By Laura Hoot
Family Vacation Ideas
Maybe it's roller coasters or the coastline that make a vacation fun for the whole family. Whatever the case, parents, save up some extra energy and spending money for these family
vacation ideas. And dust off that family photo album because it's bound to fill up fast.
Hershey, Pennsylvania
The "Sweetest Place on Earth" was founded by Milton Hershey, the most widely known chocolatier of all time. Once a haven for Milton's employees, Hershey is now a top-notch retreat for families. Mouths will water at Hershey's Chocolate World, adrenaline will rush at Hersheypark and curiosity will pique at ZooAmerica. While the kids pig out on confectionery goodness, Mom can sign up for a whipped cocoa bath or chocolate sugar scrub at the Chocolate Spa.
Hershey's Chocolate World
251 Park Blvd.
Hershey, PA 17033
(717) 534-4900
Hersheypark and ZooAmerica
100 W. Hersheypark Drive
Hershey, PA 17033
(800) HERSHEY
Chocolate Spa
100 Hotel Road
Hershey, PA 17033
(717) 520-5888
New Braunfels, Texas
In the summer, you've got the world's No. 1 water park, Schlitterbahn, and in the fall, you've got the world's biggest (and possibly quirkiest) celebration of bratwurst, Wurstfest. From riding an uphill water coaster and making a splash in a kiddie pool to sampling sausage and dancing to live polka music, New Braunfels gives families a reason to gather around and have a good time all year long. Schlitterbahn is not the only way to beat the Texas heat, though--tubing down the Comal River is a favorite pastime.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark resort
381 E. Austin St.
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 625-2351
Wurstfest Association
178 Landa Park Drive
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 625-9167
Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Mix low-key lounging with aquatic adventure in Jacksonville beach, one of the Sunshine State's friendliest beach towns. Mom and Dad will enjoy learning about Florida's railroad-ridden past at the Pablo Historic Park, and kids will have lots of exploring to do at Adventure Landing, a playful wonderland with minigolf, laser tag, go-karts and even a water park.
Pablo Historic Park
413 Beach Blvd.
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 246-0093
Adventure Landing
1944 Beach Blvd.
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 771-2804
Okemo, Vermont
The Okemo Mountain Resort is family-owned and -operated and has been for 25-plus years. Whether you're a snow-loving showoff who can't wait to hit the mountain, or you've got a 6-year-old novice to keep track of, Okemo has you covered. By late April, the ski season is over, but your family vacation doesn't have to be. Summertime in Okemo means hiking, mountain climbing, horseback riding and golfing.
Okemo Mountain Resort
77 Okemo Ridge Road
Ludlow, VT 05149
(800) 78-OKEMO
Washington, D.C.
Even kids who don't have ambitions to be the president will love a trip to the nation's capital. And parents will love how affordable it is. Inspect dinosaur fossils at the Museum of Natural History, learn the art of disguise at the International Spy Museum and visit exotic animals at the National Zoo. A Washington, D.C., vacation is both enlightening and invigorating and leaves no one out of the fun. Other than lodging and airfare, you'll spend little money to spend time in D.C.--most attractions are free or dirt cheap.
Museum of Natural History
1000 Constitution Ave.
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 633-1000
International Spy Museum
800 F St.
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 393-7798
National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave.
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 633-4800
Ocean City, Maryland
When strolling down the Ocean City Boardwalk, kids have dozens of entertaining distractions to sort through, such as Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, Splash Mountain Water Park, Speedworld and the Jolly Roger Amusement Park. Take it easy on a carousel, play a round of minigolf, challenge family members to a go-kart race or zip around a roller coaster. Adults won't be disappointed with Ocean City's cultural offerings, which include the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art and the Wheels of Yesterday Museum.
Ripley's Believe It or Not
401 S. Atlantic Ave.
Ocean City, MD 21842
(410) 289-5600
Splash Mountain Water Park
2901 N. Coastal Ave.
Ocean City, MD 21842
(410) 289-6962
Speedworld
2901 Philadelphia Ave.
Ocean City, MD 21842
(410) 289-3477
Jolly Roger Amusement Park
30th Street and Coastal Highway
Ocean City, MD 21842
(410) 289-3477
Wildfowl Art Museum
909 S. Schumaker Drive
Salisbury, MD 21804
(410) 742-4988
Wheels of Yesterday Museum
12708 Ocean Gateway
Ocean City, MD 21842
(410) 213-7329
Kissimmee, Florida
Much like Ocean City, Kissimmee is unstoppably kid-friendly. After all, it has to keep up with next-door neighbor Orlando. Whether you plan to see Mickey, there's plenty to keep you busy (and overwhelmed) in Kissimmee. Old Town doubles as a carnival and happening downtown scene, while the Green Meadows Petting Farm and the Kissimmee Rodeo offer up rustic amusement for all ages. (Don't forget to swim, kayak and fish on Lake Kissimmee.)
Green Meadows Petting Farm
1368 S. Poinciana Blvd.
Kissimmee, FL 34746
(407) 846-0770
Kissimmee Rodeo
958 S. Hoagland Blvd.
Kissimmee, FL 34741
(407) 933-0020
San Diego
The San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, sunny weather--if all of that doesn't equal family fun, we don't know what does. Get up close and personal with Shamu, take a trip into the arctic world of the polar bear or build a sand castle on the beach.
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 231-1515
SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
(619) 226-3900
San Antonio
If you're not careful, you might learn something in San Antonio. At the Alamo, relive Texas' harrowing fight for independence (starring Davy Crockett). Fill your head with more Southwestern knowledge at the Witte Museum, which has everything from Native American cave drawings to live hummingbirds. Tired of learning stuff? Lose track of time at SeaWorld or Six Flags Fiesta Texas. And remember to cruise down the River Walk--we dare you to do so without ducking into a few intriguing shops and delectable Mexican restaurants along the way.
The Alamo
300 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 225-1391
Witte Museum
3801 Broadway St.
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 357-1900
SeaWorld San Antonio
10500 Sea World Drive
San Antonio, TX 78251
(210) 523-3000
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
17000 IH 10 W.
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210) 697-5050
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The Grand Strand of South Carolina is a lot to absorb, so try to spend a whole week here. You can turn this tourist trap into a one-of-a-kind family getaway with some simple planning. Aiming for adventure on the water? Head to Myrtle Beach State Park. For excitement on wheels, the NASCAR Speedpark is your best bet. Or you can just cool off at Myrtle Waves Water Park. Theme parks, golf courses, beaches and museums take up every inch of Myrtle Beach, so no one's getting bored any time soon.
Myrtle Beach State Park
4401 S. Kings Highway
Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
(843) 238-5325
NASCAR Speedpark
1820 21st Ave. N.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 918-8725
Myrtle Waves Water Park
3000 Mr. Joe White Ave.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 913-9260
About the Author:
Laura Hoot has been writing professionally since 2004. She is a full-time writer and editor for HomeAway's VacationRentals.com. Her work has appeared in various online publications, including TheBudgetFashionista and SeeJackShop. Hoot holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Texas, Austin.
Photo Credits:
Photo by Flickr/Fellowship of the Rich
