Free Printable Presidents Day Word Scramble 13 Feb 10:00 AM (2 months ago)
Happy Presidents Day! Check out our Free Printable Presidents Day Word Scramble to learn more about this Federal holiday and famous Presidents like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
Students or family members may need to collaborate to solve all 15 of our “Presidential” themed vocab words.
Your students or kiddos will likely also enjoy our free printable “If I was President” Writing Prompt worksheet. A great way to inspire and encourage students to to think about making CHANGE.
Check out our free printable GROUNDHOG DAY word scramble too!
Free Printable Presidents Day Word Scramble
Check out our at our Free Printable Presidents Day Word Scramble in this image here. To print, you’ll want to download the PDF file via our download and print link below.
Hint: Our vocab words are all about the Presidency and the lives of those 2 very famous Presidents who celebrate their birthday in February!
The History of Presidents Day
Did you know that Presidents Day used to be just for George Washington???
PBS offers a plethora of resources to learn more about Presidents Day and Civics. Check out their Presidential Corner all about Presidents Day here.
Presidents Day was originally called Washington’s Birthday and celebrated only George Washington, the first U.S. president. Over time, it became a day to honor any and all U.S. presidents.
Presidents Day is ALWAYS on a Monday. Presidents Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February every year. Congress created this holiday and made the change in the 1970’s to give workers and students a long weekend! Who else is grateful for this awesome break in the middle of winter??? Me and my kids love it!
The U.S. government still calls this holiday Washington’s Birthday, even though most people and states refer to it as Presidents Day. Weird right???
Presidents Day Word Scramble Answer Key
Spoiler alert! You can peek at our answer key to our Free Printable Presidents Day Word Scramble. These words are relatively easy as they are themed around the lives of Washington and Lincoln.
- Lincoln
- February
- Elect
- Commander
- Congress
- Washington
- President
- Lawyer
- Farmer
- Dollar
- Gettysburg
- Penny
Download Free Printable Presidents Day Scramble Link
Enjoy & Happy Presidents Day Weekend!
Note: To make your worksheet look the best, simply download our pdf file at the link below and then hit print. This link will let you print everything so you have high resolution.
This holiday is easy to celebrate! With generally no decor or special celebrations required – learning about President’s Day gives students a chance to reflect on our American heritage and the gift of a 3 day weekend! Who else is dying for this 3 day weekend in the middle of winter?
Fast Facts: Fun & Interesting Presidential Trivia
- The “S” in Harry S. Truman’s Name Doesn’t Stand for Anything! – The 33rd president, Harry S. Truman, had a middle initial “S” that didn’t stand for a specific name. It was chosen to honor both of his grandfathers.
- George Washington Had Wooden Teeth? Not Quite! – While many believe Washington had wooden teeth, his dentures were actually made from gold, ivory, lead, and even human and animal teeth—but never wood!
- Abraham Lincoln Was a Champion Wrestler! – Before becoming president, Lincoln was an excellent wrestler and won nearly 300 matches. He was even inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame!
- The Shortest and Tallest Presidents – James Madison was the shortest U.S. president at 5 feet 4 inches, while Abraham Lincoln was the tallest at 6 feet 4 inches.
- John Adams and Thomas Jefferson Died on the Same Day – Both founding fathers and former presidents passed away on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed.
- Teddy Bears Are Named After a President – The teddy bear was named after Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt when he refused to shoot a bear on a hunting trip in 1902.
- The White House Wasn’t Always Called That – It was originally called the Executive Mansion, but President Theodore Roosevelt officially named it the White House in 1901.
- A President Once Got Stuck in a Bathtub – President William Howard Taft, the heaviest U.S. president, reportedly got stuck in the White House bathtub and had to have a larger one installed!
- President Jimmy Carter Was a Peanut Farmer – Before becoming the 39th president, Jimmy Carter ran his family’s peanut farm in Georgia.
- Calvin Coolidge Had a Pet Raccoon in the White House! – President Coolidge and his wife had an unusual pet—a raccoon named Rebecca, who was meant to be eaten for Thanksgiving but was instead adopted as a pet.
Free Printable 2025 Chinese New Year of the Snake Coloring Pages 30 Jan 9:32 AM (2 months ago)
January 29th marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year. 2025 is the Year of the Snake! To celebrate, we’ve curated a few cute Free Printable 2025 Chinese New Year of the Snake Coloring Pages.
What is the Chinese New Year?
