Vacationing with the entire family can be an enjoyable and memorable experience — IF you pick the right destination. Mistakenly selecting a destination that isn’t kid-friendly or doesn’t have enough activities to entertain and please everyone could lead to massive headaches. Choosing the right destinations will make a difference for the whole family.
If you’ve been wondering what to do with the kids this summer, or you’re researching vacation ideas to change up your routine, we’ve got some destinations that could definitely help the whole family.
1. The U.S. Virgin Islands
If you’re looking to take everyone somewhere with plenty of snorkeling, swimming, sandcastles, and beach fun, you need to consider this one for sure. With plenty of kid-friendly hotels in St. Thomas and Coral World Ocean Park, the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum, the Pirates Treasure Museum, and Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden, the entire family will have the time of their lives at these destinations.
2. Hawaii
Hawaii is one of those destinations that are at or near the top of any bucket list—and for a good reason. While it can be hard to select just one specific location, you really can’t go wrong with Oahu when it comes to family destinations. You can surf world-class beaches like Waikiki Beach, experience the history of Pearl Harbor, take a tour of where Jurassic Park was filmed, and enjoy all the amenities and splendor Hawaii has to offer.
3. Gulf Shores, Alabama
The ocean is a known hotspot for vacationing families, and if St. Thomas or Hawaii are outside of your budget, you may want to consider Gulf Shores, Alabama. It could be the perfect destination with fantastic beachfront vacation rentals, Sand Castle University, beautiful beaches, jet ski rentals, parasailing, excellent restaurants, and more family fun.
4. Hot Springs, Arkansas
If you and your family love spending time outside, and the beach really doesn’t interest you, Hot Springs, Arkansas, is definitely a place you should consider. Suppose hiking, biking, picnicking, and the beauty of the famous natural springs aren’t enough to hold the attention of your kids. In that case, there’s always the Magic Springs Water & Theme Park, Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum, Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo, and National Park Aquarium.
5. Mystic, Connecticut
Want to see what a shipbuilding village would have looked like in the 1800s? Skip the RV trip, and that’s what you’ll find in Mystic, Connecticut. Get ready to enjoy 30-period buildings from around New England on a 17 waterfront acre seaport with historic vessels, a ship provisioner, wooden ship workshops, and cooper demonstrations. You can even catch a few boat rides.
6. Athol, Idaho
The Silverwood theme park in Athol, Idaho, is the Pacific Northwest’s largest theme park, featuring over 70 rides and attractions. Nearby, you will find the Historic Coeur d’Alene Carousel, Fort Sherman Wooden Playground, Canfield Mountain Natural Trail, and a few more activities that are more than enough to keep the entire family entertained.
7. Santa Claus, Indiana
Santa Claus, Indiana, is home to Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari, the south’s most lovable amusement park. You’ll also be able to visit the Santa Claus Museum and Village, making this destination a can’t miss for those families with young children.
Taking a nice vacation with the entire family will give your children an experience they will look back on with fondness for the rest of their lives. As long as you ensure that there are at least a few activities throughout the trip geared toward them, you’ll be able to enjoy your family vacation to the fullest.
Don’t forget to take some time for you and your spouse! There are several activities for the both of you to enjoy.
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