family at christmas tree farm

Hidden Springs Christmas Tree Farm, Atascadero

If you have not been to Atascadero’s Hidden Springs Christmas Tree Farm, you’re missing out on a true holiday experience.

I can say this with certainty because, being a fake-tree person (hellooo, Target Wondershop!), bundling up in warm coats and trekking through a Christmas tree farm hasn’t traditionally been on my holiday bucket list. So what a treat it was to finally go with the kids! Leashed dogs are welcome, too.

Two kids pose on hotel steps

Review of Avila Lighthouse Suites, Avila Beach

Overall, this hotel is a must for hotel-scouting families looking for something kid-friendly. It’s perfect for children in the hotel amenities, setup, and location. But, it’s also special because not only are your kids’ needs accounted for (and who are we kidding – they’re the bosses anyway), but the adults also feel like they’re on a pampered beach vacation.  The hotel is steps from the ocean, there are complimentary white fluffy towels in the pool area and there’s a free waffle bar with whipped cream in the morning.

Tourism - Recreation

Family-Friendly Winetasting in Templeton California

You’re visiting the picturesque wine country on California’s Central Coast. Let me set the scene for you:

Clear blue skies give a stunning backdrop to rolling hills dotted with twisty oaks and row after row of vineyard grapes. 

You have your sunhat on and your fall outfit is on point. It’s a good day. You can’t wait to clink to the future with the hubby and do some much-needed wine tasting. 

But …

You have your kids with you. Who get bored.  Easily.

What do you do?

Enter the magic of the kid-friendly winery.

trail brochure

Harmony Headlands Hike with Kids, Cayucos

For kiddos like mine who may not have the patience for a full-fledged grownup hike, the Harmony Headlands Trail is a totally doable 1.5-mile trek. Just enough for the fam to get outside, get some fresh air, and see what there is to see off the beautiful Highway 1 Discovery Route.

Harmony Headlands is a 784-acre State Park reaching out toward the coast. You can hike there from 6 a.m. to sunset and there’s dirt parking with room for about 10 cars at the entrance off southbound Highway 1, five minutes north of Cayucos.