Now that it’s officially summer and the kids are out of school, that means it’s family vacation time. Planning for a family vacation is fun but it can also be a bit tricky. You want to find a place that everyone will enjoy while staying within a reasonable budget.
Finding that balance between affordability and fun doesn’t have to be a frustrating exercise in futility. It is possible to find both, if you know where to look. Before you start your search for a summer vacation spot, consider these places.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Primarily located on Mount Desert Island, the largest island off Maine’s coastline, the natural beauty of Acadia National Park is a wonder to behold. On top of that, the park has offerings and activities for adults and kids to enjoy.
The entire family can go horseback riding, take a carriage tour through the park, swim, and ride bikes. After the sun sets, there’s the opportunity to stargaze. Kids have the opportunity to become Junior Rangers by attending programs and completing activities within the park,
Colorado Springs, Colorado
If a summer vacation to Colorado Springs wasn’t on your bingo card, it will be once you hear about all the available family fun. Spend time at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and ride the Mountaineer Sky Ride or feed the giraffes, rhinos, and elephants.
Take a step back in time to the Old West by visiting the Flying W Ranch, where you can watch Native American dancers, learn how to rope cattle, and have an authentic chuckwagon supper. The Cave of the Winds is another popular attraction that the whole family will want to explore.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is famous worldwide, but were you aware of the other attraction located in the park? You can book a white water rafting trip on the Colorado River for a half day, full day, or ranging from three to 21 days.
Campgrounds are available on the North and South Rims, Kids at least 9 years of age and 57 inches tall can participate in guided mule trips, and everyone can embark on a walking tour of a historic village, with buildings more than 100 years old.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The name Myrtle Beach is practically synonymous with family fun. The things to do are only limited by your imagination. With 60 miles of beachfront, there’s plenty of space for lounging, swimming, and dine at one of the area restaurants.
The city also has an abundance of indoor attractions, like the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, the Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show, and the ICONIC show at the Alabama Theater, where kids attend for free.
Niagara Falls, New York
The majestic Niagara Falls is a sight to behold. You may go to see the waterfalls, but your family will want to stay for the other experiences. If you want to see the waterfalls from places other than the observation tower, ride the Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley.
For a closer view of Niagara Falls, take a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat. At the Aquarium of Niagara, you and the kids can have an up-close look at exotic aquatic life, attend educational programs, and have the opportunity to participate in feedings.
Ocean City, Maryland
What’s better than a vacation destination with ample family attractions? A vacation destination with free family attractions. Every Wednesday during the summer, Ocean City, Maryland has family-friendly movies on the beach, and much more.
Throughout select nights in July and August are the Ocean City beach dance parties and fireworks displays.The Sunset Park free concert series gives you the chance to watch the sunset as you listen to music, and every Sunday from June to August, you can enjoy ice cream sundaes in Northside Park.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks of North Carolina are known for their family and pet friendly beaches, and there are numerous things to do on the beach and inland. On the beach you can race down the sand dunes or fly a kite with Kitty Hawk Kites & Adventures.
Further inland, the family can have hours of fun at Jumpmasters Trampoline Park, which also has a ninja obstacle course and foam pit. Afterwards, the kids can cool down at the Meekins Field Splash Pad in nearby Kill Devil Hills.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
The home of Dollywood theme and amusement park, Pigeon Forge has the beauty and charm of the Smoky Mountains. While the amusement park may be the most famous place to visit, there are numerous other family friendly activities.
Arcades, miniature golf, and a 10-track go kart racing course is just the beginning of the fun for the entire family. Kids and parents alike will enjoy attending the youth baseball tournaments held nine months out of the year at the Ripken Experience Pigeon Forge.
The Catskills, New York
When you bring your family to vacation in The Catskills, you have different lodging options, including camping, family farm stays, and all-inclusive family resorts. The hardest part of planning a trip there is choosing where you want to stay.
The family can get in touch with nature engaging in any number of outdoor activities, including horseback riding through the mountains, Hiking, fishing and fly fishing, biking, hiking, or taking in breathtaking views of the waterfalls are also available.
Washington, D.C.
Our nation’s capital is a history buff’s dream, with historical sites like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. There are also many free attractions that appeal to everyone in the family, regardless of age.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, the Discovery Theater at the National Mall, and the Smithsonian Institution are just a few examples of the locations to visit in D.C., free of charge!
Williamsburg, Virginia
When you think of Wlliamsburg, Virginia, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Colonial Williamsburg. What you may not be aware of are the other family friendly things to do while vacationing there.
The NES Family Entertainment Venue has games, food, a gift shop, and friendly competitions. Bowlero is a bowling alley with 40 lanes, with bumper and extreme bowling as options. The family can cool down at Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is so large, it’s located in three states: Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
The first national park is a wonderful site for families to bond with each other and take in the park’s natural features.
On the water, you can fish or go on a boating excursion. On land, you can visit the famous geysers and hot springs, go camping, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, and view the animals in their natural habitat, from a safe distance.