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Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Wisconsin with your Kids

Wednesday, July 11th, 2007
Ideas for Summer Vacations to Wisconsin

Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Wisconsin with your Kids

� If you live in the Midwest and are interested in planning a quick summer vacation for your family, Wisconsin is a state that provides quite a few options for you. Travel to the area is relatively inexpensive and there is plenty of activity in the state to keep you and your kids happily occupied throughout the trip. Here are a few of the things that you might think about doing on a summer vacation to Wisconsin:



Waterparks

Really, when you think about a summer vacation, you probably often think of getting into the water. There’s just no better way to beat the heat and all of that activity in pools and at beaches gets out all of that restless energy that your kids have during these long days. Waterparks can be even better than plain old pools or beaches because they offer the safety of lifeguards, supervision and indoor swimming with the adventures of waves and slides. To the surprise of many families not familiar with the state, Wisconsin has some of the biggest waterparks in the country. Your main destination for this kind of adventure is probably Wisconsin Dells, known as “the waterpark capital of the world”. They have tons of family discounts and lots of all ages activities so you can all keep busy and keep cool.

Outdoor activities

Although it’s certainly nice to spend time in the water, Wisconsin actually offers a lot in the way of fun outdoor activities during the summer months. The rivers of Wisconsin offer a perfect combination of both water activity and outdoor adventure. Depending on the ages of your kids and your activity level, you might go boating, fishing, tubing, rafting or canoeing here. Other outdoor activities throughout Wisconsin include horseback riding through the state’s hundreds of miles of nature trails, camping out in state parks like Perrot and Rock Island or teaching your kids about Wisconsin’s birds on one of the state’s nearly famous birding trails.

Rural life

Perhaps you live in a nearby city and just want to get your kids to a quieter way of life for a few days. There are plenty of rural adventures that your kids can enjoy, such as hayrides and explorations of area farms. For example, at Glacier Ridge Animal Farm, there are water buffalo, camels, and ducks to see as well as goats for the kids to feed. Or think about going to the Hinchley Dairy Corn Maze where your family can get lost together in acres of corn.

Festivals

If you’re just planning to go to Wisconsin for a few days, you might want to plan your family vacation around one of the state’s many summer festivals. One of the biggest summer favorites is the Strawberry Festival where strawberry lemonade and strawberry pie can be enjoyed as great summer treats. Other good summer festivals in Wisconsin include the Hmong Summer Festival (which gives your kids a great cultural experience), the yummy Port Fish Day, and the francophile’s favorite Bastille Day.

Here are more ideas for Family Vacations in Wisconsin!

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Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Hawaii with your Kids

Wednesday, July 11th, 2007
Ideas for Family Travel to Hawaii

Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Hawaii with your Kids

� Many families think that it is unrealistic for them to plan a summer vacation to Hawaii. Perhaps Hawaii seems like a romantic destination that you should’ve gone to for your honeymoon, not a place to take your young kids. Or maybe the idea of flying to an island, kids in tow, seems a little bit overwhelming. Or perhaps what concerns many families is that travel to Hawaii seems like it must be expensive and so it’s probably not something that you and your kids can do on a budget. But just a little bit of research will prove all of these fears to be wrong. Hawaii is a terrific family destination which can be reached by a relatively quick flight and experienced on a budget by the wise traveler.



You don’t really want to have to wait until your kids are all grown up and you’re on your second honeymoon to experience the magic of Hawaii, do you? Of course not. And just think what a great experience this kind of trip will be for your kids to remember in the years to come. You certainly won’t ever hear them whining that you never took them anywhere! Whether you want to stick to The Big Island or explore throughout the area, the Hawaiian Islands offer the perfect combination of activity and relaxation for your family.

