Archive for the ‘Educational Family Trips’ Category

Fun Things to Do in Washington DC with Your Kids on Family Vacation

Sunday, September 21st, 2008

Fun Things for You and Your Kids to Do in Washington DC with your Children
Photographer Ted Johnson

Fun Things to Do In Washington, DC with Your Kids

There are many great places to go on vacation with your kids and Washington, DC is one of them. From history to wildlife options, there are so many wonderful choices with regard to various activities and fun things to do. The following will list some of the popular choices for parents traveling with kids to Washington, DC.

Visit the Historical Hot Spots

Historic Washington DC with kids on family vacations
Photographer Ted Johnson

Washington, DC is arguably the best place to view a wide array of historical buildings and locations in the country. As the nation’s capitol, this great city has so much to offer in the way of historical sights and kids will love visiting the various locations where they will be entertained as well as educated. Some of the must see locations include the White House, Capitol Building, Supreme Court building, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, to name just a few.

Art and History Museums

Visit Art and History Museums in Washington DC with yoru children
Photographer Paul Dineen

When visiting the DC area, the kids will also love the wealth of art and history museums. Parents will love the fact that many of these locations are free to the public. Kids will enjoy so many of these spots but especially the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, US Postal Museum and the International Spy Museum.

Wildlife Tourist Destinations

Washington DC Zoos and Wildlife destinations for family vacations with kids
Photographer Ted Johnson

For those children who love to visit the zoo and other wildlife-related locations, there are quite a few to choose from within the Washington, DC area. The National Zoo is one of the favorites and like many of the art and history museums in the area, there is no admission charge to go to the zoo which makes it a fun and free way to spend the day. For those who wish to venture outside of the Washington, DC city limits, the Petting Zoo in Reston, Virginia is a fun stop as well.

Ride the Metro and Explore the City

Ride the Washington DC Metro with your kids
Photographer: Daniel Leininger

The Metro is the subway system which goes throughout Washington, DC. Besides providing convenient travel options for those who live in and visit Washington, DC, the Metro is also known as perhaps the cleanest subway system in the United States. A fun way to explore the city is to grab a Metro map and take the subway to various locations throughout the city to engage in tours, shopping and dining adventures.

Experience the Culinary Greatness of Washington, DC

Eating in Washington DC with your kids
Photographer: Paul W

Most kids love to eat out and snack throughout the day and Washington, DC is a great place to do so. There are so many different options with regard to cuisine and those who visit DC with kids can have them experience the different cuisine varieties. From Italian to Greek and everything in between, you are sure to find a culinary delight at every food stop along the way.

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Family Travel Ideas for Kids Who Love Animals

Monday, July 7th, 2008

Family Travel Ideas for Kids Who Love Animals - kids swimming with dolphins

Family Travel Destinations/Ideas for Families Who Like Animals

When planning a family vacation most families base it around what they all like to do as a family. Some families agree that sports are a key component to family fun whereas other families have different ideas in mind. Some families find that basing their family vacation around their love of animals is the way to go. For this group of individuals the following will provide some ideas for great family vacation fun.

Take a Zoo Tour

Take a zoo tour with the kids

Visiting zoos provides a great way for families to see all of their favorite animals up close and personal. Since most individuals will have different ideas as to what type of animal is their absolute favorite, the zoo provides a way for families to see all different kinds of animals all at once. As vacations usually last a few days or weeks, families may consider planning a zoo tour where they visit different cities and go to the zoos in each city. This is not only a way to see the animals but see various city sights as well.

Working Farms for Vacation

Working farms for a family vacation

These days there are vacation destinations to suit almost any individual tastes. One type of vacation which is getting to be popular with the masses is a “working” vacation. On these types of vacations the individuals will learn a specific trade or be involved with a certain occupation. For animal lovers, vacationing at a working farm where you can be involved with the day-to-day operations involving animals is a great possibility for a destination.

Aquarium Tour

Aquarium tours with kids

Along the same lines of a zoo tour vacation, families may also consider an aquarium tour. Not only will you be able to see a wide array of fish and marine life but you will see other types of animals as well. You can choose to visit one particular city or a few, depending on the length of your vacation and desire to travel to different locales.

