Posts Tagged ‘safe family travel’

The Most Dangerous Places to Travel with Kids

Friday, May 30th, 2008

The Most Dangerous Places to Travel with Kids

The Most Dangerous Places to Travel with Kids

Traveling with kids is an adventure in and of itself. However, some places can be too adventuresome for traveling with kids and can actually be downright dangerous. For parents who are planning a family vacation and are cautiously considering where they should and should not go with their kids, the following will provide some key components to be on the lookout for in making a determination that traveling to certain regions may not be a safe thing to do.

War Torn Regions

Don't travel to war torn regions with your kids

Places which are experiencing political and social unrest at the moment and can be seen as war torn regions are definitely ones to stay out of when traveling with kids. Countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan and parts of Africa should be steered clear of when traveling, especially when children are on the trip. You can find out more information on these areas by contacting your country’s State Department by phone or visiting their website online.

Dangerous Weather Locations

Don't travel to locations that are prone to deadly weather conditions

Another dangerous locale to take the kids on vacation to is any area where dangerous weather is expected. Weather conditions such as tornados, hurricanes, typhoons, tsunamis, landslides and more should be avoided at all costs. Although you may not know about the weather condition until it is close to your time to leave on vacation, try to consider which areas experience bad weather at certain times during the year and try to avoid those locations.

Impoverished Nations

Many impovereshed locations are dangerous because of high crime

If you are going on vacation with the kids, try to avoid areas where the economy is extremely bad and the area is impoverished. There is often a link between poverty level and crime rates, taking your kids to these areas should be avoided. This is not to say that you should only visit extremely wealthy regions, just use common sense when selecting your vacation destination.

Locations Where Disease is Prevalent

Visit Places with Your Kids That Haven't Had Outbreaks of Serious Illnesses

Not only should you worry about places with crime and violence when considering travel destinations but also look into the disease factor of the locations. Certain areas of the world experience an influx of diseases and these areas should be avoided when traveling with children. There is no sense in taking the risk of getting ill or your children getting ill simply to travel to a certain location.

Any Place Your Country’s State Department Warns Against

Don't travel with your kids to any Place Your Country's State Department Warns Against

If the State Department of your country is currently warning against travel to a certain location in the world, then this is a place which should be avoided. Do not travel with your children to a location on the State Department list if you are concerned about your family’s safety. As mentioned above, this information can be collected by contacting the State Department directly or visiting their website if one is available.

Use Common Sense

Use Common Sense to keep your kids out of danger when traveling to locations that you aren't sure about

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When all is said and done, the easiest way to determine where to take your children while traveling is to use common sense. Think about the safety factor first and then you will be able to figure out which locations may be the most dangerous places to travel with kids.

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How to Find The Safest Places to Travel with Kids

Tuesday, May 27th, 2008

How to Find the Safest Places to Travel With Your Kids on Family Vacations

How to Choose the Safest Places to Travel with Kids

When traveling with kids, most parents view safety as one of the most important components of the trip. Although there are too many safe places to mention in one list, there are features to search for when choosing a vacation destination in order to help ensure that the spot you are choosing is a safe place to travel.

Low Crime Rate

Travel to places with your kids that have low crime rates

Before heading to a certain travel destination you want to try to find out what the crime rate of the area is. Although this will not determine for certain whether or not the place will be safe as there are other factors to consider besides crime, it is a step in the right direction in order to determine the safety factor of the location. These statistics can be acquired online by using a search engine to pull up crime rates of a particular city.

Low Outbreak of Serious Illnesses

Visit Places with Your Kids That Haven't Had Outbreaks of Serious Illnesses

Safety also revolves around health issues. A place which has a low outbreak of serious illnesses or none whatsoever is the best place to choose. This will help to ensure that not only your kids are safe but you are as well.

Stable Social and Political Setting

Stable Social and Political Settings - No riots or political uprisings

A location which has a stable social and political setting is a safe one for children to travel to with their parents. If the country or locale is currently experiencing social unrest and/or is in wartime then the parents should definitely not bring their children to this location at all or at least not until the environment is a more stable one.

Places You Have Been Before

When in Doubt, travel to places that you have been before

It is also a good idea to have traveled to the destination before in order to deem it safe for your children. If you are going back to the same place every year then you know that it is a safe location to bring your kids or otherwise you most likely would not still be going there. Sticking with the usual vacation spots is often a good move for parents traveling with kids, so long as the place is a safe environment for all involved.

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Top 10 Most Unusual Children’s Activities at Vacation Resorts and Family Resorts

Thursday, April 10th, 2008

Top 10 Most Unusual Children's Activities at Vacation Resorts - Silly Children

 

Vacation resorts are fun for the whole family although some cater to activities for certain age groups. For kids, there are a variety of activities which they can get involved with at various resorts, some more unusual than others. There are ten activities which stand out from amongst the rest due to their unique qualities.

