Fun Family Vacation Ideas

School is almost out, and it’s that time of year again. Are you starting to think about where you will take the family for their summer vacation yet? Summer vacation doesn’t necessarily have to be theme parks and crowded beaches!

Summertime is the perfect opportunity to take your family on an extended vacation. School is out, the weather is warm throughout the United States, and there are endless possibilities for fun, with perhaps a little learning thrown in for good measure! Hopefully these tips will give you a few ideas about how you want to spend your summer vacation with your family!

When you think of summer vacation, you no doubt think of the beach! A beach vacation is a great way to enjoy the warm and sunny weather, and enjoy lots of fun activities together. Florida, of course, has some of the greatest beaches around, and if you know where to go, they won’t be all that crowded! Sanibel Island, on the west coast of Florida is the perfect place to enjoy fun and relaxation at the beach. Sitting on the white sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Sanibel Island, located near Fort Myers, offers excellent snorkeling, diving, fishing, and skiing, not to mention incredible sunsets. In addition, you are within driving distance to the attractions of Tampa and Orlando.

The Panhandle of Florida has excellent beaches as well. Also on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, beaches like Fort Walton and Pensacola are beautiful and fun, and not quite as crowded as Florida’s Atlantic beaches. But if you are looking for more than just a beach vacation, you can always take your family to Orlando! Orlando is home to the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, Sea World, and a whole host of other fun attractions. It is also a short drive to the Atlantic beaches like Daytona and Cocoa Beach.

Is Florida not your cup of tea? Then consider a beach vacation on the beautiful coast of North Carolina! Beaches like Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, and Pine Knoll Shores not only feature excellent beach activities like swimming, snorkeling, and surfing, but you can also explore the diverse habitats of the area! And, when the beach gets a little to sandy for you, drive the family to the western side of the state, and enjoy the incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains! Or, go to the west coast, and visit San Diego! There, you can visit the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Legoland, and the beautiful Pacific Ocean!

Are you looking for something a little different than a beach vacation this summer? Then go west! The western United States is filled with amazing sights and natural wonders, not to mention a wealth of cultural and historical learning opportunities. Visit Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, and see Old Faithful, and hike, camp, or fish. Take the family to Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, and be in awe of this natural phenomenon. While you are there, visit a dude ranch, and learn how the real cowboys live!

Aspen, Colorado is another great family summer destination. Sure, there’s great winter skiing, but in the summertime Aspen is alive with color! Visit the Rocky Mountains and White River National Forest, where you can hike, kayak, whitewater raft, bike, and horseback ride! On the east coast, you can take the kids to the Catskills Mountains, about 100 miles north of New York City. The vistas are inspiring, and there is a myriad of outdoor recreational activities to experience!

Summer vacation can be educational as well as fun! Take the family to Washington D.C., where they can visit the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Gallery of Art, or the Smithsonian. Washington is a short distance from the beautiful coast of Maryland, so the beach won’t be too far away! Another excellent destination is Philadelphia, where your family can learn about our nation’s roots, and see Constitution Hall and the Liberty Bell. Philly is also a train ride away from New York City, where you can take the family to see all the sights, and even a Broadway show!

Summer vacation doesn’t have to be your run of the mill week at the beach! With a little inspiration, your family can do things they have never done before, see things that will inspire them, and have a whole lot of fun!