The Big Island

Many families choose to spend their time on “the big island”. The “top five family activities” here, according to the official tourism website of the state are:

“� Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii - If one of your kids is a budding astronomer, the planetarium and science center here will appeal to your family. “� Kilauea Visitor Center - Your family can go here together to safely explore an active volcano. “� Kohala Coast - The beauty and serenity of Spencer Beach Park is perfect for relaxing while your kids play by the waterside. “� Mauna Kea - Another spot where your family can explore the stars, but this one is via telescopes instead of just exhibits. “� Parker Ranch - You may not think of Hawaii as a destination for learning about cowboys and taking old-fashioned wagon rides, but there were cowboys here and your kids will love learning about them.

The Other Islands

Rather than sticking to “the big island” some families enjoy the exploration of the other Hawaiian islands. Travel between the islands is relatively inexpensive if you plan ahead and look for bargains. Each of the following islands offers something for families:

“� Kauai - Beautiful lush botanical gardens, working vanilla and cocoa farms, and the option to experience a traditional luau are all part of the family travel experience at Kauai. “� Lanai - Horseback riding, tide pool exploration and going golfing with your older kids can all be done at laidback Lanai. “� Maui - The Maui Ocean Center, the Paper Airplane Museum, and the Hawaii Nature Center are just a few of the indoor places you go enjoy with your family on the island of Maui. That doesn’t even get into the beauty of the outdoors here! “� Molokai - If you want to take your family to a part of Hawaii not as often seen by the average traveler, consider this island. It’s considered to be “Old Hawaii”. “� Oahu - Known for being the home of the capital of Honolulu, Oahu offers much in the way of urban tourist activities. The beaches are family-friendly and allow for dolphin watching, the sloping mountains are great for easy hikes that the kids can enjoy with you, and the history of the area includes Pearl Harbor as well as various museums.

� Here are more ideas for Family Vacations in Hawaii!

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Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Idaho with your Kids

Wednesday, July 11th, 2007
Ideas for Family Travel to Idaho

Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Idaho with your Kids

“But, Mom, I don’t want to go to Idaho!” Is that what you would expect to hear from your kids if you told them that was what your plans were for the family’s summer vacation this year? Well, perhaps once they find about the numerous amusement parks, the interesting ghost towns, and the exciting waterfalls that the state has to offer, they’ll quit complaining. Get ready to fill your scrapbook with lots of photographs from your summer vacation to Idaho.



Amusement Parks, Water Parks and Fun Centers

There are more family fun spots in Idaho than you might’ve thought. Those listed on the official tourism site for the state are:

“� Anderson Camp - Your kids can get a summer camp experience with just a day pass at this indoor/outdoor adventure spot. “� Boondocks Fun Center - Your basic mini-golf, laser tag, all-day activities spot. “� Idaho Ice World - Get in out of the summer heat with a day spent at this indoor skating rink and ice center. “� Raptor Reef Indoor Water Park / Triple Play Family Fun Park - These side by side water and amusement parks offer much for the kids to do, supervised. And they also have spots for you (like the Jacuzzis at the water park). You can stay at the adjacent hotel to make things even easier. “� Roaring Springs Water Park - Water slides and wave pools are what summer fun is all about. “� Silverwood Theme Park - This is the big one as far as rides and games go. “� Sorenson’s Family Fun Center - Boise’s spot for batting cages and go kart racing. “� Wild Waters - A paddleboat lagoon, a water toy playland and water slides for the kids. Hot tubs for the parents.

Ghost Towns and Gold Mines

You can take the kids on a more historical adventure in Idaho by visiting one of the area’s ghost towns or going panning for gold as a family. Some of the spots that are available to families interested in doing this with their vacation include:

“� Atlanta - An old mining town where you can see rural Idaho that doesn’t look much different now from what it did back then. “� Custer Historic Mining Town - A more interactive location where the kids can experience some of the Wild West. “� Idaho City Historical Area - Take the kids for ice cream cones along the old-fashioned storefront boardwalk of this tourist’s area. “� Sierra Silver Mine Tour - If the kids are old enough to enjoy going down into the mines, this could be a unique experience for their summer. “� Silver City Historic Area - This old mining community operates today during the tourist season to give visitors a look at what it was like to live here long ago.

