Traveling with kids doesn't have to be Hell.

A lot of parents dread the upcoming vacation, packing, tickets, planned stays, where to eat, and last but not least how the kids will behave. As a mother to five rambunctious children, I am here to tell you it doesn't have to be something to dread! Do you enjoy the outdoors? I know my family does, and I can tell you that taking kids outside is really something. Letting them experience the natural world, not just the cement world we live in is something every child should experience.

Tablets, laptops, TVs seem to be what our young generation thrives on. What happens when they are adults? Their childhood memories will be TikToc videos and YouTubers... My family has fallen victim to this, and I have made it my mission to change that. As a mother of five I, like most, fear the vacation I will be taking. Whether you are flying or driving there are ways to make the experience enjoyable and memorable for both the parents and the children.

Let's get started; The Redwood forest. Majestic, mesmerizing, ancient. These are just a few of the words associated with these amazing trees, walking through fern-covered forest floors, with giants looming above you. You get a glimpse into the past, you get to touch something that has lived hundreds of years. Now add in kids. We took two of our three children to the Redwoods for three days, three days of hiking, three days of beachcombing, three days of memories.

Walking through the forests of Redwood National Park is somewhat of a spiritual journey, the peace and tranquility one feels is astounding. Having children with you shouldn't take away from that, but add to it. Allow your children the experience to see and feel these forests with you, talk softly with them as you explore all these paths have to offer. People tend to stay on guided paths or tourist attractions, but allowing your children to explore the unknown gives them a sense of adventure. As you walk talk with them about the history of these trees, engage them in the surrounding scenery, maybe even try to find the animals that live in this dense forest.

Trust me when I say children want to be a part of nature, they want to explore. Getting them off their tablets and getting them out in nature is not only good for them but an amazing experience for all of you. If you choose to take your children to the Redwoods, you can spend some time on the beach as well. Search for seashells, my family collects rocks. We have an entire bookshelf filled with the different rocks we have collected over the years at various places, and my kids remember every rock and its origin.

Get out of the house, explore this world that has been gifted to us. Your kids will thank you for it!