They went from more rocks to little explorers! The National Parks have been crazy overcrowded so when we stop at visitor centers and get Jr Explorer books, they don’t spend much time with the kids. However, National Monument park wasn’t that crowded and the Ranger spent a some time with the kids. We ended up buying vests for each that they wanted and a kit with binoculars, compass and more. The hikes turned into true expeditions for them and I loved seeing the transformation!! Wish we could have had this experience at the first or second park!

When we left Moab, we headed to Grand Junction. We stayed at Monument RV park – it was right next to the National Monument National Park (Colorado). We tried so hard to find a big horn sheep. We drove through the park during a few sunsets and also in the morning, but no luck. We met two other groups who both had stories, photos and videos of right around the times we were there, in the same places and same days and they saw flocks. We just never did. I even bribed the girls that if they could find any, they could pick any gift they wanted, which did lead them to asking for tips and hints from the others we met. That was pretty smart of them. It was still beautiful at any time we went. At sunset, you could see different colors on the rocks and the moon peeking out above. During the day, you could see all the wonder of what was there. We did the Alcove Trail, across from the visitor center. Seemed to be the best Hike for a family with little ones (3, 8, 10). The 3 year old was my concern. We went early and they had the info maps at the actual trail. This is more of a nature trail that has marked items you can read about. Zoe found a large “walking stick.” This led to Connor finding one as well. It also led to very sad kids when I told them to leave them behind. I read in blogs this trail had a fun surprise at the end. I thought it was ok. Just a little alcove where you could peek up to the sky, but feel surrounded. Kids weren’t really as impressed as they were with the one area they could climb the rocks or when they could use the walking sticks they found.

Dinosaur Journey – are you really into dinosaurs??

If you really love dinosaurs, reading about them, studying them, etc. then you would like this place. Or if you are 3. The rest of us thought it was ok and couldn’t understand the high ratings it has, though I will say it was hard to really read and get into it because of kids wanting to go in different directions. This place still required masks and that you keep distance from other parties. This is hard considering it is a small place and has a few interactive activities and only a few other things to look at. The kids weren’t so impressed with their earthquake simulator; however, they did love trying to build a dam.

Dinosaur Hill – making the family do yet another hike. They didn’t seem to love me as much after this one haha.

To me, this was a fun and scenic hike that takes you to a location where dinosaur bones were found and excavated. That is pretty cool, right? To my family, it might have been pushing the “another hike?!” list. I still recommend you do it, if nearby. It is located right before the National Monument Park. It is a circle trail that is maybe a mile. If you want to make it harder, go counterclock wise. We didn’t as carrying a 3 year old down was enough of a challenge for me. He did great on 90% but the last 10% he was so tired and only wanted to be carried. Be sure to bring water and snacks for this one.

Moon Farm – the place of tiny kid play houses, you know I am always on the hunt for unusual or hidden gems

Moon Farm is currently transitioning from the Moon Family to a non profit. I am not sure if that will change anything. They advertise petting zoo and lots of animals, but that is really the fall. (Way too hot for the animals and I get that!) They did have lots of bunnies. They do a big pumpkin patch and lots of “haunted” but not so scary houses and things in fall. Now, some of the houses were closed off due to those decorations being still inside. Craig and I thought it was a little run down and not so much fun. HOWEVER, the kids really took to this. You could walk into each house and some of them they could “play” in. The school house and treehouse were their favorites. There were probably 40 different houses and things. Kenzie and I stayed in the Barbie house for a long time. She couldn’t believe how many they had. The photos below only capture a quarter of what they had on display. It was insane. My favorite were the old time things they had. An old sewing machine, cel phones in bags (remember those huge ones you took in the car?! I remember my mom having one!). I don’t think Craig had any favorite haha.

Canyon View Park – another cool playground!

If you are ever traveling with kids, I highly suggest looking up the following terms: 1. Free playgrounds near me 2. Parks near me 3. Hidden gems for kids near me 4. Best things to do with families/kids near me 5. Adventures with kids near me Then, simply look up each thing it produces to determine the best things for your family. Also, talk with everyone you meet. Honestly, just talk. You will find the best gems this way! Whether you are at the rv park pool, laundry, office or at a grocery store, another adventure, etc. people love to tell you the best things they have found or heard of! We would be at one park and meet another family, and I would certainly be asking them all about things to do in the area that aren’t mainstream. I don’t care about the trampoline parks or things we can do near home, tell me your unique activities or must do’s!

Why do RV travel over Airplane or hotels?

First, you would miss so many incredible views from the air. You actually learn about the cities and some about the states from staying in them instead of just passing over. Each one is so unique, that it is truly amazing. When we stayed in Angel Fire, NM it was 100% different from terrain to temperature to people from Santa Fe, NM. We traveled a few hours from Grand Junction, CO to Breckenridge and the temperature changed 40 degrees! The drives are often so pretty (though some are definitely not exciting at all). It is so exciting for kids when you see a new state sign or they hear the GPS say entering a new time zone. You meet so many more people than you could ever possibly meet just going to one destination. You have plenty of bonding time, I know another 2020, we all want more time together hahahaha!!! But, honestly, it is a fun type of bonding time. Making a camp fire, telling stories, playing games together. Don’t get me wrong, with 3 kids there are lots of fights, moodiness and stir craziness (especially on travel days) but, I wouldn’t trade the beautiful moments for anything.

  • Plane getting water for wildfires