Waterfalls

Believe it or not, your kids can spend all day playing in and around the beautiful waterfalls located throughout the state of Idaho. And you’ll be able to get in some great summer relaxation in these gorgeous nature spots, building up memories as you hike with your kids.

“� Cave Falls - This one is popular with families who enjoy hiking together. “� Fern Falls - Short trails and spots good for picnicking can be found in the area around these falls. “� Mesa Falls - Designed with families in mind, there are lower and upper falls here with viewing platforms and boardwalks to keep everyone safe. “� Moyie River Bridge and Falls - This is one for families with older kids, because you aren’t likely to want those little ones running across that bridge. As the kids get older though, this beautiful place can be great for memory-making. “� Thousand Springs - Enjoy swimming with your family here.

Here are more ideas for Family Vacations in Idaho!

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Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Iowa with your Kids

Wednesday, July 11th, 2007
Ideas for Family Vacations in Iowa

Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Iowa with your Kids �

There are fifty states to choose from when you plan your family summer vacation. Why should you choose Iowa? Well, for one thing, it’s a relatively inexpensive place to visit with your family. Whether you fly or drive, its central location in the United States makes it a place that’s easy to reach whether you’re coming from a neighboring state for the weekend of somewhere further away for a longer trip. And Iowa is a great state for spending some quality time with your family since it offers a lot of opportunities for scenic drives (and those fun car games) as well as camping and other outdoor family activities.

Scenic drives

Scenic drives are a great travel idea for many families. If you pack and plan right, those hours in the car can be enjoyable for everyone. After all, they’re conducive to some real family time spent talking, playing games and singing along with the radio. Additionally, those drives let you explore new parts of the country (or your own backyard!) with some real attention to what’s around you. Iowa is great for this because it is filled with scenic byways and old historic routes where you can not only see new terrain but also learn something about the past on your trip.

Take a Train

Rather than doing the driving yourself, you can see some of these scenic landscape by taking a train ride through Iowa with your kids. There is a fifteen mile scenic train (Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad) which provides a nice day activity for the whole family. Longer train trips can be taken on commercial train routes throughout the state.

Outdoor Experiences

The summer weather in Iowa is usually pleasant, giving your family the opportunity to spend some together in the great outdoors. Families who enjoy camping together, away from the technology that keeps us all tuned out to one another, will find that they have the chance to really spend time together during their Iowa vacation. The state parks of Iowa are a great place to start with such adventures. These also include many lakes so families that really want to get that summer experience of fishing and swimming together can do so here.

Des Moines

Perhaps you’re looking for a little bit more adventure during your Iowa family vacation. Maybe you want to combine the rural activity during the week with a weekend jaunt to something more active. Head to Des Moines for some more urban activity than what you’ll find throughout the rest of the state. Spend a day at Adventureland Amusement Park where rides, water slides, and live entertainment can be found. Head to the Blank Park Zoo to see some exotic animals. Or do some space adventuring at the laser dome and planetarium at the Science Center of Iowa.

Here are more ideas for Family Vacations in Iowa!

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Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Kentucky with your Kids

Wednesday, July 11th, 2007
Family Travel Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Kentucky with Your Kids

Family Vacation Ideas for Kentucky

If you’re thinking about taking your family to Kentucky this summer, it’s probably because you want your family vacation to include a trip to the derby right? Maybe, since that’s certainly an interesting experience for the kids. But there’s plenty more to Kentucky than just the horse races. Bluegrass music festivals, beautiful lakes and natural caves are just a few of the things that you’ll find if you look past the horses and into the rest of the state.



The horses

There’s no denying it, Kentucky is the home of the derby and there are plenty of racetracks and horse farms to show off this side of the state. Your kids will certainly enjoy seeing this side of Kentucky. And you’ll probably find that the races are fun for you as well. If you’re of the betting mind, you might even get a few dollars back on the money you spend. But you can venture to the tracks for a full day of activity without spending a whole lot of money at all.

