So, our last vacation we decided to do an EPIC road trip! The main goal was to go to Disneyland, but we ended up with so much more. We started off planning a couple of National Parks, like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite. Originally we planned maybe 4-5 Parks total. Then, we learned about the Junior Ranger Program!
This program is a FREE, FUN, and EDUCATIONAL program for all children. Once you go to a national park, you get a booklet to fill out and at the end you get sworn in as a Jr. Ranger of that Park. You get a badge, a certificate, and a lot of knowledge and fun. In order to get your badge you have to go hiking, exploring, or something to learn about why that park in particular is so special.Because we have a National Park near us (the Waco Mammoth Site) we went there first and got a National Parks Passport book. This book shows ALL the parks, monuments, and battlefields in the United States. This book opened up so many opportunities on our trip. We realized quickly that so many of these parks were just off the path of our main road trip.
All in all, we ended up seeing 14-16 Parks during our vacation instead of just the 4 or 5 we originally planned. The kids learned SO much (as well as the adults) and they got a lifetime of experience and fun doing that. They still thought Disneyland was the best part, but I know the adults fell in love with the Parks.
This also taught our kids an appreciation and love of nature and how to treat and respect the things we have around us. They got to see the lowest and highest parts of North America. The biggest Canyons, and the tallest trees! I cannot wait to see how much more we learn and explore as we continue throughout their lives to see as many National Parks as we can!
As a family this is a way to get an affordable and amazing vacation full of sweet memories and family time! I was shocked at just how much we could do for a very low price. If you do this while camping it's even cheaper!!
This was the start to many more great adventures!
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