The Chinese New Year is tied to the Lunar Calendar – The New Year celebrations begin with the first new moon to happen near the end of January and span the first 15 days of the first month of the lunar calendar—until the full moon arrives. The celebrations often culminate with a lantern festival too!
A key part of the lunar calendar is that each lunar new year is represented by one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac and the start of the Chinese New Year marks the transition between Zodiac signs.
The year 2025 is the Year of the Snake. 2021 was the Year of the Ox, 2022, the Year of the Tiger and 2023 was the year of the Rabbit.
We also have a very easy free printable Chinese New Year Word Scramble available too.
Happy Lunar New Year!
2025 Chinese New Year of the Snake Coloring Pages
Take a peek at these cute Year of the Snake coloring pages. To best print and color, download the PDF file and then print and color. More samples and options are below – about 5 variations!
What is the Chinese Zodiac?
Your zodiac animal depends upon the year of birth. Those who are born on or after the first day of the lunar calendar in 2025 will fall under the Snake sign.
There are 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac including:
Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig
Free Printable Chinese New Year of the Snake Coloring Pages
Another few options – either sweet or sassy!
More about the Year of the Snake
Thierry Chow, a Hong Kong-based feng shui consultant who blends traditional Chinese geomancy with modern elements shared the below info with CNN about the Year of the Snake.
Below is an excerpt. You can read more about the Chinese Zodiac Horoscope, Year of the Snake and her predictions on CNN at this link.
It sounds like we can expect a year of CHAOS. If the upcoming months look like this past January, I would tend to agree with this snake outlook! January 2025 has been bonkers.
“Year 2025 will be very different. The Snake — with a strong fire element, along with some metal and earth elements — is a zodiac sign that can cause significant clashes and conflicts. We need to be mindful of accidents as we approach the Snake Year. The overall atmosphere in the world will become slightly more chaotic.”
But, she says there’s no need to be “overly grim.”
“We can always choose to look at it positively,” says Chow.
“Snakes have a more observant personality. The Yin Wood Snake is more like a little green snake, rather than a large cobra, who can observe clearly before making a decisive strike at the right moment.”
Free Printable Groundhog Day Word Scramble 28 Jan 1:02 PM (2 months ago)
The Groundhog Day tradition to predict the weather is cause for celebration in Punxsutawney Pennsylvania. To celebrate Groundhog Day and learn more about this quirky holiday, download our Free Printable Groundhog Day Word Scramble.
According to legend, if the groundhog sees its shadow on February 2nd, six more weeks of winter will follow. If not, an early spring is expected.
This quirky holiday has been embraced by popular culture in the last 40 years. I admit since I’m from Pennsvlania myself, I grew up celebrating Groundhog Day in elementary school long before the internet and worldwide broadcasts of the groundhog climbing out of his burrow grew popular!
The History of Groundhog Day
The first official Groundhog Day celebration took place in 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club declared the groundhog, later named “Punxsutawney Phil,” as the official weather forecaster.
Legend states that if the groundhog sees his shadow, then six more weeks of cold weather and winter are likely to occur. If no shadow is seen, then locals can expect early spring and warmer weather to arrive soon.
The original roots of this tradition stem from a holiday called Candlemas, a Christian feast day marking the midpoint between winter and spring. In Europe, people believed that if the weather was clear on Candlemas, winter would last longer.
According to folklore, German immigrants brought their version of the “Candlemas” tradition to Pennsylvania in the 18th and 19th centuries. They used a hedgehog to predict the weather, but in the absence of hedgehogs in the U.S., they turned to the groundhog.
Free Printable Groundhog Day Word Scramble
This is an image of our Free Printable Groundhog Day Word Scramble which includes both easy and tricky words to unscramble.
For the best results in printing your free worksheet, download the PDF file below our answer key and then print and color.
Groundhog Day Word Scramble Answer Key
I mentioned I did include a few possibly “tricky” words to unscramble, however I promise I did not include the word Punxsutawney since I figured it might be impossible to unscramble. Ha ha ha!
- Weather
- Shadow
- Winter
- Spring
- February
- Phil
- Forecast
- Burrow
- Pennsylvania
- Sunshine
- Prediction
- Groundhog
Download Free Printable Groundhog Day Word Scramble Link
Enjoy & Stay Warm!
Note: For best results, download our pdf file at the link below and then hit print. This link will let you print everything so you have high resolution.
