Our 4 kids span a wide age range. We travel with them individually so we can plan trips they'll really like.
Taking each child away by themselves involves less coordination and spreads the costs.
One-on-one vacations help us build special memories with our kids.
When my husband and I got married five years ago, we took our first and last combined family vacation. Our kids then were aged 4, 8, 10, and 14, and, as a newly blended family, we thought it would be nice to spend some special time together. We didn't go far — just a three-hour drive to Christchurch, our closest big city.
But even planning a simple overnight trip with all four kids required the effort of an expert events management team — or at least it felt that way.
They all like different things
Because we have my husband's kids on the weekend and my own during the week, it involved a shuffling of schedules and coordinating with their other parents. We had to take two vehicles and book accommodation that would suit us all. The 14-year-old certainly wasn't keen to share a room with a busy 4-year-old. Then there was the question of what activities to do.
We're lucky in that our kids all get along, but they have very different ideas about what's fun to do on vacation. We spent our first day at the zoo and our second at a huge outdoor playground. Apart from the 4-year-old throwing her favourite toy out the car window and having to backtrack to hunt it down, everything went smoothly. The kids were happy. We were exhausted.
For our next trip away, we decided to make it simpler and only take the older three, but very quickly, our family vacation turned into two separate trips. My stepson wasn't keen to do any of the activities the older girls had in mind. He wanted to tour the parliament buildings and walk around the city, while the girls wanted to explore the museum and swim at the beach.
We made it work, but by the end of the trip, everyone was feeling a little frustrated.
When we took the younger three away together, we had a similar situation. They enjoyed staying at the unique tram carriage accommodation, but choosing what activities to do proved difficult. The girls loved visiting a wildlife park, but my stepson was miserable. As they've gotten older, their interests have separated even further.
If we spend money on a trip, we want them to enjoy it
If we're going to spend time and money on a vacation for the kids, we want them to actually enjoy it, so this year, we decided to try something new. We'd take each child away by themselves. There'd be less coordination required, and we could tailor vacations to each child's interests. It also spreads out the costs over the year, which makes it much more doable.
I took my oldest daughter, now almost 19, away for a girls' retreat. We visited a boutique seaside town and stayed in a cute little cottage with incredible views of the bay. We booked massages, ate at a high-end restaurant, and had a few drinks at a gin bar on the beach. My daughter loves relaxed luxuries, visiting cute little cafés, and going to the movies, and, as this is her final year at home, it was lovely to have that special one-on-one time with her doing all of the things we both enjoy.
My husband surprised my stepson with his first overseas trip. My stepson loves the band Green Day and visiting big cities, so when we found out they'd be playing in Melbourne, Australia, we thought it would be the perfect trip for him. We made it his Christmas present as it would be more expensive than the other kids' vacations. My husband booked a Superman-themed hotel room and, as well as attending the concert, they visited a car museum, rode on the trams, and shopped at the market.
Our youngest has requested a trip to a trampoline park. As more of a homebody, she hates travelling long distances. Thankfully, there's a trampoline park in a nearby town, which will make that a simple vacation to plan. At 9, she's still a busy little girl with more energy than the other kids. Having just her to focus on will definitely make that easier.
Our other daughter, at 15, is now a competitive swimmer and has races out of town, so her vacation will likely revolve around that. She likes her holidays to be active and outdoors. Even better if there's water involved. Next time she has an away race, we'll tag on an extra night or two, find some outdoor activity to enjoy, and make it a special trip away.
We're a close family, but we found it hard to make vacations fun for everyone. Taking the kids away individually means we can pick trips we know they'll love while keeping the costs and logistical demands low. One-on-one time also allows for deeper conversations with each child and a more special connection. We may take another family vacation at some point, but for now, this works for us.