Bluegrass

Your kids probably don’t want to listen to bluegrass. And it might not be your thing either. But Kansas is home to this unique kind of music and you all might find that the events surrounding the music are more fun than you’d have thought. Visit The Country Place Jamboree, which has live performances as well as activities for the kids. Or catch a weekend show at Olde Towne Park where the waterfalls and nature trails provide a nice backdrop to enjoying summer music with the family. Lake fun

Summer vacation just isn’t complete without playing in some water during those hot days. Kentucky offers several different areas of lakes (as well as rivers throughout the state) to satiate this summertime need. The Southern Lakes near Jamestown and Somerset have all of the normal daytime activities as well as the excitement of waterfalls and the only moonbow in the country (go there during a full moon to find out what that is). The lakes of the Western Waterlands may not be natural (they’re manmade) but they are home to lots of lake recreation enjoyed by all ages.

Caves

Caving is an exciting adventure for kids and something which families can spend a day or weekend doing together. Mammoth Cave National Park is the world’s longest explored cave system and has many places that are safe for exploration by families with young children. There are other caves besides Mammoth for you to explore as well. Onyx and Crystal Onyx Caves both have stunning views. Diamond Caverns is familiar with giving tours to families since it’s been hosting them for over 100 years. And Lost River Cave offers an underground boat tour.

Kentucky Travel Resources

The horses, the bluegrass music, the lakes and the caves are just a few of the things that you can do in the home state of Dorothy and Toto. To find other things to do with your family this summer during a trip to Kentucky, check out these other great state travel resources:

Here are more ideas for Family Vacations in Kentucky!

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Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Maine with your Kids

Wednesday, July 11th, 2007
Ideas for Family Vacations to Maine

Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Maine with your Kids

� If you’re trying to spend your family summer vacation in a destination that differs greatly from where you currently live, you might want to put Maine on your map. If you don’t already live in the New England area, you’ll find that this general part of the country is unique from wherever it is that you currently live. And if you do live in New England, a trip to Maine can offer your kids a chance to see things that are in their own backyard but which aren’t the same as the things in your state.



Annual Events

Sometimes one of the best ways to experience a trip to a new state is to go during the time that it’s featuring one of its annual events. This brings the community in the state together and gives you a meeting place for your experience of the culture of the area. Maine features many different annual events, particularly in the summer when the weather is nice and the reasons for gathering are many. The three-day family festival known as Casco Days is one such event. Others include the Maine Performing Arts Festival, the Bethel Art Fair and the Whatever Family Festival.

Outdoor adventures

Maine is cold most of the time, so when it’s not, the people in the state get out and enjoy the outdoors. When in Rome, right? Your family can indulge in numerous outdoor activities in Maine including camping, canoeing and hiking. Go to the campgrounds located in the Moose River Valley if you’re adventurous enough to consider running into one of the magnificently large creatures. Go instead to the Western Lakes and Mountains for active hiking areas. Or consider the South Coast if you want your nature close to some urban areas.

Portland

Those families that like more urban areas will find that Portland, Maine offers a terrific balance between an urban environment and a more relaxing location. This largest of Maine cities has activities going on for all ages all throughout the summer. For example, the Children’s Museum of Maine can be explored here. They also host Kid Activity Days during the summer with once-weekly activities like seed-planting and necklace-making happening at Lobsterman’s Park. Spend a day at Smiling Hill Farm, just outside of Portland, to get that rural side of the area’s experience.

