Skip to content

The Blog

Join our adventures

Fall in Southern Illinois

We explored the beautiful region of Southern Illinois earlier this month. It is just 2 hours from St. Louis, making it such a great family-friendly adventure! I partnered with Southern
Read More

A Weekend in Southern Illinois

We explored the beautiful region of Southern Illinois this weekend, and just 2 hours from St. Louis! We went with two other families (Jordan Smith & Eliza Donelson) and all
Read More

Best Midwest Beach: Clear Lake

Earlier this month, we drove to Clear Lake, Iowa and we were blown away by this surprising summer destination. Who knew there was such a great beach close to us?!
Read More

Summer in Branson

We headed to Branson for a long weekend and it was such a great trip! There is something so magical about this area. This was our family’s first time visiting
Read More

Family Adventure Camp at Summit

We experienced the most magical week at Family Adventure Camp at Summit Bechtel Reserve (click here for my 10% discount code). Mark and I loaded our four daughters up in
Read More

The Four Best NW Arkansas Bike Trails

We recently took our 4 daughters on a 55-mile bike adventure in Northwest Arkansas. Starting in Fayetteville, we rode north to Springdale and then ended in Bentonville. It was an
Read More

Northwest Arkansas Biking Adventure

Our family loaded up our bikes and drove to NW Arkansas for an awesome biking adventure! We started in Fayetteville and rode the Razorback Greenway to Springdale and ended in
Read More
family hikes in Illinois

6 Best Family Hikes in Illinois

I continue to be amazed by all the beauty just outside of our doors. We’ve been exploring more of Illinois the past couple of years and I’m hooked by the
Read More

A Weekend in Overland Park

We explored Overland Park and had such a great time. It is just 3.5 hours from St. Louis. Below is our itinerary! It was very family-friendly (my kids are aged
Read More

A Weekend in Sainte Genevieve

We explored Sainte Genevieve for the weekend and it was unbelievable! It is just one hour from St. Louis and this city is full of so much history and charm.
Read More

Low Effort Snow Activities

It is our second snow day this week in St. Louis, so I thought it would be fun to share some low-effort snow activities! These were relatively easy to set
Read More

A Weekend in Green Bay

We visited Green Bay and it was just the best experience! Not only was it within driving ditance, but it was so family-friendly! Below is our 3 day itinerary. I
Read More
  • I’m an elementary school teacher turned stay-at-home mom, but I’m rarely home. I'd rather be outside exploring!
  • I’m a Wisconsin native and have lived in Missouri for over a decade now.
  • My husband and I have hiked with our 4 daughters on over 250 Midwest trails since the onset of the pandemic.
  • I hope to encourage families to see all of the beauty that St. Louis and Missouri have to offer!
  • I believe it is a childhood rite of passage to learn how to sleep through a tent zipper.

Stephanie - Explore STL Parks