Go On a Safari

Go on a family safari vacation

For the daring families and those who have some extra spending cash, going on a guided safari in a different country is an adventuresome option. There are many different safari companies in various countries which will take individuals on a safari for a few days. This allows the individuals to see exotic animals in their natural habitats and brings out the daring side in the family members. For those individuals who worry about the safety feature of this type of tour, there are also contained safari tours such as Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida which gives individuals the feeling of a safari without having to leave the country and provides them with a safer environment than a true safari vacation.

Go on a Dude Ranch Vacation

Go on a family dude ranch vacation

Although I have never been on a Dude Ranch vacation with my kids, I have heard that they are a hit with the kids. In fact, Dude Ranch vacations are one of the biggest growing trends in family vacations. Some Dude Ranch packages are set up the same way that an all-inclusive resort in set up in that there are kids’ camp programs in which the parents can leave the children in camp from morning until night (if they choose to) in order to get some alone time. While the kids are in the camp, they have a blast and make life-time friends as well. Your kids will be able to play hard, learn about nature, and learn how to ride and take care of horses. This is a lot of fun for your animal-loving kids.

Swim with Dolphins and Sea Lions

Swim with the dolphins and sea lions

Swimming with dolphins and / or Sea Lions is an adventure that your child will never forget. There are so many companies that offer Swimming with Dolphins / Sea Lions, especially cities that are located off of the coast, such as Florida. These programs are well worth the money as your kids will certainly not forget this amazing experience.

Go to a Vacation Spot That Allows Dogs / Animals

Go to a vacation resort or hotel that allows and caters to dogs and other animals

Believe it or not, many resorts, campgrounds, and hotels are now accommodating pets as well so you no longer need to leave Fido at home. A few examples are Paw House Inn, The Mountaineer Inn, Camp Gone to the Dogs, and Dog Paddling Adventures. I got these links from a very helpful article that I found about Going on Vacations with Dogs … you might also enjoy it as well.

 

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Ideas for Very Unique Family Vacations

Sunday, April 27th, 2008

Ideas for Very Unique Family Vacations


Ideas for Very Unique Family Vacations

When families start to ponder how they are going to spend their family vacation, some feel as if they want a unique family retreat this year and one which is different from all of the prior ones. There are many unique family vacations which will entertain and delight the entire family. Some are located in the surrounding areas whereas others may be in an entirely different country. The ones which follow are examples of family retreats which are unusual and unique.

Environmentally Friendly Vacations

Environmentally Friendly Vacations

For those who are environmentally conscious and wish to remain so on their vacation, there are environmentally friendly vacations to go on. One vacation resort which offers an environmental option for a vacation destination is the Bio-Hotel Stanglwirt in Austria. Although it may be costly for some, if a green destination is what you desire and luxury is a key component then this resort is sure to please. Another environmentally friendly vacation resort is the Tiamo Resorts in the Bahamas. At this resort families will enjoy solar power energy which allows them to enjoy comfort while being environmentally sound.

Family Vacation at a Working Farm

Vacation at a Working Farm

Another unique family vacation option is to visit and stay at a working farm. This is a way to not only have a great time with family members but also provide insight into how a farm truly operates. At these types of vacation destinations, families can help out with feeding the animals, cooking and working at various farm-related tasks. Some farm vacation destinations include the Weatherbury Farm in Avella, Pennsylvania, Berkson Farms in Enosburg Falls, Vermont and Apple Pond Farm in Callicoon Center, New York.

Teaching Family Vacations

Teaching Family Vacations

There are also family vacations which center around teaching family members a certain trade or skill while they enjoy their vacation. Skills such as cooking, music and art appreciation are just a few different types of teaching vacations which are available to families. The individuals will stay at the location and each day they will embark on a different aspect of the trade or skill all the while having a great time with each other. When you come home from your vacation not only can you say you had a wonderful time but you may have acquired a new trade or skill in the long run.

