Summertime Vacation Spots for the Family

Summertime is THE time for families to hit the road in search of fun and maybe even a little bit of adventure.  Perhaps a trip to grandma’s is on the agenda, or a jaunt up to the cabin.  Here are some suggestions for families who want to try something out of the ordinary.

The Black Hills offer a nice blend of outdoor activities and indoor amenities.  Mount Rushmore is an obvious attraction here, but there are plenty of water parks, a reptile museum, a herd of friendly wild donkeys (in Custer State Park) and shopping galore.

The Wisconsin Dells are full of water parks and themed hotels.  Some of the accommodations are quite luxurious.  Add to that the water-skiing shows, fishing and the fact that the picturesque city of Madison is less than one hour away and you have the recipe for a vacation that will please everyone in the family. 

San Francisco is a good bet for families as well.  It is a little more expensive than #1 and #2 on the list, but older children might appreciate seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and wandering through Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf.  Youngsters might also enjoy Chinatown, but will surely go for the Exploratorium and the wax museum at Fisherman’s Wharf. And a cable car ride is something that everyone will enjoy. 

Upstate New York is a great place for a family “get away from it all” vacation.  The lakes in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains have swimming beaches and ample opportunities for fishing.  The small towns around Utica and Syracuse are full of picturesque old houses and friendly mom-and-pop restaurants.  There are also numerous historical sites including some, Like Fort Ticonderoga that offer living history experiences.