Kim's Favorite Family Travel Guide
Summer Adventures Worth Packing For
One of my favorite parts of summer has always been making memories with my family through travel. Over the years we've discovered a handful of places that we return to again and again because they're beautiful, adventurous, and remind us how important it is to slow down and spend time together.
Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a week away, I hope these destinations inspire your next family adventure. And before you hit the road, don't forget to stop by Rock Paper Scissors. We've stocked the shelves with our favorite travel games, activity books, and creative toys that make the journey just as fun as the destination.
Happy travels!
Kim
Before You Go...
Our Favorite Travel Toys
Whether you're traveling by car, ferry, or plane, these are the toys and activities we never leave home without.
Travel Activity Books
• 100 Children's Crossword Puzzles
• Lots of Travel Puzzles & Games
• Usborne Travel Activity Book
• Pencil & Paper Activity Book
• Space Puzzle Pad
• The Big Book of Airplane Activities
• Step-by-Step Drawing People
Travel Toys & Games
• Hey Doodle Reusable Mini Mats & Books
• STMT Hello Kitty Bead Set
• Kawaii Jewelry Travel Case
• Floss & Rock Mini Puzzles
• Floss & Rock Mini Matching Games
• Floss & Rock Travel Art Sets
• Earth Grown Kids Dough Mini Travel Kits
• Create Your Own Travel Journal
• Brain Quest Car Games
• Storytelling Adventures Yip Yap Cards
• On-the-Go Game Pad
• EeBoo Seek & Find
• EeBoo Joke Decoder
• EeBoo Spot the Difference
Stop by the store and we'll help you build the perfect travel bag based on your child's age.
Destination One: Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine
If you know me well, you already know this is my family's happy place.
Every year we find ourselves back in Acadia because it offers everything we love about summer. We bike for miles on the carriage roads, hike scenic trails overlooking the ocean, swim after long afternoons outdoors, and always finish the day with ice cream.
It's the perfect destination for active families looking to unplug and explore together.
Our Favorite Hikes
• Great Head Trail
• Wonderland Trail
• Cadillac South Ridge Trail
Don't Miss
• Bike the historic carriage roads
• Jordan Pond House popovers
• Fearless Flavor ice cream
• Abel's Lobster Roll
• Blaze Pizza after a long day outdoors
Destination Two: Vinalhaven, Maine
If you're looking for somewhere a little quieter, Vinalhaven is one of New England's hidden gems.
After taking the ferry from Rockland, you'll find an island where bikes replace traffic, hiking trails lead to incredible views, and swimming quarries become unforgettable summer memories.
This is the kind of trip where you truly slow down.
Our Favorites
• Booth's Quarry
• Lawson's Quarry
• Kayaking around the island
• Hiking throughout Vinalhaven Land Trust properties
• Exploring by bicycle
Where We Stayed: The Tidewater Waterfront Inn
Destination Three: Charlemont, Massachusetts
If your family loves adventure, Charlemont delivers.
Located in the Berkshires, it's packed with outdoor activities that keep everyone moving all weekend long.
We've spent countless summer days rafting the Deerfield River, mountain biking, hiking, and discovering new adventures before relaxing in cozy Airbnbs each evening.
Family Favorites
• Whitewater rafting
• Thunder Mountain Bike Park
• Aerial Adventure Park
• Mountain Coaster
• Great Outdoors River tubing
This is one of our favorite long weekend destinations because there's something exciting for every age.
Make the Journey Part of the Adventure
Some of our favorite family memories happened in the car on the way to the destination.
Travel games, silly stories, drawing books, and imagination-filled activities have a way of turning "Are we there yet?" into laughter and conversation.
If you're heading out this summer, stop by Rock Paper Scissors before your trip. We'd love to help you find the perfect travel toys, games, books, and activities to make every mile just a little more fun.
Have a wonderful summer, and happy travels!
See you soon,
Kim