It’s that time of year again! The kids are out of school and the sun is shining. Summertime is officially upon us. It means long days of sunbathing, swimming, and neighborhood bike riding. It also means that a family vacation is in store. Your kids are eagerly anticipating a big trip, but you haven’t even decided where you’re going. Here are some of the best family friendly hot-spots that everyone will enjoy.
1. Destin Beach, Florida
Welcome to the most pristine beaches in Florida. Located in the panhandle, Destin is known for its Caribbean-like waters and silky white sands. With water sports, dolphin cruises, and lively boardwalks, it’s a beach town the whole family will love. Be sure to spend a day in Seaside, the dream-like, picturesque town where the “Truman Show” was filmed.
2. Yellowstone National Park, Montana
Enjoy the great outdoors as you camp under the stars and hike among enormous mountains and active geysers, not the least of which being Old Faithful. Go on a boating adventure or ride horseback through the woods. Back at camp, enjoy grilling burgers and roasting marshmallows over a fire pit.
3. Charlestown, South Carolina
Prepare to be awestruck when you walk down the old-time Southern streets of Charlestown. Give your kids a history lesson as they ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Take tours of famous plantations, civil war era city landmarks, and the South Carolina Aquarium.
Head to Folly Beach for some relaxation. Don’t forget to introduce your children to the region’s signature shrimp and grits at one of the many award-winning restaurants too.
4. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Get away from the heat and rent a cabin in the Smoky Mountains. Have fun exploring the mountains with hiking trips and zip-lining adventures. Spot some stunning waterfalls and go tubing down the rivers. In town, ride up the mountain in a sky ride and then head to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum for some comical amusement.
5. Paradise Island, Bahamas
Swim with dolphins, go on snorkeling explorations, and take the kids to the thrilling Atlantis water park for endless swimming and splashing. With family oriented resorts like Atlantis, parents can get quality alone time while their children are at daytime aquatic camps. Its beautiful turquoise water and exciting activities makes Paradise Island a perfect Caribbean family getaway.
6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
When you want to experience one of America’s most historic cities, Philadelphia is the place to visit. With city streets much less intimidating than those in NYC, families can keep track of one another while having that same big city experience.
Hop on a “Duck Tour” and see the city’s coolest sites. Check out the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross Museum, and Philly’s Adventure Aquarium. Then get away from the history lessons and snag some Philadelphia Phillies Tickets for some classic American baseball fun.
7. Orlando, Florida
With more than 10 exhilarating theme parks as well as entertaining dinner shows and museums, there’s an endless list of things to do in Orlando. Excite your kids when they feast their eyes on the Magic Kingdom. Teach them some world history and geography when you visit the different countries at Epcot. Make sure you don’t miss Universal Studio’s newest attraction, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
There are hundreds of family fun destinations in the United States and beyond. Your kids are bound to remember a trip to any one of these wonderful spots for years to come.