River Rafting Family Vacations

River Rafting Family Vacations

For the outdoor enthusiasts, a vacation centered around whitewater rafting might be the perfect getaway. There are various vacation offerings with this activity at the center thereof where family members can spend the day braving the water and the nights camping under the stars. For the adventuresome families, a whitewater river rafting vacation might be the perfect thing to enjoy. One river rafting company which offers family vacations is Western River Expeditions which has its headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. This company offers many different river adventures in states such as Utah, Idaho and Colorado, to name just a few.

Bike Tour Family Vacations

Bike Tour Family Vacations

Another outdoor activity which will provide great times and good exercise is a bike tour vacation. Bike tour vacations come in a variety of forms and families can choose the one which best suits their tastes. The bike tours can be based on a beginner bike route or advanced one and the individuals may be able to stay in hotels at night or campgrounds, depending on the type of vacation that they choose.

Volunteer Family Vacations

Family Volunteer Vacations

For the families who like to help others while vacationing in a different location, volunteer vacations provide a good option. There are certain tour providers which prepare a vacation for the individuals where they volunteer during the course of their stay at their vacation destination. This way the family members can mix relaxation with helping others while away on their trip.

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Top Educational Family Trips in the US by Region

Monday, April 14th, 2008

Top Educational Family Trips in the US by Region


Top Educational Family Trips by Region

When families plan vacations perhaps the number one goal is to make them fun in nature. A close runner up to the fun aspect is education since many parents would like their children to get something out of the vacation besides a good tan and fond memories. The following will list some of the top educational family trips by region.

Educational Trips to Northeast

Educational Trips in the Northeast

Known for its scenic areas and historical value, the New England region is a wealth of educational family trips as well. Boston, Massachusetts is a great place to visit for those families who want to learn about the American Revolution. The Battles of Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill were important parts of the Revolution and there are many wonderful historic sites throughout the Boston area which families can tour and learn more about this historic event.

Touring lighthouses throughout the New England region is another educational trip for families to take. Throughout states such as Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, a multitude of lighthouses are present and offer families some insight into coastal issues and marine life. For lighthouse lovers, a family trip based around lighthouse tours is a wonderful idea to consider.

Further south in the Northeast region of the United States lies New York City. This popular city is home to wonderful forms of entertainment and fun as well as a vast array of educational hot spots. Places like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History, Ellis Island, Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum are just a few of the many educational tourist attractions which New York City offers its visitors.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania also offers a wide array of educational tourist spots for vacationing families to enjoy. This city is filled to the brim with education and enlightenment opportunities sure to please the whole family. Historic sites such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross’ House and a number of fabulous museums are all great spots to visit while staying in Philadelphia.

Educational Trips to South

Educational Trips in the South US Civil War Reenactments

The southern region of the United States also has so much to offer families who are searching for educational family vacation spots. Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia is a great vacation destination for those who are yearning for education as well as fun. View the various reenactments, tour the colonial town and see how things were in years past. This is a great history lesson for individuals of all ages.

Various locations throughout the South also provide insight into the Civil War. From South Carolina to Alabama and surrounding states, there are a number of famous Civil War battlefields which history buffs can visit. Planning a family vacation with Civil War battlefields as the focal point is an educational trip all around.

Educational Trips to Midwest

Educational Trips in the Midwest a lot o great museums for kids and family

For families who wish to travel to vacation destinations in cities throughout the Midwest region, there are so many great options which will provide the family members with educational fun. Most of the larger cities throughout the Midwest such as Chicago, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Detroit will offer so many different cultural attractions such as art museums to hold one’s interest. In addition to art museums, families can visit the historical attractions located within each city such as those pertaining to how the city got started and various landmarks within city limits.

Educational Trips to West

Family educational trips to the west including native indian reservations

If you are planning a family trip to one of the states in the West, you too will have numerous options with regard to educational activities. Depending on the state which you are visiting you may be able to tour national parks, American Indian reservations and other historical landmarks. No matter what type of educational activity you desire, there is certain to be one to your liking in the western United States.

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