Become a Mouseketeer in Training

Become a Mouseketeer in Training at Disney World with Mickey Mouse Ears and All

One of the more popular vacation resorts where children are catered to left and right is the floating vacation mecca known as Disney Cruise Lines. These cruise lines offer a variety of activities tailored to the children and one which stands out in particular is the Mouseketeer in Training activity. This allows children ages 3-4 to don their Mickey Mouse ears and learn how to be a Mouseketeer. This is a great option for kids who love Mickey Mouse and all the other Disney characters.

Crayola Art Camp

Crayola Art Camp Family Resorts - Scavenger Hunts, Mosaics and More

Beaches Resorts is perhaps one of the most well known family resorts throughout the world. This vacation resort, no matter which location you go to, is known for its top-notch staff and fantastic activities for the whole family, especially the kids. One of the popular resort activities is Crayola Art Camp. Those kids who attend this camp will be guided by Beaches staff members who have received training from the Crayola company and will complete crafts such as scavenger hunt collage frames, island medallions, mosaic butterflies and lizards and more. This unique activity allows kids to get creative while having a great time.

Poolside Tye Dye

Poolside Tie Dye kids activity at family ranch resort

Another resort which allows children to tap into their creative abilities is The Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort and Spa in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This resort offers a variety of kid’s activities including arts & craft classes such as the poolside tye dye. At this craft session, kids can make tye dye t-shirts so they not only get to enjoy engaging in the craft but also have a souvenir to take home with them.

KidSpa

Kids Spa at Pinehurt Family Resort with Massages Facials Pedicures and Manicures

For the children who like to get pampered, the KidSpa at Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina is the place to go. At this resort, kids can get spa treatments such as massages, facials, pedicures and manicures. Although they must be accompanied by an adult, this is a great place to go if your little one likes spa treats just like the rest of the family.

Worm Races

Little Cedars Kids' Club is worm races. Kids can choose their worm and see who wins the race.

For the little ones who are nature lovers, Big Cedar Resort in Ridgedale, Missouri provides quite a bit of options for kids. One unique activity which this resort sponsors for children in their Little Cedars Kids’ Club is worm races. Kids can choose their worm and see who wins the race. This concept is quite unique and something which those who love the outdoors will most definitely delight in.

Hawaiian Cultural Activities

Hawaiian cultural activities

Visitors to any of the various Hawaiian Islands are sure to delight in partaking in some Hawaiian cultural activities, especially the kids. At various vacation resorts kids are able to take part in various cultural activities. Some of these resorts include J.W. Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina Resort in Oahu and the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island.

Dolphin Meet & Greet

kids and other family members Meet & Greet Dolphins at family resort

Another Hawaiian resort which offers a unique children’s activity is the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island. The Dolphin Quest Learning Lagoon at the resort provides various programs which bring kids and other family members face to face with these beautiful creatures.

Pueblo Bread Baking

Pueblo Bread Baking at Kids Camp Hyatt at various Hyatt Resorts with Family Activities

If kids are looking for unique activities, Camp Hyatt at various Hyatt Resorts will have the answer. The Camp Hyatt at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico offers the unique children’s activity of traditional Pueblo bread making. Here kids can learn how this traditional bread making activity was performed and get to help with the process. This is educational and fun all at the same time.

Broom Hockey

Grand Kids program and one of the unique activities that it offers is the sport of broom hockey

For those who may be traveling to the Puerto Vallarta region of Mexico, the Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico is a great option for families with kids. This resort has the Grand Kids program and one of the unique activities that it offers is the sport of broom hockey. This provides a unique way for kids to have fun and get exercise all at the same time.

Junior Chef

Junior Chef activity at the Almond Beach Village - Your Kids can be Chef and Cooking for the day

For kids who love everything culinary, the Junior Chef activity at the Almond Beach Village in Barbados is sure to please. Here kids can express their culinary creativity and this is quite a unique activity when viewed alongside the usual favorites of dance activities and water sports.

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Inexpensive Family Travel Suggestions or Free Vacation Ideas for You and Your Kids

Tuesday, April 8th, 2008
Inexpensive or Free Vacation Ideas for You and Your Kids and Family Travel

Budget Family Travel Suggestions - Inexpensive or Free Vacation Ideas for You and Your Kids

With most individuals living with a set budget in mind these days, finding vacation ideas which are inexpensive or even free in cost is a wonderful concept. Although some may not feel as if this is likely, the truth of the matter is that there are many options with regard to inexpensive travel options for families to take advantage of when planning a trip. The following will provide some ideas to peruse and see if these are options for you and your family when it comes to traveling.

