# @kristenkeogh on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CcN_3Ztp544
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/19561230-kristenkeogh-instagram
- **Posted:** 2022-04-11T17:27:41.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Kristen Keogh (@kristenkeogh) — https://gondola.cc/kristenkeogh

## Caption

Actually I do.

And I want you to know that parenthood does not have to put an end to spontaneity!

Here are some tips for how I spontaneously but responsibly planned a national parks trip with my little: 

-Go to a region you’ve been to before kids. I had never been to Bryce Canyon but I had been to the region before so I knew of nearby towns with lodging, food and all the provisions we could need if something went wrong.

-If you are lodging and trip protection is an option, just buy it! You will feel more confident in your last minute booking if you know you won’t lose all your money should you or your kids get sick, work issues come up, etc.

-Building on # 1… Always be prepared for another plan if your situation doesn’t pass the vibe check. If I go to a hotel or campground and get *that* vibe, I’m out. I always know where the next town is for a hotel stay, have cash on hand, snacks and drinks ready for more time in the car and you know me… If I have to, I’m ready to camp in the car with my kiddo. You should never stay in a place your gut is telling you to leave.

-Keep an open mind and lower those expectations for how you think it all should go… the magic will always unfold in the ways you did *not* expect. I was so excited for my son to see his first national park and go right to the visitor center to stamp his passport. He slept for the first two hours so instead we went on a scenic drive while he snoozed! You wanted to hike but your kid isn’t having it? Find a spot with space to run around and have a picnic instead. There are always options if you’re willing to just let go of that “perfect” plan you had in your head.

-Ask for help!! Not sure which hike your little can handle? Wondering if you can take a stroller on the shuttle at the park? How far is the parking lot from the trailhead? You can typically download a parks map on the website ahead of time, call the park rangers at the park or the folks at recreation.gov & ask social media content creators when you’re researching and come across their posts about your destination (that’s what we are here for!) 

Things will not go as planned and that’s part of the adventure! 

#adventureswithkids #familyfun

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## Tags

adventureswithkids, familyfun

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