Are you always at a crossroads when it comes to planning the Summer family vacation? Don't want to go to the "same old places" that everyone else goes to?Have you often wondered where you can go instead? Here are some great ideas for Summer Fun with the family:
1. Tampa, Florida
Whether you’re collecting seashells on the beach or souvenirs at Channelside, opening up your imagination at the Museum of Science and Industry or your pocketbook at a cigar shop in Ybor City, Tampa is a striking, shoreline town with exciting possibility for each and every member of your troop. If, on the other hand, your goal’s to avoid dry land at all costs, simply pair your time on the beach with some time at the Adventure Island water park.
2. Ocean City, Maryland
The Boardwalk, featuring a clutter of gift shops, ice cream stands, diners, and even carnival rides – all lined along the beach (naturally), is where most summer fun begins and ends in Ocean City. But even if you pass up every Boardwalk vendor, the Ocean Pier Rides and the Jolly Roger Amusement Park are musts for your family’s itinerary.
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
Little known fact: Las Vegas vacations don't just cater to kids; Vegas is one of the most economical and lovable family vacation spots in America. Don’t believe us? Check out a detailed guide to kid-friendly events and activities in Vegas. Chill out at the Wild Island Family Adventure Park, try out the twenty-five rides of Circus Circus Hotel’s Adventuredome, and do some indoor birding at the Flamingo Hotel’s Wildlife Habitat. Las Vegas is essentially a hodgepodge of theme parks, museums, buffets, live shows, boutiques, street entertainers, and zoos – even if you skip out on the gambling and nightlife, you’re guaranteed a summer vacation that's jam-packed with good, clean fun.
4. San Antonio, Texas
Explore nature at Natural Bridge Caverns, history at the Alamo, and original shops and restaurants on the River Walk. When the little ones get antsy, head to SeaWorld or Six Flags Fiesta Texas!
5. Fripp Island, South Carolina
Aching to get away this summer? Like, really get away? Well, if you don’t have enough cash to fly your family to an exotic island, try Fripp Island. At the secluded South Carolina resort community, some welcomed amnesia might set in as all those nagging responsibilities from back home fall to the wayside. Even though the kiddos won’t appreciate the three championship golf courses, they’ll go nuts over the white sandy beaches.
6. Carlsbad, California
Peel your eyes from San Diego for a minute and look up north to Carlsbad, a frequently forgotten but no less alluring seaside city. Despite its relative obscurity, it’s got Legoland California, the South Carlsbad State Beach, and the Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa. Can’t resist a day trip to San Diego? No problem. Just hop in the car and you’ll be there in thirty minutes.
7. Amelia Island, Florida
For parents seeking respite from the frenzy of trying to balance work and home life, there’s adorable Amelia Island and its thirteen miles of serene shoreline. The kids can build their dream homes out of sand (think castles). It’s easy to spend every waking hour on the beach in Amelia Island, as hurricanes are a nonevent and it rarely gets blisteringly hot.
8. Sandusky, Ohio
The Pacific and Atlantic oceans get all the glory in the summer, but let’s not forget about the lake, specifically Lake Erie. Every morning, wake up to the sun rising over Erie’s southern shore. Beyond the run-of-the-mill activities on the lake (like jet skiing and sailing), there’s the Cedar Point Amusement Park and a surprisingly big selection of indoor and outdoor water parks to keep you busy.
9. Anaheim, California
Disneyland is smaller than Disney World, but standing alone – it’s no small potato, with two theme parks in all and its own entertainment district. Anaheim is also home to Knott’s Berry Farm, a haven for roller coaster buffs. Try to travel out to the sea every now and then; Sunset Beach is only a half hour away.
10. Cocoa Beach, Florida
If you’ve got a budding surfer in your group, consider one of the East Coast’s best surfing destinations – Cocoa Beach – for your summer vacation. This small, mostly quiet beach bum-friendly town is also a scenic drive from the Kennedy Space Center and Disney World.
I hope these suggestions have inspired your thought process. Enjoy!