Running barefoot through river bottoms hunting dinosaur tracks

Early November brought an adventure we’ll cherish forever—a four-day extended weekend to Dinosaur Valley State Park with our best friends and their kids. It was a getaway packed with laughter, exploration, and, most importantly, uninterrupted family time.

The Camping Life

We set up camp with our RVs, embracing the full camping experience. The kids zipped around on scooters and bikes, giggling as they raced each other. Mealtime was a treat, with campfire classics like roasted hot dogs, foil packet dinners, and, of course, gooey s'mores that left sticky smiles all around.

Evenings by the fire were magical—stories, laughter, and the warm glow of the flames dancing in the cool November air. It felt like a scene straight out of a childhood dream, one where time slows down, and all that matters is the moment.

Adventures in the Wild

Our days were filled with exploration. The kids climbed massive cedar trees with low-hanging branches perfect for little adventurers. We hiked the Monarch Trail, marveling at the natural beauty around us. The woods became a playground, and the kids let their imaginations run wild.

We also visited the dinosaur museum, where the kids tried (and failed hilariously) to pronounce the scientific names of various dinosaurs. By the end of the trip, we’d all perfected our dino stances and rawrs, much to the amusement of anyone within earshot.

The River Bottoms

But the highlight of our trip was running barefoot through the river bottoms, hunting for dinosaur tracks. There were two locations we explored. One was nicknamed "The Ballroom," where countless footprints made it seem as if dinosaurs had held a grand dance, leaving their marks behind to show us how to move. The other location featured a massive single print, a humbling reminder of the giants that once roamed this earth.

Seeing my kids darting through the river, their eyes alight with excitement and wonder, was a moment I’ll never forget. They were wild and free, their laughter echoing through the valley. We joked, we splashed, and we marveled at the world’s history beneath our feet.

Unplugged and Reconnected

My favorite part of the trip? No cell service. Not a single bar. No YouTube, no texting, no online games—just us. We reconnected in a way that’s hard to describe. We talked, we laughed, and we just were. It was a reminder of how precious these moments are and how important it is to truly be present with your family.

Just Do It!

Yes, I am that mom. Get out there and get your feet wet! YOU CAN DO IT!

This blog isn’t about convincing you to visit Dinosaur Valley State Park (though you absolutely should—it’s incredible). It’s about encouraging you to take family time seriously. Put the phone down. Step away from the screens. Be with your children and your partner. Run barefoot in river bottoms, climb trees, laugh until your sides hurt. Create memories that will last long after the trip is over.

You won’t regret it. Whether it’s at Flyin H Ranch or somewhere new, make the time. Be a family. The world can wait while you make memories that will never fade.