Free Printable Chinese New Year Word Scramble 28 Jan 6:16 AM (2 months ago)
Happy Lunar New Year! To help with your celebration, enjoy this easy Free Printable Chinese New Year Word Scramble. Did you know the Chinese New Year is based upon the Lunar Calendar?
The Chinese or “Lunar” New Year is actually celebrated throughout all Asian cultures – including Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean communities.
Learn more about Lunar and Chinese New Year celebrations with our quick and easy free printable Chinese New Year word scramble. This is a perfect educational resource as it covers vocabulary or keywords about the Chinese New Year.
Download and print this super easy Free Chinese New Year Word Search below. We also have an answer key too!
If you need other free printable word scrambles for upcoming holidays, check out our these free resources on Classy Mommy: Groundhog Day Word Scramble, Valentine’s Day Word Scramble, St Patrick’s Day Word Scramble, Winter Word Scramble
What is the Lunar New Year?
The Lunar calendar tracks time by moon cycles and is why the Chinese New Year typically falls on a different day each year towards the end of January or early February and it is celebrated for 15 days.
To learn more about the Lunar New Year, check out this cool article on CNN which discusses 2025 as the Year of the Snake or their article about 2022 as the Year of the Water Tiger. Very cool how the elements also connect to the Lunar Cycle and Zodiac signs.
Kids will enjoy this National Geographic Kids article about the Chinese Zodiac signs and how the animals represent personality traits and characteristics.
Free Printable Chinese New Year Word Scramble
To best print and color, download the PDF file below our answer key and then print and color. This is an image of our Free Printable Chinese New Year Word Scramble which includes super easy words to unscramble that have to do with the Lunar New Year.
What is my Chinese Zodiac Sign?
This Zodiac chart will help you calculate the Zodiac sign for the year of your Birth. There are 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac including:
Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig
Look for the year of your birth to find the match to your own Zodiac animal sign.
(Zodiac Image from Chinese Zodiac Highlights)
Chinese New Year Word Scramble Answer Key
Spoiler alert! Take a peek at our answer key to our Free Printable Chinese New Year Word Scramble. These words are easy but it’s always useful to have the answers!
- Lantern
- Red
- Envelope
- Luck
- Dance
- Lion
- Dragon
- Tiger
- Lunar
- Holiday
- Festival
- Firework
Download Free Printable Chinese New Year Word Scramble
Here’s the link you need to use to print our Chinese New Year Word Scramble.
Note: Be sure to download this file at the link below and then hit print. This link below will let you print everything so you have high resolution. Enjoy!
More Free Printable Word Scrambles
If you need more resources for free printable word scrambles, we have word scrambles for all kinds of holidays. Great for the classroom or for activities at home with kids or adults!
Here’s a list of links for the upcoming seasonal holidays. We also have Fall and Summer word scrambles but these are likely what you might want soon!
Presidents Day Word Scramble
St Patrick’s Day Word Scramble
Free Printable Reindeer Coloring Pages 21 Nov 2024 10:25 AM (4 months ago)
Tis the season! Enjoy these Free Printable Reindeer Coloring Pages. Below we’ve got all the reindeer your kiddos or you may want to color.
Below are 8 Free Printable Reindeer Coloring Pages and collages.
Our wintery fun festive free printable reindeer coloring pages include all sizes of reindeer. Easy to color reindeer for preschoolers and more ornate reindeer for those looking for a more complicated design.
Free Printable Reindeer Coloring Pages
Aren’t these reindeer cute?
Favorite Free Printable Gingerbread Coloring Pages
Our most popular holiday coloring pages are these Free Printable Gingerbread Coloring Pages. Be sure to grab these for your family or students.
The perfect way to keep the kids busy while your prepping dinner, cleaning or wrapping gifts!
Sample Images Free Printable Reindeer Coloring Pages
You can see we’ve got some easy to color images preschoolers. I love the cartoon style reindeer!
And if you want some more complicated antlers, choose a more detailed coloring page to decorate and hang for the holidays.
Some the coloring pages look like more feminine and some don’t look gender specific .
This coloring page reminds me of Rudolph all grown up!
This is a real cartoon style character!
Download Links for 10 Free Reindeer Coloring Pages
Check out all the download Links in this zip file for 8 Free Reindeer Coloring Pages and collages. All the coloring pages are below in this file. Enjoy!
Note: The link will let you print and download everything so you have higher resolution. Enjoy!
Collage pages are in the packet for download too.
More Holiday Craft Ideas for Kids
Take a peek at a few of our favorite holiday posts! Lots of great ideas here for festive fun to keep your littles busy.
