This post was written by Debi Huang, a Los Angeles-based wife, mom and adventure guide for two young boys. Her blog, Go Explore Nature, is all about getting kids and families outdoors and connected to nature, whether that’s in Los Angeles or beyond. I love how her site is packed full of activities that can be created in any space, near or far. Want to build a roly-poly terrarium? Do you know the best way to...

One of the highlights of Fort Bragg is the Skunk Train. Here  you can take a half day round trip to Northspur (3.5 – 4 hours) or a one-way trip to Willitts. On the Northspur trip there is a short stop where families can disembark while the engine turns around on the tracks.   If you have young children, I do not recommend a longer trip.  Passengers are able to move around the train cars and view the...

In the Sierra Nevada foothills, eight miles east of Jackson, rests evidence of the peaceful life of the Miwok Indians. It is a valley with large open meadows and tall valley oaks that once provided the native Americans of this area with ample supplies of acorns. The attraction of this state park, the grinding rock, is an outcropping of marbleized limestone with some 1,185 mortar holes — the largest collection...

Calaveras became a State Park in 1931 to preserve the North Grove of giant sequoias. This grove includes the “Discovery Tree”, the first Sierra redwood noted by Augustus T. Dowd in 1852. This area has been a major tourist attraction ever since, and is considered the longest continuously operated tourist facility in California. Open year-round, 129 campsites are available – some by reservation and...

California’s gold country is rich in  history. If you are looking to experience a little of what made California known as the “golden state”, why not tour an old gold mine or two. Two of them are relatively near each other and make for a great day trip. Gold Bug Mine 2635 Gold Bug Lane, Placerville A self-guided walking tour takes you from station to station using a pre-recorded hand-held...