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4 hours ago
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The 18 Best Kid-Friendly Airbnbs in Orlando
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here. You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Read the original article on Purewow. Warm, sunny weather and theme parks are just a couple of reasons why Orlando is such an appealing family vacation destination. Still, when you're staying at Disney resorts the price tag can get pretty high. For that reason, we found some alternatives that offer more space than a hotel room, plus plenty of amenities that meet the needs (and wants) of families. Read on for our list of the very best kid-friendly Airbnbs in Orlando—ranging from five-star homes with themed rooms and magical Mickey Mouse scavenger hunts to budget-friendly farmstays not far from the main attractions. Then, start booking while the price is right. 13 Truly Exceptional Airbnbs in Florida for the Ultimate Staycation 1. Beautiful Villa in Kissimmee Airbnb This spacious three bedroom retreat has a generously sized backyard and pool, both fully fenced for maximum privacy. There's also a large game room complete with an air hockey table, a foosball table, and a wide selection of toys and board games. ('My kids were OBSESSED with the game room,' writes one reviewer.) Plus, the well-appointed space features a master bedroom with a king bed, a second bedroom with two bunk beds and a sleek dining and living room with ample space for those traveling with a bigger brood. Oh, and the location is just two minutes away from Walmart (in case you forgot to pack something) and a stone's throw away from Disney, too. Book It 2. Magical Muggle Mansion Airbnb The Magical Muggle Mansion, a palatial home with resort amenities, is paradise for Harry Potter fans. Not a room on the property strays from the wizarding theme and the resulting decor is truly enchanting. (Seriously, it's like you're actually stepping into the book.) The interior design is reason enough to stay here, but there's also a home movie theater and private pool, as well as shared access to the resort's waterpark, arcade room, mini golf course and more. In other words, this place nails the design and delivers the entertainment so well that you might not even need to go to Universal Studios for an immersive Harry Potter experience, though if you choose to, you'll be very close. Book It 3. Central Historic Bungalow Airbnb This historic and oh-so charming 1920s bungalow is located in the ColonialTown North District of Orlando—a vibrant and blessedly walkable part of the city that's replete with restaurants, cafes and bars. The interior of the property is roomy and there's a generously sized front porch (complete with porch swing) for relaxing and a large living room with a wood burning fireplace, so it's well-suited to unwinding after a long day at one of the nearby amusement parks. Best of all, there's a travel crib, high chair and children's dinnerware available for guests who are traveling with small children, which means you might be able to travel light for a change. Book It 4. Barbie Dream House Airbnb Barbie lovers pay attention, because this really is the dream house (and not that plastic one that takes up way too much floorspace in your kid's room). Perfect for larger groups, the first floor of this home boasts a luxurious master bedroom with an ensuite soaking tub, a dedicated work space, a fully-equipped kitchen, a Mario-themed game room and cinema and a private pool and lanai. Head upstairs where you will find the Barbie-themed loft, complete with four queen-sized beds and a Barbie box photo booth, as well as a Spiderverse-themed room with bunk beds, a Star Wars room, and three additional king-size bedrooms. There's so much entertainment at this place that you might not even need a theme park, but if you're committed to seeing the major attractions, you will be pleased to know that the property is just 20 minutes away from Disney Springs. Book It 5. Universal Studios Lakehouse Retreat Airbnb If you're looking for something a little bigger, this palatial lakefront property should fit the bill. Jet skis and other equipment are available so guests can make the most of the lake access, plus a private (fully enclosed) lap pool and a sprawling yard where kids can romp around as well. The interior has a massive living room with tons of empty floor space for kids to run around, too, and the plush, oversized bedrooms have room darkening shades so you don't have to worry about being woken up at the crack of dawn. Better still, this prime piece of real estate is located just two minutes away from Universal Studios, so you can easily take a midday break from the theme park experience when the kids are tuckered out. Book It 6. The Spanish Castle Airbnb Take a trip to the set of Encanto with a stay at this Spanish-style villa in Four Corners, Florida, located just a few miles away from Orlando's theme parks. The home itself features an array of luxury amenities, including a fully-stocked kitchen, wine cellar, west-facing pool and spa, plus an airy and spacious, Mediterranean-style open floor plan that's great for groups to spread out. Glowing reviews highlight the beautiful outdoor space, well-maintained pool and large, well-appointed bedrooms. Plus, parents will surely be thankful for the washer/dryer combo (you can pack light!), as well as the pool table for teens and the home entertainment system. Book It 7. Lakefront Condo Near Disney Airbnb This lakefront condominium complex is what kids' dreams are made of—namely because it's just one mile away