Question: Armen Changizian asks: We are taking the kids on a road trip with the Grand Canyon as the final destination. The starting point is from Newberg, Oregon, on March 19 in the early a.m. and will need to end on March 28. Can you make some recommendations as to things to see and do on our trip?  The Kids are 15, 12 and 10 and love seeing new things. We have already made the Zion/Bryce trip. Any tips and special things to see on the way would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: Judy Mest, travel planner at the AAA office in Portland, Ore., answers: Since you've already traveled through Utah, perhaps the best route to follow this year would be down I-5. Since weather can still be challenging this time of year, driving through the I-5 corridor will pose fewer issues related to snow/ice. A good first stop would be in Sacramento, Calif. If you have the time to spare, there is a wonderful museum called the California State Railroad Museum located in Old Sacramento, which is a 28-acre National Historic Landmark District and is very family oriented. The museum is designated as a AAA GEM attraction.

Only 45 minutes to the Southwest, I would recommend a trip to Fairfield, Calif., to the Jelly Belly Factory. You can take tours that show how these famous candies are made. I would then recommend that you travel east and visit both Yosemite National Park and to the south, Sequoia National Park. There are many small towns sprinkled throughout this area and you're sure to find nice lodgings, great views and pleasant journeys. 

Next on the must see list, is Lake Havasu City, Ariz., where the London Bridge has been reassembled. If the weather is nice, there are many water sports available on the lake itself. Last on the list is a trip to Williams, Ariz., to take a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway to the Rim. Did you know that the average family member actually only spends about 13-18 minutes looking at the Canyon once they arrive? The Grand Canyon Railway offers two- and three-night packages that can make your visit memorable! There are very nice discounts for AAA members which you'll find on AAA.com/Travel.

If the weather turns out to be 'snow-free,' I would recommend that you journey home via Salt Lake City, Utah; Boise, Idaho, and Baker City, Ore., (where you could visit the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center). Salt Lake City's Temple Square, another AAA GEM attraction, is very historic and worth an educational visit. If the weather is dicey, perhaps returning through Las Vegas, Nev., and Reno, Nev., (through the high desert) would be an enjoyable way to return home. There are lots of amenities for kids in Las Vegas, and lodging rates are especially good at this time. After Reno, traveling through Bend, Ore., will provide a beautifully scenic drive home. 

If you do choose to visit more than one National Park, you'll want to ask the Rangers at the entrance about obtaining an Annual Pass.