By Leah Still
Family Vacation Ideas in the U.S.
There's no better way to bond with your family than heading out into the great outdoors and tackling the best that nature has to offer together. The
United States has many such playgrounds, where you can hike, bike or swim your way to quality family time. Luckily, many of the country's most beautiful national parks are near vibrant and interesting towns and cities, so if bug spray and fishing poles aren't up your alley, you can still have a great
family vacation.
Seattle, Washington
The iconic Pike Place Market sign in Seattle, Washington.
Surrounded by the waters of Puget Sound, Elliott Bay and Lake Washington and the natural beauty of both Olympic and Mount Rainier national parks, Seattle, Washington, has a metropolitan atmosphere with an outdoorsy attitude. City highlights for a family vacation include browsing and shopping at the famous Pike's Place Fish Market, taking in the view from the top of the Space Needle and getting an education in how ships move about in Seattle's many waters at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Take day trips to see Mount Rainier (an active volcano and the highest point in Washington, at 14,410 feet) and Mount Olympus (7,965 feet) for some stunning alpine experiences.
Pike Place Market
1531 Western Ave.
Seattle, Washington 98101
(206) 682-7453
www.pikeplacemarket.org
Space Needle
400 Broad St.
Seattle, Washington 98109
(206) 905-2100
www.spaceneedle.com
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Salmon Bay
Seattle, Washington 98107
(206) 783-7059
Hood River, Oregon
Mount Hood is Oregon's highest point.
About one hour east of Portland, you will find the Columbia River-side community of Hood River, Oregon. Its spectacular setting on the Columbia River Gorge and its proximity to Mount Hood National Forest attracts kitesurfers and windsurfers from around the world, as well as hikers, mountain climbers and campers who come for the serenity of the Cascade Mountains. If you and your family are looking to get back to nature on your vacation, you'll fit right in.
Mount Hood National Forest
16400 Champion Way
Sandy, Oregon 97055
(503) 668-1700
www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood
Moab, Utah
The Delicate Arch at Arches National Park outside Moab, Utah
The dusty, red-earthed town of Moab, Utah, about 230 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, is a jumping-off point for family vacationers and adventure-seekers looking to explore the many national parks and natural wonders that dot the area. Moab sits between Arches National Park, where you can explore sandstone formations like the Double Arch and the famous Delicate Arch, and Canyonlands National Park, where you and your kids can hike to scenic viewpoints over the canyons made by the Colorado River. Moab itself is a small, eclectic community full of cafes, art galleries and tour companies.
Arches National Park
Entrance on Highway 191
Moab, Utah 84532
(435) 719-2299
www.nps.gov/arch
Canyonlands National Park
Entrances on highways 313 and 211
Moab, Utah 84532
(435) 719-2313
www.nps.gov/cany
Branson, Missouri
Table Rock Lake in southwest Missouri
Although it's a common misconception, Branson, Missouri, isn't just country music shows and tacky gift shops. And you do not need to be older than 65 to have a good time there. Skip the crowded main streets and oversized theaters in favor of the relaxed pace of Table Rock Lake and Big Cedar Lodge. You and your kids will feel right at home and ready to hit the water or nature trails (on horseback, if you prefer) as soon as you check in to the rustic wilderness paradise that is Big Cedar Lodge, 10 miles south of Branson. You'll have access to the private marina on Table Rock Lake, where you can rent a boat to take your family out for water sports or fishing. And you can unwind back at the lodge and spend quality family time by a cozy fire. If you do wander into Branson, don't miss Silver Dollar City, an 1800s-themed adventure park that offers the requisite roller coasters in an old-fashioned setting.
Big Cedar Lodge
612 Devil's Pool Road
Ridgedale, Missouri 65739
(800) 225-6343
www.bigcedar.com
Silver Dollar City
399 Indian Point Road
Branson, Missouri 65616
(800) 475-9370
www.silverdollarcity.com
About the Author:
Leah Still has written about travel, fashion and home design since 2003. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications, including "SKI" magazine, Southernaccents.com and Gusto.com. She has a journalism degree from the University of Missouri and broadens her education with both domestic and international travel.
Photo Credits:
Photos by Leah Still
