Places to Go On Vacation With Children

When planning a vacation with children, everyone might have a different idea of what would be fun. Some people enjoy the quiet and relaxation of a camping trip. Kids might enjoy the thrill of an amusement park. A themed vacation can be fun and educational at the same time. If you want to save money and stay close to home, you might want to take a "staycation." You can also combine elements from each type of vacation for something everyone would enjoy.

Camping Vacation

Camping is a vacation that can be fun and economical at the same time. You could make it a goal to visit a different national park each year, such as Yellowstone, The Grand Canyon, Arches or the Shenandoah National Park. Another possibility is to discover a new back-country camping spot and have your very own private get-away.

Amusement Park Vacation

Children generally love the excitement of amusement parks. Disneyland and Walt Disney World are usually at the top of kids' lists when it comes to vacation planning. You could also look for other fun amusement parks to visit, such as Hershey Park in Pennsylvania or Legoland in California.

Educational Vacation

You can turn any vacation into an educational one with a little thought and planning. Read about the history of a city you plan to visit and discuss it with your children. Plan to visit notable historic sites on your trip. You could also plan your visit around a theme, such as the Revolutionary War, space or ocean life, and plan your activities to learn more about that theme.

Staycation

You can save money on gas and hotels by staying at home and visiting nearby attractions. Make a list with your kids on where they would like to visit and what they would like to do. Maybe you could have each child (and maybe each parent) plan the activities for the whole day. Destinations could be museums, amusement parks, natural wonders and historic sites. Activities might include bowling, fishing, roller skating, river running or even just lying out under the stars to watch a meteor show.

Tips for Vacationing with Children

Plan some down time. Nothing can turn a family togetherness into family squabbles like tired, grumpy children. Let kids help with the planning. They will be more happy and cooperative if their desires are considered. Have plenty of snacks on hand. A handful of almonds or some string cheese can give children a little boost when they are starting to get a little hungry.