Maine Oddities

Families that enjoy seeing what others don’t think to see will find that there are a plethora of opportunities to do so in Maine. Maybe all those months spent inside during the cold winters give Maine locals a chance to think about some oddities. Or maybe it’s just a place that welcomes in the offbeat. Whatever the case, there are plenty of strange little stops in Maine that your family can enjoy on a road trip throughout the state. Foe example, Maine has multiple-story outhouses (a two-story one in Bridgewater and a three-story one in Bryant Pond). Okay, if that’s not what you want to take your kids to see, maybe your family would get a kick out of Lenny, the Life-Sized Chocolate Moose which can be seen off of the side of the road when you travel Route 1. Or maybe the ever-strange “Desert of Maine” will draw you in like it does many other tourists each year.

Here are more ideas for Family Vacations in Maine!

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Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Maryland with your Kids

Wednesday, July 11th, 2007
Family Vacation Ideas to Maryland

Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Maryland with your Kids

You could spend your summer family vacation in Maryland five years in a row and never get bored of taking the trip to this state. This is because there are five distinct regions of Maryland which each offer their own unique travel experiences for families to enjoy together. You may determine that you want to explore different areas of the country other than Maryland, but you should know a little bit about each of these five areas of the state so you can decide which Maryland trip might be best for your family when you do decide to visit the region.



Capital Region

The capital region of Maryland doesn’t refer to the state capital of Annapolis but instead to the proximity of this portion of Maryland to the capital of our country. Because of its location, a family trip to this part of the state provides an excellent opportunity for a learning experience about the country’s political history. For example, you can visit the hometown of Francis Scott Key (the man who wrote “The Star Spangled Banner”). But there are plenty of non-political things to see and do here as well. Other history can be found in a trip to the famous old German farmhouse which represents the old way of life, a stop at the B&O Railroad Station and a ride on a mule-drawn barge. More modern adventures in Maryland’s Capital Region include NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and Six Flags America.

Central Maryland

If you want to go instead to the capital of the state, Annapolis, you want to be in Central Maryland. This is also the area which is home to Baltimore, the largest and often most favorite-to-visit city. With its rich diversity of neighborhoods, strong sense of both culture and history and variety of urban activities, Baltimore provides much to do for all families. But other areas of Central Maryland can keep you busy as well. Top family vacation attractions in this portion of the state include the famous Liberty Tree located at St. John’s College, the exhibits at the museum of the U.S. Naval Academy, the baseball history at Babe Ruth Birthplace and Baseball Center, the working farms of Baltimore and Carroll Counties, and the outdoor adventures of Gunpowder Falls State Park.

Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore is perhaps the most popular family summer vacation destination for those traveling to Maryland. That’s because beaches are what summer is all about! Both you and the kids can enjoy the fun of swimming, building sandcastles and getting hot dogs from the beachside vendors. Ocean City is one of the biggest draws in this area, with its entertainment and activities, rides and adventures for all kids. But there’s also plenty of non-beach activity here as well. Visit the site of the Chestertown Tea Party, check out the animals at the Horsehead Wetlands Center and the Salisbury Zoo, and stop at the birthplace of Harriet Tubman to get� a full vacation here.

Southern Maryland

For some real history, go deeper than the colonial past and political American history of Maryland and explore the pre-colonial and natural history of the area in Southern Maryland. Families who want a summer vacation filled with outdoor activity will enjoy this area. Popular stops include Calvert Cliffs (home to fossil remains), Flag Pond Nature Park, the Maryland Indian Cultural Center, Smallwood State Park and Retreat (where an old plantation has been restored), and Point Lookout (where the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River converge).

Western Maryland

Even more so than Southern Maryland, Western Maryland gives your family the chance to spend a summer vacation outdoors together because this is where the Appalachian Mountains come through the state. This means that there is ample opportunity for hiking, picnicking and camping in the area. Visit the highest mountain in the state (Backbone Mountain) for some great Maryland views, go swimming out at Deep Creek Lake, or find one of the many state parks to enjoy a day out in the Maryland sun.

Here are more ideas for Family Vacations in Maryland!