from Disney, Universal, Sea World and every other major attraction in Orlando and located within walking distance from a host of cafes, restaurants and shops. Plus, with four bedrooms and two full baths, this rental boasts more than enough space for a comfortable family stay and the property also features a range of resort amenities (pool, tiki hut, etc.) and a private balcony where guests can enjoy views of the city skyline and lake. In other words, this Airbnb is akin to a penthouse suite at a luxury hotel and it certainly checks all the boxes. BOOK IT 8. Lux Disney-Themed Home Airbnb Arguably the most spectacular family-friendly Airbnb in Orlando, this Disney-themed mansion caters to kids and adults alike. The themed decor is incredibly refined and boasts amazing attention to detail; from the Cinderella suite to the Neverland suite, every single room will make you feel like you have stepped into a fantasy land. Don't take my word for it though, just read the many rave reviews that repeatedly describe the place as truly 'magical.' Oh, and did I mention that there's a private pool with scenic water views and a host of resort-style shared amenities (including a beach volleyball court, playground and tennis courts, to name a few)? Pro tip: Ddon't sleep on the opportunity to have your kids do a Mickey Mouse scavenger hunt on the property while you settle in. Book It 9. Entire Kissimmee Home Near Disney Airbnb Enjoy the tropical and well-groomed landscape of the palm tree-lined yard and outdoor swimming pool at this single story, family-friendly home— yet another appealing choice in Kissimmee that's in close proximity to the parks. When you're ready to head indoors, be sure to spend some time in the game room playing a few rounds of pool, foosball and more. The rest of the newly renovated interior is nothing to shake a stick at either. The kitchen has modern appliances, granite countertops and a charming breakfast nook; the bedrooms and common areas are large, comfortable and luxuriously furnished. Plus, families will be delighted by the baby gear available, including a travel crib, high chair and stroller (because you know you're going to need one at Disney and no one wants to schlep that thing through the airport). Book It 10. My Happy Place One Airbnb This spectacular home offers guests lake views, pool use and easy access close to theme parks, water sports, golf and tennis courts and top-notch dining. The sunny interior is welcoming with an upscale homey feel and enough square footage to comfortably accommodate families with two or more kids. The family-friendly appeal doesn't end there, since the place is well-stocked with children's toys, books and stuffed animals as well. (Yep, your kids can leave theirs at home.) In short, 'My Happy Place' is exactly that—a warm and well-appointed rental and a perfect homebase for families hoping to explore all that Orlando has to offer. Book It 11. Lake House Cottage Airbnb If you're looking for a property with its own distinct character, check out this rental for a cabin-meets-resort experience. At first glance of the exterior, you might think 'summer camp vibes' but don't be fooled—the accommodations are quite luxurious. For starters, there's a gorgeous inground pool, multiple patios, including one perched right above the lake, and a stone pathway leading to said lake that's shaded with lush, tropical foliage. Head indoors and you'll be treated to a rustic interior with exposed wood beams, cozy furnishings and plenty of space to spread out. Shared amenities can also be accessed for a small fee and include a sauna, spa, gym with every piece of fitness equipment under the sun, a massive game room and more. Book It 12. Sweet Heat Farms Airbnb If you're looking for a farm stay experience that's beautiful, tranquil and removed from the urban hubbub, Sweet Heat Farms is for you. While the property is only a 45-minute drive to the theme parks and 20 minutes from the airport, it feels like a whole different world. The apartment is stocked with toys and games, and the lush, sprawling grounds are perfectly quiet except for the occasional sounds from other guests (think: chickens and ducks). Plus, rave reviews report that the hosts are lovely and the overall experience is one of the best you can find. ('Great location, great apartment, great host! Hands down the best airbnb experience I have ever had!' writes one reviewer.) Best of all, there's enough outdoor space for kids to explore and burn off energy without disturbing any neighbors. The only catch is that you'll have to share a room with them—the studio set-up, though very spacious, means that the king bed is in the same room as the two single beds—so the only time you won't have a ton of privacy is at night. Book It 13. Home in Winter Park Airbnb Here, another waterfront rental that can comfortably accommodate a larger group. This pad is located in the coveted and oh-so-trendy neighborhood of Winter Park, which is known for its historic charm, award-winning restaurants and rich cultural scene. Aside from the winning location (i.e., just minutes away from every major theme park), this plush and nicely decorated home boasts an expansive and beautifully landscaped backyard, complete with a large pool and ample outdoor seating. Additional kid-friendly amenities include babysitter recommendations and a pool table for family game day fun. That said, I would be remiss not to mention that some reviewers mention maintenance issues, so it might be worth following up with the host on that front before committing to a stay. Book It 14. Luxurious Waterfront Resort Airbnb This posh resort stay is just