Many parents swear their second child is the wild one. Here’s what experts — and a few very tired moms — say about the feral second child theory.

Somewhere between “family vacation” and “mom’s breaking point” is Bass Lake, and yes — it’s worth packing the car for. The Pines Resort is the only full-service resort in the Yosemite area that’s actually on the lake, which means mornings on the water (even in the fall), evenings by the firepit, and absolutely no guilt about not hiking.

You can stay in a two-story cabin (with a kitchen, because kids) or a lakeside suite with a balcony that feels like your own calm corner of California. The nearby village has everything you need within walking distance — coffee, dinner, maybe a souvenir you’ll actually like. Whether you’re here with the whole crew or sneak away solo, this is the kind of trip that reminds you of what vacations are supposed to feel like. Bonus: There’s no buyer’s remorse when the view looks like a postcard.