The kids can complete the requirements of the National Park Service’s Junior Ranger program during “Yellowstone for Families.” The four-night program offers animal tracking, wildlife watching, photography, painting and hiking for families with children ages 8-12. Running twice a week, Sunday-Thursday and Thursday-Monday, June 1-Sept. 1, the package includes lodging, four breakfasts and four lunches, transportation within the park, naturalist-led activities and optional evening programs. Prices are $545 for adults, $333 for children. Sessions are based at Mammoth Hot Springs and Grant Village. Transportation to Mammoth or Grant Village in Wyoming is on your own. (307-344-5566; www.yellowstoneassociation.org)
COWBOYS IN PARADISE
The Big Island’s 200,000-acre Parker Ranch now offers horseback rides in the shadow of mighty Mauna Kea. Families with kids as young as 7 can saddle up for this Hawaiian cowboy experience, with no expertise required. Offered three times daily, the $79 ride lasts up to two hours. (808-885-5006) . . . Another way to take in operations at this working ranch is on a covered-wagon trip, where Belgian draft horses do the pulling. The 45-minute ride runs Tuesday-Saturday and costs $15 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under. (808-885-7655; www.parkerranch.com)
TAKE A HIKE
Grandkids ages 6-12 and grandparents of any age are invited to Stump Sprouts Lodge in West Hawley, Mass., for “Get to Know Your Grandchildren,” Aug. 3-8. Hiking, swimming, sightseeing and museum visits in nearby towns are on the roster for this Sierra Club-sponsored getaway, which costs $595 for adults and $495 for kids. Price includes accommodation, all meals and activities. Transportation to the lodge is on your own. . . . Grandparents and parents are definitely not invited on a different Sierra Club outing, “Teen Girls Backpack Adventure in Yosemite National Park.” This July 21-27 trek in California is just for girls entering grades 9-12, and they should be either experienced backpackers or “strong, spirited beginners” with their own sleeping bags and tents. The trip costs $425, including leadership and meals. Departure is from Glacier Point in the park. (415-977-5522; www.sierraclub.org/outings/national)
DIGGING MONTANA
Between 65 and 68 million years ago, the triceratops, tyrannosaur and hadrosaur roamed the land in what is now eastern Montana. Today professional paleontologists hunt for their remains, and amateurs are invited to join them June 7-14 on “Paleotrek 2003,” a one-week geological dig open to adults and families with teenagers 16 and older. The cost is $1,950, covering lodging, all meals, lectures, local transportation, training, equipment and round-trip air from St. Louis. Registration deadline is May 16. Sponsored by the St. Louis Science Center and the Eastern Missouri Society of Paleontology, the Paleotrek dig is near Jordan, Mont. (314-289-4429)
DON’T PET THE IGUANAS
On the rocky shores of the Galapagos, thousands of marine iguanas warm themselves in the sun and sea lions frolic in the shallow waters nearby. To help families take in these natural wonders, Metropolitan Touring is offering several special cruises with a family coordinator on board and a 50 percent discount for children and teens under 18. The discount applies to certain three-, four- and seven-night sailings with departures June 23-July 15. Full rates range from $998 to $3,826, depending on the cruise length, vessel and cabin type. The fee covers accommodation, all meals, activities, guides and airport transfers. Round-trip air fare to Galapagos National Park and the $100 park entrance fee are extra. Minimum age is 6. (800-527-2500; www.metropolitan-touring.com)
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Lodging and tour prices generally are per person double and based on availability.
