Taking family vacations is one of the most important things you can do for your family. You will build special memories, reduce stress and provide opportunities for your children that will enrich their lives. Whether you want to focus on vacation in an urban or rural location, or whether you prefer physical or cultural activities, there are many fantastic family-friendly vacation destinations to choose from.
New York City
New York City (NYC) boasts many iconic landmarks people hear about their whole lives. Visiting NYC offers a chance to see them in person. Climb the Statue of Liberty. See the city from the observation deck of the Empire State Building. Explore Central Park. Popular museum options include the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum, the New York Transit Museum and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Sports fans may want to see the Yankees or the Rangers play. You can also take the opportunity to expose your children to some professional theatre: there are always several Broadway Shows to choose from. Tours are another great option. Kids will enjoy the cupcake tour of Greenwich Village or the pizza-tasting bus tour.
Washington State
Washington State is a nature lover’s paradise. Visiting the Olympic Peninsula will give you a chance to see Olympic National Park, beaches and the rainforest. Mount Rainier and Mount Baker are popular hiking destinations. The number of mountains in Washington State also makes it a popular skiing and snowboarding destination in the winter months. Travel to the San Juan Islands and take a whale watching tour. Washington State offers opportunities for freshwater and ocean kayaking and boating tours as well. You can also opt to head south to Mount St. Helens and take a guided tour of this ancient volcano.
Seattle
Seattle is a scenic city that attracts over 40 million visitors annually. Head to the Space Needle to get a look at the city and surrounding area. Sports fans may be interested in seeing the Mariners or Seahawks play. Founded in 1907, Pike Place Market has been in continuous operation longer than any other farmers’ market in the United States and is worth a visit. The Museum of Flight has interactive exhibits that will appeal to your children, as well as several planes and artifacts on display. Seattle is also home to a science center, a 175-foot Ferris wheel, and the Woodland Park Zoo.
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder that is 277 miles long. Over 6 million visitors make the trip to see the Grand Canyon each year and it is an ideal natural destination for families. Families can rent bikes and explore one of the many bike trails. Those who prefer to ride trains can board a WWII-era train and enjoy the family entertainment offered while on board. A junior ranger program offers children the chance to learn about the Grand Canyon and participate in age-appropriate activities. There are also summer ranger programs for the whole family. There are plenty of paths for hiking and river rafting is another popular option. The whole family can also spend some time at night taking in the stars
Bonus: Travel Tips
You don’t have to wait until you get home to have a phone fixed if you or one of the children damage your phone while traveling. iPhone repair services in Birmingham offers fast, affordable services. uBreakiFix South Birmingham is located at 3728 Lorna Road Birmingham, AL 35216 and can be reached at (205) 402-9592.
Bookmark websites and resources or download apps that can help you find the services you need while traveling. Whether you’re visiting a city or the countryside you will want to check local weather forecasts. You will also want to check on air quality reports to know whether you should stay indoors when air quality is poor.
Before you leave home you should notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling. This can prevent your financial institutions from denying a charge that doesn’t fit with your normal spending habits or locations. Be sure to have contact and account information with you in case you need to contact your bank or credit card companies during your vacation.