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Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in West Virginia with your Kids

Wednesday, July 11th, 2007
Ideas for Family Vacations to West Virginia

Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in West Virginia with your Kids �

What does a family summer vacation in West Virginia have in store for you? Plenty! You can really enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors in West Virginia with camping and hiking available all throughout the state. But there are plenty of man-made things to see in the state as well, including some of the country’s oddest oddities and most common attractions. Here are just a few ideas for spending the summertime in West Virginia with your family:



Tour the State Parks

Adventurous families who truly love getting away into the outdoors will find that a tour of the state parks of West Virginia could fill an entire summer with this sort of fun. A look at the West Virginia State Parks� web page will reveal that not only are there dozens of parks throughout the state where you can go camping, hiking and outdoor exploring, but there are also events taking place all summer long at these various parks. Magic shows, music and dance festivals and educational events all happen throughout the area. There are state parks that feature dining, shopping and other activities on site, such as the Cacapon Resort, the Stonewall Jackson Resort and North Bend State Park. Conversely, there are small, quiet state parks with no frills such as Beartown in Greenbriar and Berkeley Springs in Morgan. For a full listing of West Virginia’s State Parks which details their features, see Wikipedia here.

See the Strange

West Virginia may be beautiful but it’s also home to some really strange attractions. If your family is the kind that thinks a road trip to see a state’s oddities is a good use of your family vacation, you’ll find that the highways and byways of West Virginia do not disappoint. Make sure that such a tour of the strangeness of the state includes The Mystery Hole at Ansted, the World’s Largest Teapot in Chester and Longest Single Arch Steel Span Bridge in Fayetteville, and the Home of the Mothman in Point Pleasant. To learn more about these and other oddities, you can see the West Virginia page of Roadside America.

The Standard State Attractions

If your family doesn’t go so much for the strange, you might consider taking a vacation to visit one or more of the major attractions in West Virginia. Fairmont is a popular attraction city for West Virginia Travelers. It is known as “The Friendly City” for its hospitality and charm. It is home to Pricketts Fort State Park which differs from the other state parks in that there are costumed re-enactments of eighteenth century life at the famous fort. But Fairmont isn’t the only place in the state where families spend their summers. A popular activity that many families enjoy is picking their own fruits and vegetables at orchards located throughout the state; Morgan Orchard is one favorite choice. Museums like the Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum, the Tomchin Planetarium and the Bottling Works Museum all make for good day stops during a West Virginia trip. Oh, and don’t forget to take a ride on the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad!

Here are more ideas for Family Vacations in West Virginia!

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Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Louisiana with your Kids

Wednesday, July 11th, 2007
Ideas for Family Vacations in Louisiana

Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Louisiana with your Kids

� Hurricane Katrina caused unspeakable damage to New Orleans and the state of Louisiana, but things are getting picked back up there and the state now has even more to offer its family travelers than ever before. Perhaps you want to visit the revitalized city to show your kids about perseverance, community and the rich culture that can still be found there. Or maybe there’s some other spot in Louisiana that your family can visit this summer to do your part to contribute to the economy of the state.

New Orleans

It’s now safe for you and your kids to go back to New Orleans to see this rich, interesting, vibrant city. Sure, it’s thought of as a Spring Break destination for wild college kids, but if you’ve ever been there, you know that it’s got activities for folks of all ages. And that a trip to this city is one that is memorable enough to never be forgotten by anyone in your family. Take a mule-drawn buggy ride or ride the steam-powered riverboat to see some of New Orleans from a new perspective. Visit the Aquarium of the Americas and the Audobon Zoo to see animals of all kinds. Or go to Mardi Gras World, where your kids can see the fun and exciting parts of Mardi Gras without all the bad-influence adult activity that fills the real event.



Baton Rouge

If the sights and sounds of New Orleans seem a bit too overwhelming for your family but you want to stick to a mostly urban environment, think about Baton Rouge as a summer vacation destination. You can check out the exhibits at the Enchanted Mansion Doll Museum, the plantation life of the West Baton Rouge Museum and the civil war history of the Old Arsenal Museum. See the swamplands of Louisiana at the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center. The Baton Rouge Zoo and Dixie Landin’ Theme Park are other family favorites.

