Welcome to another episode of Parks Made Possible by Trip Possible, where we help families make every national park trip truly unforgettable. In this one, hosts Nick and Kate break down how to visit the parks with children—from mindset and packing to budget tips and kid-ready activities—so you can trade stress for core memories. You’ll hear practical strategies, real stories (hello, Ruby Beach rock-tossing and a surprise tarantula at Pinnacles), and our favorite family-friendly parks to start with. 🎧 In This Episode The 5 things that keep kids happy on the road: movement, mental stimulation, snacks, sleep, and water play Mindset shifts for parents: why breaking routine builds resilience (for everyone) Money savers that matter: fly vs. drive, points, family rooms, KOAs, and the 4th-grade Every Kid Outdoors pass Smart packing made simple: daypack layout, collapsible coolers, backup outfits, strollers & carriers Designing kid-first days: short hikes with big payoffs, creeks & tide pools, Junior Ranger wins Best starter parks for families: Great Smoky Mountains, Olympic, and Redwoods (plus what to try in Yosemite, Acadia, Rainier & Glacier) 📍 Chapter Markers 00:00 Welcome & mission 00:26 Topic intro: Parks with kids 03:55 The 5 kid happiness drivers 12:06 Comfort zones → growth zones 21:36 Budget levers & cost myths 34:10 Packing that scales (without the chaos) 54:46 Family-friendly parks we recommend 1:01:42 How Trip Possible can help 1:02:29 Wrap-up & encouragement Plan Your Trip Browse our family-friendly guidebooks & resources: https://www.mytrippossible.com/shop Want a bespoke plan for your kids’ ages and interests? Custom trip planning: https://www.mytrippossible.com Stay in Touch Tell us your kids’ ages and the park you’re eyeing—drop a comment and we’ll reply with a quick starter idea. Like, subscribe, and tap the bell 🔔 so you don’t miss new park deep dives and family travel tips. TL;DR - What you'll learn about in this episode: Family national parks, travel with kids, junior ranger, kid-friendly hikes, budget national park trip, packing list for kids, Great Smoky Mountains with kids, Olympic with kids, redwoods with kids, Parks Made Possible, Trip Possible Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of Parks Made Possible by Trip Possible, where we help you make every national park trip truly unforgettable. In this episode, hosts Nick and Kate dive deep into Zion National Park, one of the most iconic destinations in the U.S. Southwest. Discover the breathtaking sandstone cliffs, the Virgin River’s winding oasis, and world-famous hikes like Angels Landing, The Narrows, and Observation Point. You’ll also hear insider insights on lesser-known areas such as Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace Road, and the scenic Zion Canyon Overlook Trail—plus expert tips for when to visit, where to stay, and how to beat the crowds. Nick and Kate also highlight the new Trip Possible Zion Guidebook, a comprehensive resource packed with maps, itineraries, and expert planning advice to help you maximize your time in the park. 🎧 In This Episode The story and geology behind Zion’s world-famous canyon walls The top hikes (and how to prepare for them) Kolob Canyons and other hidden gems beyond the main valley Navigating the park shuttle and best times to visit The perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors Why Zion’s biodiversity and conservation story are so unique How to pair Zion with nearby parks like Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon 🗺️ Plan Your Trip Get your Trip Possible Zion National Park Guidebook here: https://www.mytrippossible.com Pickup our Zion guidebook: https://www.mytrippossible.com/product-page/zion-national-park-guidebook 💬 Stay In Touch! Tell us in the comments which park you want us to cover next! Like, subscribe, and hit the bell 🔔 so you don’t miss upcoming episodes featuring more of America’s most stunning national parks. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Parks Made Possible, Nick and Kate Mock present a helpful introduction to Yellowstone National Park, from the perspective of a first time visitor. From iconic geysers and hidden geothermal wonders to epic wildlife and big views, they break down what to see, when to go, and how to make the most of your Yellowstone trip. 