20 Best Christmas Play Dough Activities and Ideas
We think homemade holiday gifts are always the best too so you’ll find lots of inspiration from these posts.
Easy Free Printable St Patrick’s Day Word Scramble 10 Nov 2024 9:44 AM (5 months ago)
Feeling lucky? Download our Easy Free Printable St Patrick’s Day Word Scramble. Lots of themed St. Patrick’s Day words for this word scramble!
Most of these words are very easy and will come quickly as you think about Irish and St Patrick’s Day topics and connections. The link to download and print Easy Free Printable St Patrick’s Day Word Scrambleour is at the bottom of this post.
Do you need more fun St. Patrick’s Day Printables? We also have a fabulous round up of the 15 free St Patrick’s Day Printables for Kids and some adorable Handprint St. Patrick’s Day crafts for preschoolers.
St. Patrick’s Day History
Did you know St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the death of Saint Patrick? Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland.
He was born in Roman Britain and was later kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. Wow! He has been credited for the bringing the spread of Christianity to Ireland.
Learn more about the history and traditions of the St. Patrick’s Day holiday here.
Easy Free Printable St Patrick’s Day Word Scramble
For St. Patrick’s Day parties with family, friends or in the classroom, our Easy Free Printable St Patrick’s Day Word Scramble is a simple fun activity to keep everyone entertained. And on the topic of St. Patrick’s Day!
Here’s an image of our Easy Free Printable St Patrick’s Day Word Scramble. We also have an answer sheet that you can save too.
Click the link the download button to print in better resolution. Our file includes both the word scramble and an answer key. Print whatever you need!
St Patrick’s Day Word Scramble Answer Key
Spoiler alert! This is the key to our Easy Free Printable St Patrick’s Day Word Scramble.
- Shamrock
- Irish
- Luck
- Gold
- Ireland
- Leprechaun
- Clover
- Pot
- Celtic
- Green
- March
- Rainbow
More Free St Patrick’s Day Printables
Remember to check out our compilation of 15 Awesome St Patrick’s Day Free Printables for Kids too!
Download Free Printable St. Patrick’s Day Word Scramble
Here’s the link you need to use to print below the Free Thanksgiving Word Scramble.
Note: Be sure to download this file at the link below and then hit print. This link below will let you print everything so you have high resolution. Enjoy!
Good luck and Happy St. Patty’s Day! May the luck of the Irish be with you today and everyday!
2024 Free Printable Electoral College Map 16 Oct 2024 12:17 PM (6 months ago)
It’s voting season! Utilize our NEW 2024 Free Printable Electoral College Map to track the progress and predict a winner. The Presidential election is almost here and this race is likely to be very historic. Using our new 2024 Free Printable Electoral College Map is an excellent way to engage your family or your students in the election process.
Note: The 2024 Free Printable Electoral College Map reflects the new changes to the Electoral College votes as designated by the 2020 Census results.
Here’s a preview image of the 2024 Free Printable Electoral College Map that showcases by the number of electoral votes allotted to each individual state across the USA. Download below!
Are you celebrating all things election oriented? Enjoy our curated list of the 15 Best Election Books for Kids. Our list features both non-fiction and fiction titles, along with some beloved classic characters! Check our election book list for kids here.
This new 2024 Free Printable Electoral College Map is a great resource to help both younger and older students better understand how the Electoral College process works in the Presidential election. The 2024 Free Printable Electoral College Map is attached below so you can view and print.
Changes by State to the 2024 Electoral College Votes
The 2024 Free Printable Electoral College Map reflects the new changes to the Electoral College votes as designated by the 2020 Census results.
Thirteen states gained or lost electoral votes following the 2020 Census:
- Texas gained two votes.
- Colorado, Florida, Montana, North Carolina, and Oregon each gained one.
- California, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia each lost one.
How does the Electoral College Work?
The electoral college process is confusing for adults and children to understand. It’s definitely more complicated than just thinking about the popular vote! To understand the electoral college in a nutshell:
2024 Free Printable Electoral College Map
Download, print and enjoy this 2024 Free Printable Electoral College Map. Use the link below to print and preview the image of our 2024 Free Printable Electoral College map here.
Tip: Simply download this PDF at the link below and then hit print. Using this link below will let you print everything so you have a high resolution printable. Enjoy!
This 2024 Free Printable Electoral College Map image shows the electoral votes allocated to each state if you are keeping your own tally of the 2024 Presidential election.