a mile away from the theme parks and boasts beautiful views of Lake Bryan. The interior is well-appointed and spacious—namely because of the open floor plan which allows for a comfortably furnished living room, full kitchen, hallway nook with bunk bed and plenty of floor space to spare. Guests can also enjoy pool access and front row seats to the Disney fireworks displays from the comfort of their private balcony. If resort amenities, luxurious accommodations and close proximity to the parks are your top priorities, this Orlando rental might be just what you're looking for. Book It 15. Luxury Lakeview Condo Airbnb This large condo unit, located within minutes of all the theme parks, has roomy sleeping accommodations (two king bedrooms and queen-size sofa sleeper), a sleek and swanky interior, a private balcony with lake views and access to community amenities galore. Highlights include a playground, clubhouse with splash pool, arcade, game room, sports court and picnic area. Indeed, there's enough on-site recreation to fill a whole itinerary, so if you're planning a park visit make sure you build in some extra time to enjoy all the facilities at your homebase. Book It 16. Super Marvel Home Airbnb Marvel fans will be delighted to stay at this massive ten-bedroom mansion. Needless to say, the comic book-turned-movie franchise dominates the interior design of several of the bedrooms, but there's also a room that will make Disney's Frozen fans swoon and several 'grown-up' rooms and common areas that are elegantly decorated and free of cartoon character murals. In fact, the entire (enormous) interior space is absolutely stunning and strikes a perfect balance between sophisticated five star accommodations and themed kid-appeal. There's also a massive game room complete with two sets of bunk beds (psst: they'll never sleep), outdoor pool, movie theater and numerous life size games to entertain guests of all ages. In other words, this waterfront property is a veritable amusement park unto itself—and if that's not good enough for your brood, you should know that it's basically located in the backyard of the real ones. Book It 17. House Near Ventura Country Club Airbnb With its four spacious bedrooms—including a designated fun room that's stocked with a wide range of toys and has two sets of bunk beds—this lovely property gives families plenty of space to spread out. What's more, the extensive outdoor area boasts a soccer field with numerous lawn games available, outdoor refrigerator, barbeque and pool with a patio that has ample seating. Plus, it's just a short drive to the theme parks and an even shorter one to the country club where golf enthusiasts can hit the putting green. Book It 18. Paradiso Grande Home Airbnb Another massive estate, the Paradiso Grande is a ten-bedroom beauty that's size can easily accommodate a whole family reunion. According to reviews, the accommodations are top-notch and every room is squeaky clean (no small feat for a house this size). There's also a pool table, movie theater, themed game room and basic equipment—like a high chair and travel crib—for the convenience of groups that include young children. Bottom line: If you're traveling with a group or have a large brood, this well-appointed mansion will do you right. Book It The 20 Best Beach Towns in Florida Why You Should Trust Us PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. 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Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Our 4 kids span a wide age range. We travel with them individually so we can plan trips they'll really like.
With four very different kids, we found it hard to make vacations fun for everyone. Taking each child away by themselves involves less coordination and spreads the costs. One-on-one vacations help us build special memories with our kids. When my husband and I got married five years ago, we took our first and last combined family vacation. Our kids then were aged 4, 8, 10, and 14, and, as a newly blended family, we thought it would be nice to spend some special time together. We didn't go far — just a three-hour drive to Christchurch, our closest big city. But even planning a simple overnight trip with all four kids required the effort of an expert events management team — or at least it felt that way. They all like different things Because we have my husband's kids on the weekend and my own during the week, it involved a shuffling of schedules and coordinating with their other parents. We had to take two vehicles and book accommodation that would suit us all. The 14-year-old certainly wasn't keen to share a room with a busy 4-year-old. Then there was the question of what activities to do. We're lucky in that our kids all get along, but they have very different ideas about what's fun to do on vacation. We spent our first day at the zoo and our second at a huge outdoor playground. Apart from the 4-year-old throwing her favourite toy out the car window and having to backtrack to hunt it down, everything went smoothly. The kids were happy. We were exhausted. For our next trip away, we decided to make it simpler and only take the older three, but very quickly, our family vacation turned into two separate trips. My stepson wasn't keen to do any of the activities the older girls had in mind. He wanted to tour the parliament buildings and walk around the city, while the girls wanted to explore the museum and swim at the beach. We made it work, but by the end of the trip, everyone was feeling a little frustrated. When we took the younger three away together, we had a similar situation. They enjoyed staying at the