Between time off from school and sunny, warm weather, summer is the perfect time to get the family together for some quality time. The real challenge is deciding where to go and what to do while you’re away. The best summer family vacations are the ones that bring you and your family closer together to make memories that last a lifetime. These family summer vacation ideas are just what you need for an awesome trip!
Travel Tip
Set up your whole group for a fun summer vacation by taking time to plan ahead.
Stay at a Theme Park
Theme parks offer the ultimate mix of thrill and family fun, with heart-pounding rides, exciting games and attractions, lovable character meet-and-greets, and delicious dining options to keep everyone entertained. Plus, staying onsite means you can take breaks and maximize your time at the park.
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Experience the magic of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or Polynesian Village Resort in Orlando. Both are just a monorail or water taxi ride away from Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and offer easy access to all of the parks! Enjoy campfires on the beach, movies under the stars, and incredible pools after a day filled with Disney magic.
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Stay at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City near Universal Studios Hollywood. This hotel is just a short walk or shuttle ride from Universal Studios Hollywood, making it an ideal choice for families looking to explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the thrilling Jurassic World ride, and more. With spacious rooms, a resort-style pool, and kid-friendly dining options, the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City provides a comfortable base for families to recharge between adventures at the park.
Enjoy Lake Life
Renting a house or staying at a lakeside hotel are great ways to enjoy warmer weather close to calmer waters.
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Visit Lake Michigan. This Great Lake is the most populous as it borders Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. The lake’s eastern shores are considered to have the best beaches, so consider looking for rentals near Saugatuck, Benton Harbor, Holland, Green Haven, or Muskegon. The whole family will love water sports, building sandcastles, and hiking in the region.
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Explore the Finger Lakes. New York’s Finger Lakes region is made up of 11 lakes of various sizes, with Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga the most popular with visitors. Around each lake, you’ll find campgrounds backdropped with stunning lake views and rolling hills. Don’t miss out on boat or kayak rentals!
Connect with Nature
Both national and state parks offer fun vacation options. You don’t necessarily have to tent camp either; many of these family summer vacation ideas have fully stocked cabins or onsite hotels.
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Stay at Letchworth State Park. Called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park in New York is one of the state’s best natural gems. The Genesee River cuts through the gorge and forms several waterfalls in the park, including the Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls. Summer is one of the best seasons to visit the park, as aside from hiking, the whole family can go swimming, rafting, and hot air ballooning. Plus, accommodation options range from tent camping to luxurious suites at the Glen Iris Inn.
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Become Junior Rangers at Rocky Mountain National Park. Located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, this national park caters to families on summer vacation with a cool Junior Ranger program that allows kids to safely learn about and care for the natural world around them. Bear Lake and Sprague Lake trails are family-friendly and may even help you catch a glimpse of some awesome wildlife, like elk, moose, or marmots. With resorts found all across the area, the whole family can stay near the park in total comfort.
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Stay Cool
Not every summer vacation has to mean sweating on a crowded boardwalk or busy city street. If your kids love spending time outdoors but don’t love the heat, try visiting a cooler destination.
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Drive up the coast of southern Maine. The charming New England towns along the southern coast of Maine are fun for the whole family. There are quiet beaches, nature preserves, convenient hotels, amusement parks, and more! Consider booking a whale-watching tour, too.
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Explore the Pacific Northwest from Seattle. Seattle has plenty of things to do with kids both indoors and outdoors. The whole family will love meeting the ocean’s coolest sea creatures at the renowned Seattle Aquarium, seeing panoramic views of the city from the iconic Space Needle, or venturing into the wilderness at Olympic National Park.
Lay on the Beach
For some families, a great summer vacation means relaxing on a beach. The best seaside destinations include plenty to do beyond the sand and offer captivating indoor activities for when you need to get out of the sun.
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Enjoy island life in the Florida Keys. A fun summer vacation for kids isn’t always parents’ idea of a good time. However, the Florida Keys have something for everyone, with incredible marine life, miles of beautiful sandy beaches, and great food influenced by Spanish and Caribbean culture.
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Combine city and sea in Malibu. Malibu is one of California’s best seaside cities. Zuma Beach and El Matador Beach have all the sun, surf, and sand you could hope for on a family summer vacation. Families will also love glass-bottom boat tours or a trip into the city for a great bite to eat.
Take a Road Trip
It’s about the road trip journey, not the destination! So check your tire pressure, grab some snacks, and hit the road with your favorite tunes blaring. Contact a travel advisor to plan an awesome itinerary.
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Meander in the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Mountains sprawl down the East Coast across several states. Explore charming towns like Boone, North Carolina or Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, immerse yourself in nature at the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks, or embark on thrilling adventures like whitewater rafting or hiking the Appalachian Trail.
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Drive scenic West Coast highways. Stop in Northern California and take a family snapshot among the ancient redwood trees that your kids will love showing their friends online. Then fly south to explore San Diego County’s famous watersports scene and delightful beachfront cafes. Capture timeless videos of your kids trying wakeboarding or surfing for the first time.
Experience History
Travel and history are a perfect pair, especially when the kids are involved! Take a family field trip to a cultural heritage center to make the most of your next summer vacation. A multi-city trip can be a way to sample an entire region’s culture. Many have world-class accommodations that can enhance the historical immersion. Discover prestigious and inspiring sites that will leave a lasting impression on your family.
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Visit our nation’s capital. In Washington D.C., you and your kids will be moved by the hundreds of awe-inspiring sites dedicated to telling our nation’s story. Filling out your family’s D.C. itinerary is easy with so many free and easily-accessible attractions, all within close proximity. Take your family to the world-famous Smithsonian Museum of Natural History where you can discover prehistoric relics and priceless artifacts. Your kids will dream big while at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, with exhibits commemorating some of the nation’s greatest achievements in aerospace science.
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Check out Boston. Considered the birthplace of the American Revolution, Boston is rich with historical landmarks that make learning fun and interactive. Between historical reenactments and colonial architecture, a trip to the city feels a little like stepping back in time to the nation’s humble beginnings. Consider a walk down the Freedom Trail, a two-and-a-half-mile walking route that takes visitors to 16 historic sites, including Paul Revere’s house, the Old North Church, and the Boston Tea Party ships.
