Take the kids on an EPIC Adventure!

Eighteen months ago, I decided to take my three daughters (6, 7 and 19 at the time) on an  
Epic Adventure from Des Moines to Los Angeles and back.  The difference between this trip and any of our regular vacations was that we CAMPED at state and national parks for the entire trip (except for two nights in Los Angeles, there were no parks at which to camp).  Now, you may be thinking, "Ugh! Camping? NO THANKS!" But to be perfectly honest, I am NOT an outdoorsman either!  You are more likely to see me "Glamping" than roughing it in a wilderness.  But a primary motivation of this trip was that it is SO CHEAP (around $12 a night) and SO BEAUTIFUL to stay over in parks.  So, with a couple of little two-person pup tents and strategic placement of all our gear in the trunk, we traveled across county in a tiny Ford Focus on a twelve day journey and life changing-experience.  

The Science Center of Iowa is now offering an amazing preview of what is in store for you when you choose to traverse the United States through the National Parks.  The title is appropriately, "National Parks Adventure" and on the enormous IMax screen will surely impress you so much that you'll be mentally packing the car as you leave the theater.

I cannot more highly recommend taking "Epic Adventures" with your family.  Since our first journey, we purposely make attempts to create Epic Adventures.  Whether it's a simple day trip to the Spam Museum in Minnesota or the (upcoming) adventure to New Orleans, these are experiences that will define my girl's personalities and spirits forever.  If you have a story about your adventures, please share them below in the comments or on our Facebook Page.  We want to know what you do with your family to create memories.

Best,

Heather Ryan
Iowa Parents