Are you sick of taking your family to overcrowded tourist traps? Check out this list of the best family vacation spots in the U.S. you probably haven’t heard of
Are you one of the 70 percent of American families planning to take a vacation this year?
Depending on the size and age group of your family members, traveling outside of the United States might be out of the question.
We all deserve to take a vacation at least once a year to see and explore a new place. While the kids may want to go back to that amusement park for the fifth time, or your significant other liked the resort with the tulips, it might be refreshing for everyone to see something new.
Whether you haven’t traveled outside of your hometown or you think you’ve seen it all, below is a compiled list of the best family vacation spots in the US Read on, see where you’ve been, where you haven’t, and where you should go.
Arches National Park
The first stop on the list will make you think you’ve traveled to another planet. Arches National Park located in Moab, Utah, has a landscape of more than 2,000 red rock formations and natural stone arches.
Driving through the park’s roads is easy and accessible all in one day, but if you want to take your time admiring the landscape you can get a seven-day car pass for $25. If you’re feeling adventurous you can even camp there for $25 a night!
City Museum
When you think vacation, a place like Branson, Minnesota may not come to mind. However, right in the heart of St. Louis sits the city museum where children of every age can find something they’ll love. Attractions range from a 10-story slide, suspended tunnels, and a Ferris Wheel!
After you’re done roaming the 600,000 square foot factory, check out the nation’s tallest monument – the Gateway Arch – or stroll through the sculpture garden.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark
New Braunfels, Texas is the home of the worlds best water park: Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort. What else would make for one of the best family vacation spots in the US? With heated pools, man-made rivers, water rides, and slides there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Though the park does have discount days, general admission for a child is $38.99 and an adult ticket is $50.99.
Alcatraz Island
Visit sunny California and you could get a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge… or stand in Al Capone’s cell in Alcatraz.
Just off the coast of San Francisco sits Alcatraz Island – the West Coast’s first lighthouse. While it is also served as a Civil War fortress and the birthplace of the American Indian Red Power movement, it is best known for housing infamous inmates as a U.S. penitentiary.
Georgia Aquarium
Take a trip to Atlanta, Georgia and explore one of the largest aquariums in the world. The Georgia Aquarium offers the chance to swim with whale sharks and has a variety of sea life ranging from beluga whales, harbor seals, and manta rays.
Make this one of the best vacation spots in the US by interacting with dolphins and sea otters. These experiences do cost extra, but general admission starts at $30.95
New Orleans
New Orleans isn’t just a hot spot during Mardis Gras. With amazing food, bayou tours, museums, and free festivals families of all ages will enjoy the lively city of New Orleans.
Visit the French Quarter and walk the historic streets that fill with live music, or try delicious food like the sandwiches from Adam’s Street Grocery.
You can’t leave without getting a beignet from one of the many local cafes. And unlike other cities, New Orleans won’t put a hole in your wallet during your time there.
Hershey, PA
Lovers of chocolate must add Hershey, PA to their best family vacation spots in the US. Less than two hours outside of Philadephia sits Hersheypark where lampposts are in the shape of chocolate kisses and a candy-themed amusement park awaits.
Outside the amusement park awaits a free chocolate tour where you can learn about the founders and how Hershey became the brand name it is today. It even ends with something sweet for you to take home.
US Space & Rocket Center
The last spot on our tour is one any science fan will enjoy. Travel to Huntsville, Alabama to experience ride simulators and see the impressive collection of rockets. Feel the sensation of rocketing into the sky and learn all about space with a tour.
The US Space & Rocket Center is the biggest spaceflight museum in the world and where kids travel for science-related camps and space camp. General admission tickets for those aged 13 and up are $25; children from 5 – 12 get in for just $17.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
No family vacation is complete without a few dinosaur references, so why not explore Dinosaur Valley State Park in Fort Worth, Texas. It may not be Jurassic Park, but dinosaurs lovers can see where dinos once roamed and natural tracks still in the riverbeds.
Not only will they find trackings and fossils, but they can look for the wildlife that still roam the area. Enter the park for a low price of $7 for adults and anyone under the age of 12 for free. Families can even camp there for as low as $15 per night!
The Best Family Vacation Spots in the US
Planning family vacations can be exhausting when you’re looking for something to do that will fit everyone’s interests and needs. Instead of breaking the bank by traveling abroad, see what’s in your own backyard.
With so many cities, national parks, amusement parks, and history you can make anywhere in the US a memorable family vacation.
If you’re looking for other vacation spots or want to know more about a specific location, contact us!
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