Historic Electoral College Presidential Election Results
C-SPAN offers incredible election resources and analysis of past elections. Reviewing this map, you can see both the popular vote and electoral college vote results from 1900-2020! WOW! I found this fascinating and a really insightful way to look at historic past elections while comparing to the recent Trump vs. Biden in 2020.
Take a peek at this screenshot below showing historic results.
I’ll look forward to reviewing their upcoming analysis of Kamala Harris vs. Trump as I think this trusted news source will be timely and factual.
Amazing Online Interactive Electoral College Map
Watch the electoral college play out with this tool. Use the map before the election to predict a winner or input live results with this interactive online electoral college map.
Additional Election Resources for Students
PBS provides excellent videos and online resources for teachers and students to help them engage in civics. The Election Collection is literally “Election Central”.
Check out this link from PBS to their “Election Central”. This is full of free online educational materials all about the election perfect for students of all ages.
Free Valley Forge Audio Tour 21 Jul 2024 11:37 AM (8 months ago)
Uncover the Rich History of Valley Forge with the Free GPS-Enabled Audio Tour: A Must-Have Experience
Utilize this Free Valley Forge Audio Tour if you’re looking for a way to make your visit to Valley Forge truly unforgettable. The Free Valley Forge Audio Tour is a free GPS-enabled audio tour that is an absolute game-changer. As someone who loves to dive deep into history and enjoys seamless, user-friendly experiences, I can confidently say this audio tour is a must-have for anyone exploring Valley Forge.
We created this Free Valley Forge Audio Tour to make history easily accessible to all visitors to Valley Forge National Park. Check out a few of reasons why visitors are raving about this fantastic resource.
Free Valley Forge Audio Tour
Immersive Historical Experience Like No Other
This Free Valley Forge audio tour offers an immersive journey through one of America’s most significant historical sites. The tour is designed to bring the area to life through captivating stories and expert narration, revealing the rich tapestry of events that unfolded here. The GPS-enabled feature ensures that as you walk or drive through the park, the audio clips play automatically, giving you context-specific information right when you need it. This hands-free experience is perfect for those who want to soak in the history without constantly fiddling with their device.
Perfect for Both Hikers and Drivers
Whether you prefer to explore on foot or by car, this audio tour caters to all preferences. As a hiker, I appreciated the freedom to wander through the extensive trail network while still receiving detailed historical insights. For drivers, the tour provides a convenient way to cover more ground without missing out on important Valley Forge landmarks. The GPS integration means the audio commentary is always relevant to your exact location, making the tour both efficient and engaging.
An Educational Treasure Trove for Schools
Teachers and school groups, take note: this audio tour is an invaluable educational tool. It provides a comprehensive overview of Valley Forge’s historical significance in a way that is both engaging and accessible. The narration covers complex historical events and figures in a manner that captivates students of all ages. The tour’s self-guided nature allows for a flexible itinerary, making it easy to incorporate into any educational trip to Valley Forge.
Dive into Historical Figures and Untold Stories
One of the standout features of this audio tour is its deep dive into the lives of key historical figures and the untold stories that shaped Valley Forge. From George Washington to the unsung heroes of the Revolution, the tour paints a vivid picture of the people who played crucial roles during this pivotal time. The hidden narratives and lesser-known tales provide a richer understanding of the site’s history, making your visit even more enriching.
Experience Camp Life and Natural History
The tour doesn’t just focus on the military history of Valley Forge. It also brings to life the daily struggles and triumphs of soldiers during the harsh winter encampment through vivid, first-person accounts. Additionally, the audio guide explores the diverse geography and wildlife of the area, tracing their significance from prehistoric times to the present day. These insights add layers of context that enhance your appreciation of Valley Forge’s natural and historical landscape.
The Spirit of a Nation Forged in Adversity
The tour beautifully captures the essence of Valley Forge as a symbol of American resilience. The brutal winter of 1777-78 tested the Continental Army to its limits, and the audio tour conveys the determination and camaraderie that emerged from this adversity. This spirit of endurance and unity became a cornerstone of American identity, and the tour’s narration poignantly highlights these themes.
User-Friendly and Free for All
One of the best aspects of this audio tour is its accessibility. It’s completely free, making it available to everyone. The user-friendly design, with intuitive GPS-triggered narration and an interactive map, ensures a smooth experience for all visitors. It is the only free interactive audio tour for Valley Forge, making it an invaluable resource for history enthusiasts, casual visitors, and educational groups alike.
