Nature

The largest marble cave entrance in the eastern US sits at the center of this family-friendly nature park. Self-guided trails wind past caves, waterfalls, and geological formations that kids find genuinely fascinating. The stone bridge itself is massive and the gorge below it is dramatic. A gem mining sluice keeps younger kids busy for a long time. Seasonal activities include snowshoe trails in winter. It is a privately run park so expect a polished experience with good signage and clean restrooms.

A series of cascading pools and waterfalls that flow from the mountains down to the ocean in the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park. When conditions allow, swimming in the tiered rock pools is magical with waterfall-fed water and views of the ocean below. The pools are frequently closed for safety during high water so check before making the long drive. A short paved trail leads to the lower pool area. The setting is stunningly beautiful with jungle, waterfalls, and ocean all in one view.

A privately run nature park with a one-mile trail winding through massive ancient rock formations with crevices, passageways, and caves that kids can explore. The rock outcroppings are over 300 million years old and rise up to 60 feet high. Kids absolutely love squeezing through narrow passages and climbing on the rocks. Some crevices require flashlights and a sense of adventure. The forest of old-growth hemlock and white pine adds to the atmosphere. This is one of those places where kids beg to go back.

A natural swimming hole in the Rondout Creek with strikingly blue-green water that looks almost tropical surrounded by Catskill forest. The deep pool is fed by a waterfall and the water is cold but refreshing on a hot summer day. Flat rocks around the edges make great spots for lounging and picnicking. A permit is required for summer weekend visits due to its popularity. The swimming hole is a short walk from the road. This is one of the most beautiful natural swimming spots in New York State.

A scenic 4-mile drive on the Old Mamalahoa Highway north of Hilo through a lush tropical corridor with one-lane bridges, towering palms, and jungle vegetation. Kids love the narrow bridges and the feeling of driving through a tunnel of tropical plants. Pullover viewpoints offer ocean views from the cliff-top road. The drive passes through the small historic town of Pepe ekeo and the botanical garden entrance. It takes about 20 minutes and is a perfect low-effort scenic detour that feels like old Hawaii. The road reconnects to Highway 19 so you do not need to backtrack.

A 157-acre preserve managed by the Lake George Land Conservancy with gentle trails winding through meadows and forests above the southern tip of Lake George. The 1.5-mile loop trail is perfect for younger hikers and offers nice views of the lake from several overlooks. Wildflowers fill the meadows in spring and early summer. It is a quieter alternative to the more crowded Lake George trails and a great spot for a nature walk with kids who are not ready for a big summit hike.

A small roadside state park with a short trail to a 50-foot waterfall on Lansing Kill Creek. The walk to the falls is just a few hundred yards from the parking lot making it one of the easiest waterfall hikes in the state. The falls cascade over a wide rock ledge into a rocky pool below. A picnic area with tables and grills makes it easy to turn the quick waterfall visit into a longer outing. The park is a perfect rest stop on the way to or from the Adirondacks. No swimming is allowed but the falls are beautiful to watch.

A mountain forest on the slopes of Haleakala at 6200 feet that feels nothing like tropical Hawaii. Towering redwood, eucalyptus, and pine trees create a cool, misty forest that could be in the Pacific Northwest. The Redwood Trail and Plum Trail are family-friendly loops through these unusual forests. The temperature is 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the coast which surprises kids who expect Hawaii to always be hot. On clear days the views of Maui central valley and the ocean are spectacular. A cabin is available for overnight stays.

A dramatic descent from a cliff-top lookout down into a remote valley with a black sand beach on the Kohala Coast. The lookout alone offers one of the most stunning views on the Big Island with rugged green cliffs plunging into the ocean. The trail down to the beach is about a half mile but steep and muddy. At the bottom, the wild black sand beach is backed by dense forest and ironwood trees. The swimming is dangerous due to currents but the beach and valley scenery are incredible. The hike back up is a good workout.

An ancient Hawaiian place of refuge with restored temples, carved wooden god figures (ki i), and a beautiful oceanfront setting. The park tells the story of Hawaiian law where those who broke kapu (sacred laws) could find sanctuary here. Kids are fascinated by the tall carved figures and the massive rock wall that separates the royal grounds from the place of refuge. Sea turtles often rest on the rocks along the shore. The park has a self-guided walking tour and ranger programs. Excellent snorkeling is available just outside the park boundary at Two Step.

