Summer is here and the kids are out of school, so you know what that means: it’s time for a summer vacation! If you’re looking for a little inspiration for where to take the family this summer, check out these four ideas for a memorable family trip.
A Hawaiian Getaway
It’s nearly unheard of for kids to not have a good time in Hawaii. From the kids’ clubs you’ll find at most resorts to warm beaches and endless kid-friendly activities, there’s a good reason Hawaii is such a popular family vacation destination. Be sure to look for a resort with plenty of amenities for kids and teens, so the young ones can burn off energy with water sports and camp activities while Mom and Dad lounge by the pool and soak up the sun. Throughout the islands, you’ll find plenty of hiking trails, natural wonders and attractions (including museums and aquariums) for your family to enjoy.
Sunny SoCal
Whether the family lives for theme parks, sunny beaches or fun museums, you’ll find plenty to do with the kids in Southern California. Theme parks like Disneyland, LEGOLAND and Universal Studios are especially kid-friendly, while the thrilling roller coasters at Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain will excite your older thrill-seekers. Down in San Diego, you can take the entire family to feed dolphins and watch the marine shows at SeaWorld.
Beaches along the coast offer SoCal’s quintessential sun, sand and surf, whether you choose to hang out on the shores of Newport Beach or the famed pier at Santa Monica. You’ll also find museums like the California Science Center in Los Angeles and the Discovery Science Center in Orange County particularly well-suited for young visitors.
Camp Out
Why not some family memories around the campfire this summer with a camping trip? Notable parks like Rocky Mountain National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Yosemite National Park offer both natural beauty and outdoor activities, creating an environment where your family can unplug and reconnect. Or, you can inject a little water fun into your trip by pitching your tents along the Great Lakes, Big Bear or Lake Tahoe. Don’t forget the s’mores!
Road Trip
There’s probably nothing more synonymous with a summer vacation with the family than a road trip. You may want to see a historic site like the Grand Canyon, Mississippi River or Mount Rushmore, or you can take the family on a nostalgic trip back in time along Route 66. The great thing about taking a road trip is the flexibility – you can simply pick a destination within driving distance, load up the car and hit the road. Pack plenty of snacks and entertainment options (like video players, games or audiobooks), and be sure to plan for plenty of rest stops along the way.
(Main image: Mr Phil Price used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)