The free GPS-enabled audio tour of Valley Forge is an exceptional resource that enhances any visit to this historic site. Its comprehensive coverage, engaging storytelling, and user-friendly design make it a standout experience for hikers, drivers, educators, and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a seasoned history buff or just looking for a new way to explore Valley Forge, this audio tour is an absolute must-have. Download it today and embark on a journey through history that you won’t soon forget.
For more information and to access the audio tour, visit ValleyForgeAudioTour.com.
As locals to the Valley Forge area, we spend lots of time at Valley Forge National Park – enjoying runs, hikes, 4th of July Celebrations and more. Our kids have grown up learning the history by becoming Junior Park Rangers at Valley Forge too.
Learn more about the Junior Park Ranger Program at Valley Forge National Park here if you are looking for additional ways to enrich your visit to this historic National Park.
Top 10 Things To Do at the Grand Canyon: Grand Canyon Visitor’s Guide Itinerary 5 Jun 2024 1:34 AM (10 months ago)
Absolutely spectacular! We created this checklist of our favorite Top 10 Things To Do at the Grand Canyon during our personal family vacation last summer. The Grand Canyon is truly a wonder of the world. Below I share the activities and hikes that made up our basic itinerary. We spent 2 nights on the Rim and then 1 night in the Canyon at Phantom Ranch and enjoyed every second of this amazing National Park Adventure.
Top 10 Things To Do at the Grand Canyon
In no particular order, check out our list of favorite activities and hikes from our vacation at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. We did all of the below items on this list during our Grand Canyon vacation. We were basically there 3 full days. Most of these activities were done in 2 days with the extra full day including our hike down the South Kaibab trail into the Canyon, our overnight stay at Phantom Ranch, and then climbing out of the Canyon on Bright Angel Trail. We spent all kinds of extra time meandering the Rim Trail, enjoying views, and poking about and exploring the historic buildings but I figured we’d share the highlights and MUST DO attractions with everyone.
Tip: We used the free buses to travel between many of the points along the rim near the Visitor Center and to get access to the South Kaibab Trailhead for our hikes. However, you’ll want to take your own car out to the Desert View Watch Tower so you can travel at your own pace and schedule since it’s a 22 mile drive in each direction.
Here’s a free pocket map to the Grand Canyon South Rim that you can easily print from the National Parks website.
Watch the Free Movie at the Visitor Center
When you first arrive at the park, pop into the main visitor center to catch your first view of the Canyon, grab some maps, and watch the free movie about the Grand Canyon to give everyone in the family a little more background info on your adventure!
Walk the South Rim Trail of Time (Beginner hike – Paved, flat and basic!)
Learn about all the various layers of rock on this trail of time as you walk a path that explains over 1 billion years of the canyons rock layers! It’s an easy walk -paved, flat, and full of gorgeous views from the Rim. For those just stopping by for a few hours, a rim walk gives you a great taste of the canyon.
We walked from Verkamps Visitor Center (near Bright Angel) all the way to the Geology Museum and the took a bus back to the Bright Angel area where were spending the night and dining.
You can walk from the Yavapai Geology museum, backward in time from today toward the oldest rock in Grand Canyon, Elves Chasm gneiss (1,840 million years old) or begin east of Verkamp’s Visitor Center, walking forward in time from 1,840 million years ago toward the youngest rock in the Grand Canyon, Kaibab Limestone (270 million years old).
Hike a portion of the South Kaibab Trail
Note: The South Kaibab Trail is Steep & more Challenging than the Rim Trail or Easy Bright Angel Trail. But the views and vistas are absolutely worth it. My 10 and 12 year old children hiked this perfectly fine, but I wouldn’t recommend it for my 70 year old Mom who isn’t stable when hiking on uneven surfaces.
This trail is my most favorite trail at the Grand Canyon. It’s incredibly scenic with extraordinary vistas. Without going too far, your able to get a magnificent views that that far surpass those on the Bright Angel Trail. The views from both Ooh Ahh Point and especially Cedar Ridge feel like 360 degree views at the hike takes you OUT into the Canyon so you are surrounded by beauty everywhere.
Options for a small day hike on the South Kaibab include hiking to either of these 2 spots. Ooh Ahh point comes first and if you are feeling energetic continue on to Cedar Ridge.
Ooh Aah Point – Round trip is 1.8 miles.