unique tram carriage accommodation, but choosing what activities to do proved difficult. The girls loved visiting a wildlife park, but my stepson was miserable. As they've gotten older, their interests have separated even further. If we spend money on a trip, we want them to enjoy it If we're going to spend time and money on a vacation for the kids, we want them to actually enjoy it, so this year, we decided to try something new. We'd take each child away by themselves. There'd be less coordination required, and we could tailor vacations to each child's interests. It also spreads out the costs over the year, which makes it much more doable. I took my oldest daughter, now almost 19, away for a girls' retreat. We visited a boutique seaside town and stayed in a cute little cottage with incredible views of the bay. We booked massages, ate at a high-end restaurant, and had a few drinks at a gin bar on the beach. My daughter loves relaxed luxuries, visiting cute little cafés, and going to the movies, and, as this is her final year at home, it was lovely to have that special one-on-one time with her doing all of the things we both enjoy. My husband surprised my stepson with his first overseas trip. My stepson loves the band Green Day and visiting big cities, so when we found out they'd be playing in Melbourne, Australia, we thought it would be the perfect trip for him. We made it his Christmas present as it would be more expensive than the other kids' vacations. My husband booked a Superman-themed hotel room and, as well as attending the concert, they visited a car museum, rode on the trams, and shopped at the market. Our youngest has requested a trip to a trampoline park. As more of a homebody, she hates travelling long distances. Thankfully, there's a trampoline park in a nearby town, which will make that a simple vacation to plan. At 9, she's still a busy little girl with more energy than the other kids. Having just her to focus on will definitely make that easier. Our other daughter, at 15, is now a competitive swimmer and has races out of town, so her vacation will likely revolve around that. She likes her holidays to be active and outdoors. Even better if there's water involved. Next time she has an away race, we'll tag on an extra night or two, find some outdoor activity to enjoy, and make it a special trip away. We're a close family, but we found it hard to make vacations fun for everyone. Taking the kids away individually means we can pick trips we know they'll love while keeping the costs and logistical demands low. One-on-one time also allows for deeper conversations with each child and a more special connection. We may take another family vacation at some point, but for now, this works for us. Read the original article on Business Insider Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
30 vintage photos show how different camping used to be
Camping didn't always involve luxury RVs, watching movies on iPads, or state-of-the-art campgrounds. Camping has evolved from sleeping under the stars to camping out at music festivals and events. These vintage photos show there's nothing more nostalgic than sleeping in a tent in nature. While technology has made recreational camping more comfortable, there's something nostalgic about how basic it used to be. Today, decked-out RVs can cost $20,000 to $100,000, but the price of luxury RVs can reach as high as $2 million, according to HomeGuide. In the 1930s and following decades, however, recreational campers primarily set up simple tents or basic caravans to spend time with their friends and family outdoors. And today, simpler camping can be a great option for families wanting to spend time together — without spending a fortune — as the cost of living climbs. These photos show what recreational camping used to be like. They might even inspire you to try it for yourself before the summer is over. Recreational camping looked different a century ago. In 1940, the Regional Review called camping "an American tradition," according to a copy of the article shared by the National Park Service. Starting in the mid-to-late 1800s, people camped for fun in North America, according to Britannica. As people increasingly sought to escape cities, organizations such as the Appalachian Mountain Club began to crop up. At the turn of the 20th century, books such as "The Camper's Handbook" continued to ignite interest, and throughout the century, organized camping grew in popularity. In 1930, before the Great Depression really took hold, there were more than 3 million campers across the US, The Dyrt reported, citing Terence Young, the author of "Heading Out: A History of American Camping." While the basic idea of camping was the same as we now know it — sleeping outdoors — the gear was markedly different. Camping originally just involved the campers, the outdoors, and some simple cooking ware. The shelter was simple, too: People would often sleep beneath a sheet held up by sticks and string. If you went camping like this group in France in 1930, you were unreservedly experiencing nature. These simple tents were used regardless of weather conditions. There was usually no electricity for miles, and campers had to make do with whatever heat sources they had — whether that be fires, blankets, or huddling together for warmth. Depression-era camping trips focused on minimalist campsites and limited gear. By the Great Depression, with nearly one in four Americans unemployed in 1932, camping was considered a cost-efficient, resourceful vacation compared to train fares and costly accommodations. The lack of technology made the experience much more