Lakes and Nature

If you’d rather get away from the cities, maybe your family would enjoy camping at or lodging near one of Louisiana’s lakes or other nature spots. Some of the state favorites include Cypremort Point State Park, Indian Creek Reservoir Lake, and Lake Bistineau. Lake Pontchartrain is home to several different state parks and recreational areas, including Fontainbleau State Park which has playgrounds and other amenities just for kids.

Festivals

Louisiana has over four hundred festivals throughout the year, plenty of which happen during the summer months. So, if your family likes fair food and unique experiences, perhaps you should plan your summer vacation in Louisiana around one of these events. There is a corn festival in Bunkie, a Cajun Music Festival in Mamou, a Smoke Meats Festival in Ville Platte, just to name a few of the ones that you might enjoy with your kids.

Crossroads

If all of these decisions are too much for you, you might want to head towards Crossroads, so named because it’s located at the center of the state. This puts you in close to proximity to anything in Louisiana that you might decide you want to see, giving you some more flexibility in your summer travel planning. Bayou Pierre Alligator Park is located here, giving you a chance to see some Louisiana gators and share some real Cajun food with your kids. The Alexandria Zoological Park, Tunica-Biloxi Indian Museum and Lois Loftin Doll Museum are just a few of the other attractions in the immediate area. From there, you can just branch out.

Here are more ideas for Family Vacations in Louisiana!

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Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Kansas with your Kids

Wednesday, July 11th, 2007
Ideas for Family Vacations in Kansas

Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Kansas with your Kids

Dorothy and Toto knew it best: there’s just no place like home. But, you probably don’t want to spend the entire summer vacation with your kids at home so consider heading to Dorothy’s home state to get away for a little bit. You can enjoy a week-long jaunt throughout the state or simply take a day trip there, depending on where you live. It’ll be nice to get back to your own home at the end of the vacation, of course, but you and your family will enjoy the time spent seeing the ins and outs of Kansas.



Animal Adventures

What kid doesn’t like seeing animals? A family vacation to Kansas gives your family a chance to see animals in a variety of different settings. There are three zoos to be found in Kansas: Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, and the Topeka Zoo and the Sunset Zoo in Manhattan. Also in Manhattan, you can go to a zoo that’ll thrill your kids if they like creepy-crawlies: the Insect Zoo. For a more adventurous look at wild animals, a trip to Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure in Salinas may be in order. In contrast, a more laidback look at animals can be had by checking out the diorama exhibits and dinosaur fossils at the Natural History Museum in Lawrence.

Historical Explorations

The natural history of the state isn’t all there is to see in terms of the past. Your children can get some learning in during their summer vacation by visiting some of the historical points of interest and places of significance that are located in Kansas. The Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site is a great place for teaching your kids about the importance of cultural tolerance and its place in the history of United States education. The Old Cowtown Museum and the Mid-America All-Indian Center can provide a place for education about the Native Americans of Kansas. And the whole family can explore the historical Midwest at the Period Piece town and tourist attraction known as Old Prairie Town.

Off the Beaten Path

Families that are interested in seeing the quirky and exploring the odd will find that Kansas has plenty of stuff that will make for excellent dinner table conversation for weeks to come. A tour of the state by a family seeking out the Kansas oddities might include a stop in Cawker City to see the World’s Largest Ball of Twine, a visit to Argonia during one of the monthly Kloudbusters rocket launches (featuring rockets made of things like Legos), and a haunted trolley tour taken in Atchison, considered the most haunted town in the state. Additional oddities in Kansas include the open range zoo of welded metal animal sculptures, the sandstone formations of Rock City in Minneapolis and the Underground World in Ellinwood.

Here are more ideas for Family Vacations in Kansas!

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