A jet-black sand beach where Hawaiian green sea turtles regularly haul themselves onto the sand to rest. Kids are amazed seeing these ancient creatures up close, basking just feet away on the dark sand. The black sand is made of volcanic basite and feels unlike any beach they have ever been to. The swimming conditions are often rough so this is more of a wildlife viewing and wading beach than a swimming beach. A small park with shade trees and picnic tables makes it a comfortable stop. Always maintain the required 10-foot distance from the turtles.

A dramatic natural lava rock pool on Kauai north shore that fills with ocean water and creates a spectacular swimming experience surrounded by crashing waves. The 0.4-mile trail down to the pool is steep, rooted, and very slippery when wet. This spot has real dangers and is only appropriate for experienced families with older teens in calm summer conditions. Rogue waves can sweep over the rocks without warning and people have died here. When conditions are right the pool is magical but it demands respect and constant ocean awareness.

An 80-foot waterfall in the heart of Hilo that drops into a circular pool surrounded by a cave and tropical vegetation. The falls are visible from a paved overlook just steps from the parking lot making it one of the easiest waterfall viewpoints in Hawaii. On sunny mornings, rainbows form in the mist at the base of the falls, which is how it got its name. A short trail leads to the top of the falls through a grove of enormous banyan trees. The whole visit takes 15 to 30 minutes. A perfect quick stop in Hilo.

A 4-mile round trip trail through a dense bamboo forest that is one of the most magical walks in Hawaii. The trail ends at Waimoku Falls, a 400-foot waterfall cascading down a cliff face. Walking through the towering bamboo grove with the stalks creaking and swaying overhead is an unforgettable sensory experience for kids. The trail also passes a massive banyan tree. This hike is in the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park at the end of the Road to Hana so plan your drive time accordingly.

A gorgeous state park with a gorge trail, multiple waterfalls, and one of the best natural swimming holes in the Finger Lakes. The swimming area below Enfield Falls has a lifeguard-staffed pool formed by the creek, surrounded by rock walls and forest. Lucifer Falls upstream is a dramatic 115-foot cascade visible from a stone stairway bridge. The park offers 4 miles of trails through the gorge with over a dozen waterfalls. Kids love the combination of hiking and swimming and the old stone structures throughout the park add character.

A family park on the St. Lawrence River and Barnhart Island with a sandy beach, nature center, campground, and boat launch. The swimming beach on the river is excellent with warm shallow water and lifeguards. The nature center offers programs for kids and the park has trails through riverfront wetlands that are great for birding. The campground has 168 sites in a wooded setting. Watching the massive ships navigate the St. Lawrence Seaway from the observation area is an unforgettable experience for kids.

A unique landscape of dwarf pine barrens, ice caves, and dramatic cliff-top views on the highest point of the Shawangunk Ridge. Kids are fascinated by the ice caves, narrow rock passages where ice persists into summer. The loop trail to the caves is about 3 miles and the Verkeerderkill Falls overlook adds a spectacular waterfall view. The dwarf pine barrens at the top are globally rare and feel like another planet. This is one of the most unique hiking experiences in downstate New York.

A 2300-acre state park in Saratoga Springs with mineral springs, swimming pools, nature trails, a performing arts center, and a golf course. The Geyser Creek Trail is an easy 1-mile walk past natural mineral springs where kids can taste the fizzy mineral water (it is safe and surprising). The Victoria Pool is a massive pool complex from the 1930s that feels like swimming in history. The Peerless Pool complex is more modern and family-oriented. Trails wind through pine forests and along Geyser Creek. The park combines nature, history, and recreation in a unique way.

A stunning hidden beach accessed by a short but steep trail through jungle. The beach is long and wide with golden sand flanked by dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation. The wild beauty here is breathtaking. Swimming is generally unsafe due to strong currents but the beach is worth visiting for the scenery, beachcombing, and tide pool exploring alone. The remoteness and beauty make kids feel like they discovered something special. Bring everything you need as there are no facilities. The trail down is muddy and steep on the return.

A short half-mile trail through the woods that leads to a stunning waterfall tumbling over a wide rock shelf. The trail is easy enough for younger kids and the payoff is huge. The falls drop about 50 feet and in spring they are roaring. Kids love climbing around the rocks at the base (carefully). You can extend the hike by continuing to the Lake George shoreline at Shelving Rock Bay for a swim in the warm months.