Hollowed out by fire, this redwood giant makes the perfect “tree house” for young explorers. Plan to stay a while…
When I mentioned the upcoming National Park Week and related Earth Day events earlier this week, I couldn’t help but think about the amazing State Parks California also has to offer that shouldn’t be overlooked by those planning travel here with their kids.
For example, Humboldt Redwoods State Park (above) is just one of several parks featuring enormous redwoods and several toddler-friendly hikes along California’s “Avenue of the Giants.”
There are so many lovely groves to explore and shady pit stops for picnics along this section of northern California’s Highway 101, that you’ll want to be sure to drive at least a portion of the scenic 31-mile “Old Highway 101” rather than the nearby modern freeway version of it.
For a printable map of the Avenue of the Giants, click here, and to see descriptions and details of hikes at Humbolt Redwoods, click here.
Another California State Park featuring massive redwood giants with toddler-friendly hiking and a nice campground – which is often argued should be a National Park – is Big Trees Calaveras State Park, which is roughly 3 hours east of San Francisco. You can read about one of our visits to Big Trees in this post and get my tips for camping at Big Trees Calaveras in this post.
For more fun family destinations to fit into your family’s California road trip, visit the Destinations page.
You might also like:
The Six Best Places to See California’s Giant Redwoods and Giant Sequoia Trees
Packing List for Camping with a Baby or Toddler
Tips for biking Yosemite National Park with a baby, toddler, or young children
Safe journeys,
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