This is a fantastic spot to view sunrise. We arrived here in time to watch the sunrise on our hike down to Phantom Ranch. We also hiked down South Kaibab for a roundtrip hike to Ooh Aah Point and back to the rim the day before our big hike just to give the kids a feel for our hike, the views, and make them more comfortable with the experience.
Cedar Ridge – Round trip 3 miles
You’ll pass Ooh Aah Point if you continue on to Cedar Ridge. There’s a pretty crazy awesome 360 degree view from this vantage point as there is a giant trail that juts out at the Cedar Ridge point. Cedar Ridge has pit toilets too if you need to use them!
Look at this view from Cedar Ridge!
Tip: Remember it can take some people twice as long to climb up as it takes to go down. I will say that I think it all depends on your fitness level, we actually climbed up from Ooh Aah Point faster than it took us to climb down to it!
You can download a free Grand Canyon online trip planner that lists all the various hikes, distances, facilities, and safety information.
Grab an Ice Cream Cone at the Bright Angel Fountain
Along the South Rim walk and just outside the Bright Angel Lodge is a cute little ice cream shop. Grab a refreshing ice cream cone while you enjoys views along the rim trail or treat yourself after your big hike is finished! We ate here on our first day while enjoying the views of the Grand Canyon and immediately after climbing up 11 miles from the Colorado River!
Visit the Desert View Watchtower
It’s about a 22 mile ride from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to this incredible viewpoint. You’ll be able to see for what feels like hundreds of miles along with catching lots of views of the Colorado River. On a clear day, they say you really can see well over 100 miles! Architect Mary Colter designed the Desert View Watchtower in 1932 in the style of Ancestral Puebloan towers. Climb the watch tower and soak up the history. Climb 85 steps for a 360° view from the observation deck 70 ft (21 m) above. It’s awesome!
During your drive out to the Desert View Watchtower you can pull over the car to enjoy various stunning and gorgeous vistas. We took a bunch of quick 5 minute stops during our ride to appreciate the scenery and take photos of the Grand Canyon. Every angle always seems more magnificent than the next!
Visit the Tusayan Museum
During our ride out to Desert View Watchtower, we stopped to see these ancient ruins that are only 3 miles west of Desert View. There’s a very short walking trail that you can loop around to see what remains of this Ancestral Puebloan village. At one point this was a thriving community over 2,000-4,000 years ago that made pottery, arrowheads and other household artifacts. You can check out some of these artifacts that still survive today in the museum too.
Depending on your mood and interest in history, this can easily be a quick visit and is worth the stop on your way out to Desert View. We probably spent 20 minutes here enjoying the ruins and tiny museum collection.
Collect Stamps for Your National Parks Passport
Many of the various view points and museums along the entire South Rim offer unique stamps for the National Park Passports. My kids loved visited all the various locations to grab stamps from each point we visited from the Tusayan Museum to the Desert Watchtower to Bright Angel Lodge and more!
Grab Breakfast at El Tovar
The El Tovar hotel is the Grand Canyon’s oldest, most historic, and most expensive hotel and restaurant. It first opened it’s doors in 1905! Presidents have stayed here and the lobby is rustic and feels like a throwback to a stay at the Grand Canyon in the early 1900’s! The food is fabulous & the view off the deck is amazing. A great way to maximize your budget but to also experience dining at the El Tovar is to dine there for breakfast. We devoured the most amazing delicious breakfast at El Tovar. Our early bird family didn’t have a reservation, but since we wake up at the crack of dawn and were still on East Coast time, we arrived right when the restaurant opened and had no problem getting in to dine.
The food was wonderful, gluten free pancakes were available for my 10 year old son with celiac, and the breakfast prices were affordable relative to their other meals.
Visit the Yavapi Geology Museum
You’ll catch a glimpse of the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch campground area from this vantage point and of course can enjoy all the geological information and exhibits in the museum. You could also start or finish your Trail of Time Rim walk from this location. Remember to bring those passports so you can collect stamps at all the locations!
Star Gazing
There’s no better view of the Milky Way than at the Grand Canyon. It’s crazy stunning at night. The Grand Canyon has very little light pollution and is a Dark Sky park so I promise you’ll be WOWED by the stars if it’s a clear evening. You can read more about the Grand Canyon Night Skies here.