👉 Key Highlights in This Episode: Geothermal attractions like geysers, hot springs, mudpots, fumaroles, and steam vents. Epic Wildlife like bison, grizzly bears, elk, moose, wolves, badgers... and so many more. Expansive views of 'Big Sky Country' Best times of year to visit and where to stay Best entry points and ways to navigate the 2.2 million acre National Park The real experience at Old Faithful (worth the hype?) How early (or late) to arrive at Grand Prismatic Spring Managing expectations: Wildlife, crowds, and travel times Hidden gems that aren’t in every guidebook If you're planning your first trip to Yellowstone, this episode is packed with firsthand insights and useful logistics from expert trip planners. 🔗 Want personalized help planning your Yellowstone adventure? Visit https://www.mytrippossible.com for travel consulting and downloadable park guides. 🛍️ Shop our downloadable guidebooks online! https://www.mytrippossible.com/shop 💫 Want us to plan your trip for you? Custom trip planning is also an option: https://www.mytrippossible.com/contact-us 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your biggest Yellowstone question in the comments! #YellowstoneNationalPark #TripPossible #NationalParkTravel #YellowstoneTips #Yellowstone2025 #RoadTripUSA #Geysers #NationalParkPodcast Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Looking to plan your next adventure in the U.S. national parks? In this episode of Parks Made Possible, Nick and Kate Mock break down their top 7 favorite hikes across America's national parks—each one packed with jaw-dropping views, glacier-fed lakes, towering waterfalls, red rock hoodoos, and immersive landscapes. From Grinnell Glacier in Glacier National Park to the legendary Mist Trail in Yosemite, they share real-life trail insights, difficulty ratings, travel tips, and what makes each hike unforgettable. Whether you're planning a family vacation or a solo backpacking trip, this is your guide to the best national park hikes in the U.S. Featured Hikes: Grinnell Glacier (Glacier National Park) Queen’s Garden + Navajo Loop (Bryce Canyon) Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail (Zion) Mist Trail + John Muir Trail (Yosemite) Avalanche Lake (Glacier National Park) Staircase Rapids (Olympic) Upper Yosemite Falls (Yosemite) 🎒 Trail tips, wildlife moments, parking advice, and hiking gear recs included. 🌄 Subscribe now and get your national park plans dialed in with Parks Made Possible. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ep 1 – Top 5 Tips for Visiting Any U.S. National Park In our debut episode, Nick and Kate Mock—co-founders of Trip Possible—share their top 5 essential tips for making your next national park adventure unforgettable. From navigating peak season crowds and choosing the best lodging, to understanding timed-entry reservations and knowing what to pack, this episode is your crash course in stress-free park travel. Whether you're headed to Yosemite, Glacier, or Zion, these insights will help you explore with confidence. Top 5 Tips for Visiting National Parks: Understand Your Park’s Peak Season Learn when the park is busiest—and why it matters. Crowds, pricing, and access all shift dramatically depending on the time of year. If you’re flexible, shoulder seasons can offer a better experience with fewer people and more favorable conditions. Know Where to Stay Choosing lodging inside the park vs. in a nearby gateway town affects everything from your wake-up time to how much hiking you can get in. In-park lodging offers unmatched access but often books out 9–12 months in advance. Prepare for Timed Entry Reservations Some parks now require time-specific permits to manage crowds. Understanding when and how to book them (and having a backup plan if you don’t get one) is essential to a successful trip. Know the Truth About Crowds and Traffic Parks are crowded for a reason—they’re incredible. But with smart planning (like early starts and midweek visits), you can enjoy even the most popular parks without the stress. Prepare What You Pack Packing isn’t just about comfort—it can make or break your day. Essentials like snacks, water, layers, and rain gear help you stay longer, explore farther, and pivot plans on the fly when things don’t go as expected. 👉 For consulting, custom itineraries, and guidebooks, visit mytrippossible.com (http://mytrippossible.com) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.