5 Activities for Your Family Vacation in the Sierra

When you think of family vacations, what comes to mind? If you’re like many parents, it’s the summer vacations that can’t come soon enough. After all, being able to sit back and relax near a pool, lake or beach is the ultimate summer goal, right?

Still, as delightful as relaxing summer days by the beach are, there’s an even greater benefit to taking family vacations: vacations are good for the kids.

In fact, a recent study from the Telegraph shows traveling with children makes them happier AND smarter. When on vacation (or ‘holiday’), these benefits come as a result of exercising PLAY and SEEKING systems. The PLAY system is exercised through typical play such as tickling, swimming — you know, things that involve play. The SEEKING system is exercised through the act of exploring (i.e. taking hikes, looking for seashells, etc.).

Using both systems “brings about brain growth and maturation in the frontal lobes, the very part of the brain involved in cognitive functioning, social intelligence, and well-focused, goal-directed behaviors that may last a lifetime (Panksepp, 2015; Burgdorf et al, 2010).”

If you want to experience the benefits of the great outdoors without actually sleeping outdoors, we have the perfect lodging for you! Our Lakeside Suites, Chalets, and Specialty Cabins are eager to serve as your home away from home while you engage in the many activities Bass Lake and the surrounding areas have to offer.

5 Activities for Your Family Vacation in the Sierra

Fishing

Fishing brings a sense of calmness that comes from the typical fishing practice of sitting and waiting. Albeit, it may not be the most enthralling activity for your toddler(s), but it’s never too early to try. At the very least, they’ll begin to understand what it means to be patient and follow safety rules when on or near water.

Mariposa Grove

And when you’re done fishing, there’s a national treasure that isn’t too far away. With 17 miles sitting between The Pines Resort and Yosemite National Park, a hike is no more than a hop and a skip away. While you’re there, don’t forget to take a visit to the newly-restored Mariposa Grove. The area is beautiful.

Museums

For a break from the outdoors, consider taking your kids to the Children’s Museum of the Sierra. Located in Oakhurst, the Children’s Museum is home to several hands-on exhibits that “provide an environment for occupational role play.”

A few of the creative spaces within the museum include:

• Artist’s Corner Exhibit: Encourage your kiddies to tap into their inner artist and create magic! Through art, you’ll find them expressing their ideas, thoughts, and feelings in entirely new and creative ways!
• The State (Little Oak Theater): Whether your daughter wants to be a frog or your son wants to be that Giant Sequoia he saw during your hike, the possibilities will prove endless when on “The Stage” at the Little Oak Theater
• The Medical Area: A space that allows your child to become a doctor, nurse, or anything else they want to mimic from a medical setting.

Jeeps and adventure go hand-in-hand, and the tours provided by Sierra Nevada Motorsports are no exception!

From the 3-hour Giant Sequoia Jeep Tour (a great, shorter option for those with young children) to the Star Lakes Sunset Tour, the experience is sure to leave you and your family with huge smiles on your faces!

Some of the packages include marshmallows by campfire and stargazing, so take a look and pick the one best suited for your and your family.

The. Kids. Will. LOVE. This.

And you will, too. Which is why when planning your trip to Bass Lake, you have got to add the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad as a must on your activities list. With all of technology’s advancements, original treasures such as the steam train you’ll ride along the Sugar Pine Railroad are quickly becoming obsolete.

Even better, this train wide will prove to be just as informative as it is fun! Seriously. You’ll learn all about the history of the line, trees and the wildlife native to the area from the conductor of the train.

Just be sure to book your seats here in advance!

• The Pines Bar Bass Lake: As much fun as it is to vacation with your kids, it’s always a bit nice to step away for a minute for some alone time. So if you plan on making this family vacation an all-inclusive one (i.e. with the grandparents), you may be able to sneak away and enjoy a drink or two with your partner. Our bar will have exactly what you need to regroup after a fun-filled day and will be the perfect space to reconnect with your significant other.

• Willow Creek Stables: A fun option for longer vacations! Riding camps at Willow Creek Stables off your child the opportunity to learn horse riding as well as how to care for these magical beings.

• Camping: With the area being so rich in natural elements, camping is another option –even if it’s for a single night.
• On-site pool & jacuzzi
• On-site picnic & playground area
• Seasonal, kid-friendly events including:
  • Halloween Carnival
  • Christmas Parade
  • Pancakes with Santa
  • Magic Shows & more!