Bonus: Stay at Phantom Ranch
If time allows, an overnight stay at Phantom Ranch is an absolute lifetime bucket list adventure. Hike to the Colorado River from the Rim on the South Kaibab Trail which is 8 miles to Phantom Ranch, then stay overnight in a cabin at Phantom Ranch before climbing back out of the Canyon the next day which is 11 miles up Bright Angel Trail from Phantom Ranch. Our stay at Phantom Ranch and this round trip hike was the absolute highlight of our vacation!
You can read our Phantom Ranch Cabin Tour and Review post here.
Discovering the Magic of Gluten-Free Dining at Disney World 2 Apr 2024 4:45 PM (last year)
Embarking on a culinary adventure at Disney World as a gluten-free diner can seem daunting at first. However, Disney’s dedication to accommodating various dietary needs transforms this challenge into a delightful journey through their theme parks and resorts. My recent escapade into the world of gluten-free dining at Disney World revealed a treasure trove of delectable options that didn’t make me feel like I was missing out on the magic. Here’s a glimpse into my gluten-free dining diary:
At Be Our Guest Restaurant
- Potato Leek Soup: A creamy, comforting start that set the stage for an enchanting meal.
- Dry-Aged Pork Chop: Perfectly cooked, this dish was a testament to the quality Disney puts into its gluten-free offerings.
- Dessert Trio: A sweet symphony of a chocolate tart, a rich dark chocolate truffle, and a zesty lemon jam macaron, all crafted to perfection and, of course, gluten-free.
Beach Club Marketplace
- Gluten-Free Mickey Waffles: Breakfast transformed into a magical experience with these iconic waffles, fluffy and golden, proving that gluten-free doesn’t mean fun-free.
Epcot’s Global Offerings
- Chicken Tacos at La Cantina de San Angelo: A flavorful escape to Mexico, these tacos were a gluten-free fiesta in my mouth.
- Gluten-Free Buckwheat Crêpes at La Crêperie de Paris: These crêpes broke the stereotype that gluten-free means compromising on taste, offering a genuine slice of Parisian delight.
Dolphin Hotel’s Rosa Mexicano Restaurant
- Chicken Tacos and Chips and Guacamole: A repeat performance of the delicious chicken tacos, accompanied by perfectly seasoned guacamole and chips, proving that gluten-free dining can be as rich and varied as any traditional fare.
Out-of-this-World Dining at Space 220 Restaurant
- Big Bang Burrata Mozzarella Salad: A refreshing and light option that felt both healthy and indulgent.
- Gemini Burger: A savory masterpiece that left no room for missing gluten.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
- Macaroni and Cheese: A comfort food classic, made gluten-free without sacrificing the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Pizza Rizzo at Hollywood Studios
- Gluten-Free Cheese Pizza: A theme park classic reimagined for the gluten-free diner, proving that you don’t have to skip on theme park staples.
Disney World’s array of gluten-free dining options left me amazed and satisfied after every meal. From the thematic enchantment of Be Our Guest Restaurant to the global tastes of Epcot and the comforting classics at the resorts, Disney ensures that every guest, regardless of dietary restrictions, can indulge in the culinary magic of their world-renowned parks and resorts. Whether you’re exploring the galaxy at Space 220 or enjoying a leisurely breakfast with Mickey Waffles at the Beach Club, Disney World is a haven for gluten-free gourmands.
Navigating gluten-free dining at Disney World can be a seamless and enjoyable experience with a little preparation and knowledge. First and foremost, always communicate your dietary restrictions to the staff. Disney employees are well-trained to handle special dietary needs, ensuring that your dining experience is both safe and magical.
Most restaurants across the Disney World Resort have dedicated gluten-free menus or options that can be tailored to your needs. From quick-service spots to fine dining establishments, the range of gluten-free choices is impressive. Don’t hesitate to ask for the gluten-free menu or inquire about how a dish can be modified to accommodate your dietary requirements.
Moreover, Disney’s mobile ordering system allows you to filter menu options by allergens, making it easier to find suitable meals on the go. This feature is a game-changer for gluten-free diners looking for quick and hassle-free meals.
Additionally, many Disney World bakeries and snack counters now offer gluten-free desserts and snacks, ensuring that you won’t miss out on the sweet side of Disney dining. From gluten-free cookies to cupcakes, there’s no shortage of treats to enjoy.
Lastly, planning ahead by reviewing menus online and making dining reservations can enhance your dining experience, allowing you to enjoy the vast array of gluten-free options Disney World has to offer. With these tips, your Disney dining adventure will be as carefree as it is delicious, proving that a gluten-free diet doesn’t mean missing out on the magic of Disney.