092 Family Favorite Adventure Activities in the West

The United States has so many exciting, family-friendly activities and today I’d like to share five of our favorites in the western part of the country. It was hard to narrow our list down to five favorites because there are so many gems but we are excited about what we have to share today.

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Ready to learn about five great places to visit where you can find adventure for your family? Listen in and check out the show notes below.

“Once you know you want to visit a destination, book your tickets for activities as soon as possible so you don’t miss out on something you really want to do.”
— Lisa Andrews

Hiking the Narrows

  • This amazing hike is in Zion National Park and we hope you add it to the top of our hiking trail wish list!

  • There are currently limited shuttles running in the park due to COVID, so be sure to check the schedule before heading to the park.

  • Hike tips: Take hiking poles (I love these), wear tennis shoes, wear layers, wear things that can get wet.

  • Be sure to check out these safety guidelines for hiking the Narrows.

Rafting the Grand Canyon 

  • You get to ravel entire 280 miles of Canyon!

  • All-inclusive - they cook 3 fantastic meals a day, plus snacks. All gear (tent, sleeping bag, wet sack) is provided.

  • Only 14 guests per raft

  • May could be better than August

  • The minimum age is 8

  • Book a year ahead

Alcatraz Island

  • In San Fransisco

  • The Interior buildings currently closed due to COVID so check on this before you go.

  • Book ahead on the NPS website. If tickets are sold out, go through a third party like Viator or Trip Advisor. You may pay a little more and need to bundle it with another activity but at least you will have tickets.

  • Listen to the audio guide. It’s narrated by former prison guards and prisoners and it makes the visit really interesting.

  • See more of our San Fransisco favorites here.

Kayaking in La Jolla

  • We did a kayak tour with La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks

  • See sharks, sea lions, fish, and go through sea caves.

  • We did the 1.5-hour tour which included the guide, kayaks, life jacket, and a locker.

  • You could just rent kayaks and not do a tour. We enjoyed the tour for our first visit but would probably just rent kayaks for a second visit.

Sundance Zip Lining 

  • Book your tickets here.

  • Runs May through October.

  • Reservations Required

  • Heights! If you are truly afraid of heights, this is not the activity for you.

  • We did the Bearclaw zip tour - 2 miles long and 2100 vertical drop (most of any US zip tour)

  • Our ziplining took 3 hours.

  • Face masks are currently required at check-in and on all of the zip platforms.  

USA Travel, Travel TipsLisa AndrewsComment