authentic, but also more work-intensive. There was a lot more manual labor involved with getting set up and making food than in campsites of the future, which might have access to full kitchens or electricity. Regular morning routines had to be done without a bathroom or mirror. Basic grooming was still expected. Even just making tea could be a chore. Campers had to gather everything from the outdoors if they didn't bring water or other supplies with them. Hammers had to be schlepped to the campsite. Tent pegs were often wooden, not plastic, and had to be hammered into the ground. But the work was part of the fun. Part of the allure of going camping was the authenticity of living outdoors, even if just for the night. People still found ways to make their camping trips a little more comfortable. Campers would bring furniture, books, and other items from home to make their time in the great outdoors more comfortable. Forget the paper plates — some campers brought actual porcelain dinnerware. While this may seem impractical today, it certainly made for a more sophisticated camping excursion. Early on, camping was often done out of necessity during long travels. But over time, it became a more common recreational activity for people. The appeal of having no distractions while enjoying quality time with friends endures. Boy Scouts went on camping trips every year after their establishment in 1910. Campgrounds, as we know them today, weren't really established until the 1930s when the National Park Service developed "Recreation Demonstration Areas," according to the National Park Service. The Girl Scouts were established in 1912, and wilderness survival was also at their core. Apparently, the first official mention of s'mores appeared in a Girl Scouts manual in 1927, according to Reserve America. As the years passed, camping became more involved. People started bringing more with them on camping trips. Rather than just setting up tents, people began bringing RVs. RVs have also evolved. Starting as small cabins built onto the back of regular cars in the 1910s, they eventually evolved into homes, and even mansions, on wheels. The famous Volkswagen Westfalia Camper was an instant classic for campers and road trippers alike. While the VW bus, as it is better known, came out in the '50s, it reached peak popularity in the '70s. It is one of the most iconic road trip vehicles in history, and synonymous with wanderlust. Having camper vans meant being able to bring more of the luxuries of home, from barware ... Camping, as a result, became easier. ... to decorative lanterns. Who says camping needs to mean roughing it? Camper vans also allowed campers to be more comfortable. Instead of sleeping outside, you could have some protection by staying inside your car, or even kick back on a seat that converted into a bed. One could now avoid truly living in the elements. Everyone wants to be close to nature ... but not too close. Once campers were able to have more cover from nature, they did that instead. Camping became more comfortable, meaning campers could now spend days or even weeks at a time in the wilderness. Camping also became a way to get good seats at events. People sometimes spent days camping outside ahead of an event. People would camp to stake out good spots at festivals. Camping is still used as accommodation at modern festivals like Bonnaroo. By the 1960s, camping was no longer just a necessity — it was a popular recreational activity. However, many campsites were still segregated, meaning only white visitors had access to certain parks and campgrounds. Writers of the Beat Generation popularized camping the old-fashioned way in the '60s. The Beat Generation was a literary movement made up of a group of writers who wrote about American culture using a stream-of-consciousness writing method. Jack Kerouac, a popular writer of the time, wrote about the times he slept outside on the beach in Big Sur, which he later published in his 1962 novel "Big Sur." The Beat Generation romanticized the idea of living on the road. To this day, their raw stories about traveling constantly and taking odd jobs to survive encourage readers to live more in tune with nature. Many state and national parks upheld segregation until the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, limiting access to these outdoor spaces for Black citizens. However, Black people and families still made use of desegregated parks and campsites or used parks and campgrounds that were designated only for Black citizens. These parks, like Virginia's Shenandoah National Park, became places of community for Black families and received thousands of visitors each year, Atlas Obscura reported. After state and national parks were mandated to be desegregated, many of the Black-only parks closed or were absorbed by surrounding parks, according to the National Park Service. Traditional camping will likely remain a popular activity for years to come, regardless of technological advancements. In fact, the more dependent we become on technology, the more people might like to retreat into nature for a few days. Camping may keep changing, but it will never go out of style. There's been a statistical rise in camping over the past decade. According to Kampgrounds of America's 2024 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality report, active campers have increased by 67% in the last 10 years, and one in four leisure trips are for camping. As families try to find affordable summer activities, we may see even more campers seeking the great outdoors this summer. Read the original article on Business Insider Solve the daily Crossword
