Best summer vacation spots with kids
Summer vacation is here, and best summer vacation spots with kids are plentiful. If you’re not careful though, taking the entire family on a trek across the countryside can quickly break the bank. These days travel expenses have gone skyward, and several weeks in a hotel can set you back a pretty penny. Here’s what to do instead: find the best free attractions in your state for your budget this summer.
There are countless listicles out there that talk about the best summer vacation spots with kids. However, they all have one thing in common: they feature the same popular vacation destinations — Florida, California, Hawaii and such. The fact is, those places do not work for everyone. Every family is unique, with different tastes and ideas about how to spend their time away from home. That is why I’ve decided to create a list of alternative vacation destinations that are perfect for every type of family .
Canadians take their summer vacations seriously. And they can afford to, given that there are many amazing places to visit within our home and native land. From the bustling city of Montreal to the amazing outdoors of the Rockies and beyond, Canada offers a variety of options for those looking for a summer getaway. Below you’ll find a list of vacation spots, arranged by province, where I spent many summers relaxing with my family.
The best summer vacation spots with kids are ones that offer enough activities to keep them busy, but not so many that they get bored. Here are a few ideas:
- The beach: Your kids will love the sand and water, and you’ll enjoy the break from the heat of your house.
- A theme park: Theme parks provide a good mix of rides, shows, and activities for kids of all ages. They’re also usually air-conditioned!
- Camping: Camping is a great way for your family to bond outside of the city without breaking the bank on hotels or resorts. It also allows you to get some much-needed rest in nature without having to drive too far away from home base (home).
Summer is the perfect time to get away with your family, but where do you go? How do you find the right place for your family to have a good time?
There are plenty of great spots in the U.S. that are kid-friendly, but when it comes down to it, there are some places that just seem like they were made for kids. Here are some of our top picks for summer vacation spots with kids:
1) Disneyland (California) – If there’s one place on this list that truly was made for kids, it’s Disneyland! This park has everything from rides and parades to shows and games that will keep your little ones entertained all day long. The best part is that there are different sections of the park catered specifically to younger children—and adults who want to take a break from their kids!
2) Universal Studios Orlando (Florida) – Universal Studios Orlando is another great option for families with younger children who want an immersive experience full of fun rides and attractions. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is especially popular with young Muggles! There’s also an area called KidZone where kids can play games or even meet some cartoon characters like Curious George or SpongeBob SquarePants. You can
1. Disney World, FL
If you are looking for summer getaways with the family, I would recommend Disney World, Florida as one of the premier destinations to consider.
I know this sounds like something exclusively for the kids, but trust me, even adults cannot resist a lavish Disney holiday.
Cinderella’s Castle is a guaranteed delight for everyone, young or old.
The kids will also get to meet their favorite Disney characters in the flesh (or a man in a suit, but they do not need to know this).
I also love the Star Wars and Avatar sections, where I suspect adults will line up once the kiddie stuff is out of the way.
There are also a fair few stage shows and parades you can enjoy if you want to give the walking a break (there is going to be a fair amount of walking, so pack accordingly).
Recommended Hotel: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Related: Best Beaches in The USA
Related: Florida Family Vacations
2. Outer Banks, NC
Outer Banks in North Carolina is another one of the kid-friendly spots that I would highly recommend.
This is the perfect place to spend a relaxed holiday.
Simply book yourself into a comfortable resort and chill out in peace.
This is one of the more unique vacation spots in the United States.
It is a quiet destination, with little to no fast food or chain stores.
However, do not worry about missing anything.
The fresh ocean breeze will keep you engaged for hours on end and get this, you never have to slip into an uncomfortable pair of jeans or pants!
Your swimming trunks are all you need during this summer vacation with kids.
You can also take the little ones to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum where they can learn all about the region’s exciting maritime history.
Recommended Hotel: The Sea Ranch Resort
Related: The Best Waterpark Hotels in North Carolina
Related: North Carolina Family Vacations
3. The Florida Keys
Another exciting answer to the eternal question “where to go with kids this summer?” is The Florida Keys.
Taking a road trip down this beautiful Florida coast is one of the best ways to spend the summer with the family.
Just roll the windows down and feel the wind in your face—even the kids will enjoy this.
Once you are at the Florida Keys, I would highly recommend making the most of the waters and taking a dip to snorkel with the dolphins and other exciting marine life.
At Robbie’s Marina, you can also feed fish with your hands!
I would also suggest you make a trip to the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum in Key West.
This is a great way to spend a quiet summer with the family.
Recommended Hotel: Sunset Key Cottages
Related: Florida Keys Hotels
4. Branson, MO
Branson is another great US family summer vacation that is perfect for several reasons.
To begin with, the Vegas of the Ozarks is an exciting performance for families to witness, with more than 100 shows that are likely to keep you quite busy through the summer.
There are also several water parks that the kids are sure to enjoy.
I would also give a big thumbs up to the skydiving simulation that allows you to experience diving without actually jumping out of a plane.
There is also the incredible Titanic Museum where you can observe the half-scale replica of the historic ship.
An evening spent at Table Rock Lake will also give you incredible stories for many years to come.
Recommended Hotel: Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa
Related: The Best Family Resorts in the U.S.
5. Yellowstone National Park, WY
Yellowstone National Park is another one of the great summer holiday destination ideas for you to consider.
This is one of the premier national parks in the country and is a great way of experiencing its natural beauty and splendor.
There are designated areas for you to picnic and camp.
For the little ones, there is also the Yellowstone’s Junior Ranger program that can be extremely educational.
The kids can come back home having learned about the natural formations like the hot springs in the park.
The sunrise at Lamar Valley is also something you should not miss at the national park.
If you are quiet, you will also be able to observe some wildlife in their natural habitat.
Recommended Hotel: Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa, a Noble House Resort
Related: Best Hotels in Yellowstone
6. Florida’s Space Coast
Since you’re wondering where to vacation in the summer with family, Florida’s Space Coast is certainly an option I would like to put on the table.
If you or your kids are space enthusiasts, this is the perfect place to spend a quiet two weeks of summer.
Of course, I will recommend paying a visit to NASA’S Kennedy Space Center as well as the many other space museums in this area.
But other than that, there is a long stretch of the coast where the beach is inviting you to have a lie-down and work on that tan.
If you are all spent on the space center, you can unwind on the white sand.
Recommended Hotel: Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Center
7. Niagara Falls, NY
Niagara Falls is one of the best places to take the kids, but be sure to pack the appropriate clothes for this trip.
The Maid of the Mist is really the only way to experience the Niagara Falls in their full glory.
This is an incredible cruise that will take you right to the bottom of the falls where you can feel the whiplash of the water on your face.
At night, you can see the falls have been illuminated—another great moment for a family photograph.
I would say June, July and August is the best time of the year to visit the falls.
If you can hop onto the Canadian side of the falls, you can also enjoy the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark with the kids and family.