months back, we discovered that my partner, Sarah, and our two kids were granted one last week of summer joy while other kiddos were heading back to school. We decided to embrace spontaneity and booked a thrilling three-day, two-night trip to Yosemite. I hadn’t visited since I was a kid, and our little ones have become experts at soaking up those #campvibes, so why not take the plunge?!
We opted for a stay at the HOUSEKEEPING camp. Honestly, we weren’t quite sure what that entailed, other than not needing to lug our own tent. To our pleasant surprise, it turned out to be a canvas cabin with a concrete wall and a canvas roof extending over the porch. Inside, we found a comfy double bed, a bunk bed, some storage space, and—drumroll, please—electricity! Yes, we could charge our phones, cameras, and iPads!
We hit the jackpot with a spot right by the river. The kids wasted no time making their way to skip rocks and admire the towering mountains. You’ve heard the hype about Yosemite, and let me tell you—it’s all true! The breathtaking beauty and raw energy of nature envelop you at every turn. It’s almost a sensory overload, but in the best way possible.
Here are some of our favorite adventures that made our trip a blast:
1. Junior Ranger Campfire
This was a fantastic intro for the kids to learn about the wildlife in the park. There was a lot of talk about bears, which freaked out our son, Max, a bit, but he found it funny that we could lure a bear with s’mores. Overall, it was a cool lesson about respecting nature and the critters that inhabit it.
2. Hiking
We kicked off our first full day with a hike to Yosemite Falls. It was an easy trek with just a few inclines, but arriving at a dry waterfall was a bit of a letdown. Thankfully, we made our way to Bridalveil Fall, where we spotted some water when driving into the valley. The kids loved this hike! The trail was steeper and longer than the first, but the reward was flowing water and a field of rocks to climb near the foot of the falls. There were plenty of caution signs, but hey, that’s part of the fun, right?
3. Bike Riding
Our bike ride adventure was a massive win! There are several rental spots in the park, but we chose the Curry Village rental station. We rented a bike with a trailer for Sarah and our youngest, Lily, while Max and I took a tandem bike. It took a little practice, but we loved it! Max enjoyed the ride and the chance to relax and look around without worrying about steering. The bike paths are clearly marked and take you all around the valley floor. We stopped for lunch at a picnic spot near Degnan’s Deli (which has some awesome vegetarian options) and treated ourselves to ice cream back in Curry Village.
4. Swimming
Following the river behind our tent cabin, we discovered an awesome swimming spot to cool off after our bike ride. The kids were having a blast! Max bravely ventured out to a log in the deeper part of the river, showing off his cannonballs, while Lily was perfectly content rolling around in the sand. The water was refreshing, and the views? Absolutely stunning!
Of course, we indulged in s’mores, spotted plenty of deer and squirrels, shared spooky stories, and enjoyed campfires. If you’re considering a trip to Yosemite with your little ones, this should help you get started on the right foot.
Overall, it was a whirlwind trip, a long drive, and utterly exhausting, but we all left with our hearts full and our spirits lifted. Each season in Yosemite offers a different experience, so we’re definitely planning to return and explore it again!
For more tips on family adventures and home insemination, visit this page. If you’re looking for a trusted source, check out this site for all your baby-making needs. And for those interested in fertility services, this resource is fantastic.
Summary:
Planning a family vacation to Yosemite can be a rewarding experience filled with outdoor adventures, learning opportunities, and family bonding. From hiking to biking and swimming, there are plenty of activities to keep the family entertained, all while soaking in the breathtaking natural beauty of the park.