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Four Kid-Friendly RV Trips Just Beyond Your Door
Embark on a kid-friendly RV trip to these outdoorsy destinations.
Overview
RV travel is a great way to encourage children to learn about nature, disconnect from their devices, and experience new environments. It's an opportunity for the whole family to learn, grow, and create unforgettable moments side-by-side– without the distraction of day-to-day responsibilities. Additionally, RV travel allows families to embrace the freedom of the open road while still providing a relaxed, comfortable environment for adults and children alike.
(Pro tip: Even planning an RV trip can be a family bonding experience. Children can help decide the itinerary for part of the trip by deciding their preferred activity from a few choices.)
Looking for family-friendly RV adventures? Here are a few ideas for your next destination:
1
Southeast Texas
Port Aransas, TX. Photo credit to Wikipedia.
Port Aransas
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Port Aransas offers an excellent beach-themed RV weekend getaway for the entire family. Popular outdoor locations include the Gulf Waters Resort, the Fisherman’s Wharf, Mustang Island State Park, and more! There’s also a range of fun water-based activities, including surfing, jet skiing, parasailing, and kayaking.
Local Attractions
For those looking for fun, kid-friendly activities on dry land, visitors can enjoy the five local nature preserve sites, embrace the local music scene, visit the numerous local shops and boutiques, or patronize the Port Aransas art community (which includes casual studios, galleries, and the Port Aransas Art Center). Additionally, there are plenty of RV resorts for visitors to stay in while exploring the area.
2
Central California
Yosemite National Park. Photo credit to Wikipedia.
Big Sur
California is also a favored destination for families traveling by RV. A popular destination is Big Sur, a 90-mile stretch of coastline on California's central coast. This location provides excellent opportunities for families to camp, bike, sightsee, and hike together.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park also provides opportunities for horseback riding, rock climbing, and winter sports, and more. Additionally, this location allows RVs in most campgrounds; however, make sure to have a campground reservation if visiting between April and October. Thirteen campsites are available, and 10 of which can accommodate RVs.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Likewise, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (a four-hour road trip from Yosemite) also offers a range of activities. This includes swimming, guided tours, interpretive exhibits, and more. There are 189 campsites at this location. (Note that families would be dry camping at both of these locations.) Glamping accommodations are offered at nearby campgrounds, including Ventana Campground and Fernwood Resort.
Where to Stay:
Ventana Campground
Address: 48123 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Phone Number: (855) 391-8683Fernwood Resort
Address: 47200 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Phone Number: (831) 667-2422
3
Central Oregon
Bend, OR. Photo credit to Wikipedia.
Bend, OR
Another recommended location for family-friendly fun is Bend, OR– the most frequently visited city in central Oregon. Outdoor family activities include camping, riding bikes, golfing, skiing, and even going on helicopter tours.
This location is a great opportunity for families to enjoy memorable adventures together. For those interested in kid-friendly ideas, Visit Central Oregon’s website has you covered with this list of activities, which include go-karting, visiting the High Desert Museum, and more.
Mt. Bachelor
A popular location for RV camping is Mt. Bachelor, which offers a variety of overnight parking options, including powered hook-up sites. (Fun fact: Mt. Bachelor is also the sixth-largest ski resort in North America!).
Where to Stay:
Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort
Address: 13000 SW Century Drive, Bend, OR 97702
Phone Number: 1 (541)-382-1709
4
The Coast of Maine
State and National Parks
Known for its stunning scenery and tourist-friendly attractions, Maine is a wonderful destination for a family-friendly RV getaway. This region is home to iconic scenery, including Wolfe’s Neck State Park, Acadia National Park, and Quoddy Head State Park.
Fun family outdoor activities in this region include hiking, exploring lighthouses, roasting marshmallows, embarking on puffin or whale-watching tours, and more!
Additionally, there are numerous locations for families to park their RV, including Wolf’s Neck Oceanfront Camping, Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA, Mount Desert Island Campground, and Cobscook Bay State Park. A full list of Maine’s campgrounds, resorts, and state parks is available here.
Final Thoughts
Embrace the iconic joy of RV travel, a perfect family activity for every age group. RVing naturally encourages families to unplug from devices, fosters genuine interaction, and allows every new destination to become a hands-on learning experience. By preparing thoroughly, reserving campsites, and planning your route, you can help forge cherished outdoor experiences that will last your children a lifetime.