Family Camping Trips with Your Kids

Family Camping Trips with Your Kids

For those families who love the outdoors, a great inexpensive and sometimes free way to spend a vacation is on a camping trip. Some campgrounds will charge money to stay there whereas others are free for those who bring their own camping equipment and food. While on the camping trip, families can enjoy stories by the campfire, fishing, hiking, playing sports and more.

Take RV Road Trips with Your Kids

Take RV Road Trips with Your Kids

If your family owns an RV, planning an RV road trip for your vacation will provide an inexpensive vacation idea to consider. Although you will have to pay for gas and food along the way, there are places where those traveling in RVs can park for free and spend the night. A great road trip idea to consider if you own an RV is to map out historical landmarks in various states and then plan your trip so that you can stop at these various landmarks. Not only will this provide family fun but it will be educational as well.

Go on City Vacations with Your Kids

Go on City Vacations with Your Kids

Another inexpensive vacation option for families to think about is to plan a trip to a nearby city for a couple of nights. This will not be free but it can be inexpensive by planning in the following ways. You can peruse your hotel options ahead of time and find a reasonably priced hotel where kids can stay and even eat for free. Also, try to go to a city where there are free things to do. For example, Washington, DC is a city which has a wealth of options with regard to free activities such as the National Zoo, art museums, multitude of historical landmarks and more. Lastly, you can eat for a reasonable amount of money if you budget accordingly, take advantage of lunch specials and early bird specials and not eat at extremely pricey establishments.

Family Travel / Vacation Packages with Reduced Rates for Families on a Budget

Family Travel / Vacation Packages with Reduced Rates for Families on a Budget

Another option for inexpensive vacations for you and the family to enjoy relates to vacation packages. There is a wide array of vacation packages which are extremely reasonable in price. When vacation options are bundled together, this can save you a good amount of money. Try to find vacation packages which include lodging and food if you are driving to your vacation destination. For those who need to fly to their vacation area, see if you can select a vacation package which includes airfare, car rental and lodging and obtain a great deal in the process.

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Ideas for Free Family Road Trips and Free Last Minute Family Day Trips

Saturday, April 5th, 2008
Ideas for Free Family Road Trips and Free Last Minute Family Day Trips
Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Massachusetts with your Kids

With the weather slowly getting warmer, parents are becoming more and more interested in planning day trips for themselves and the kids to enjoy. What is even better than a day trip is a free day trip and there are quite a few ideas with regard to day trips on a budget. Not all of the following free day trips may be available to you depending on where you live however many individuals can take advantage of at least a good portion of the free day trip options which follow.

Free Day at the Zoo

Free family day trips to the zoo with your kids

Depending on the city, some zoos will offer free day admission to those who visit. This is often in honor of a special holiday or on a certain day of the month. If interested in visiting the zoo for free and spending the day at this great family-friendly location, try calling your local city zoo or viewing their website to see if free zoo days are available.

Historical Landmarks

Visit Historical Landmarks with your kids for free family day trips

For those families who love history, visiting historical landmarks in your local area may be a great way to spend the day for free. Many parks where historical landmarks are present or historical landmarks along certain roadways and in various towns are usually free to view. Before setting out on your day of free history, look up various landmarks online and map out a few set destinations so that you know exactly where you are going and what you are going to see.

Free Museum Days

Visit the Museum with your kids on Free Museum Days for a great last minute family road trip idea

In addition to free zoo days, some cities which have art museums and historical museums will offer free admission days. This is a wonderful chance to take advantage of visiting museums for free and viewing all of the wonderful displays they have there, whether they be art, historical or cultural in nature.

Picnic and Outdoor Fun at a Park

Picnic and Outdoor Fun at a Park

If the weather is nice, another suggestion for those who want to embark on a free day trip with the kids is a picnic and outdoor fun at a local park or national park within driving distance. Depending on where you live, you are almost always likely to have a local park and some individuals are even fortunate enough to have a national park within their local vicinity. Pack a picnic lunch and load up the car with some outdoor fun items such as Frisbees, bikes, baseball equipment and more.

Biking Expedition

Family Biking - Take a Biking Trip Outside with Your Kids on a Biking Expedition

Another wonderful day trip idea for those who love good, free fun is a planned biking expedition. This can be carried out by leaving from your house on bike if you live in a bike-friendly area or you can drive to a local park where biking is allowed. Take a lunch along and stop somewhere in the midst of your biking expedition to enjoy the sights and the company of your family.

Trip to the Outlet Mall

Take a trip to the outlet mall with your family and kids for a free fun day trip idea

For those who love to window-shop and stroll along enjoying each other’s company, a trip to an outlet mall is another option for a free day of fun. Even though it will cost money to buy items, if you are a window shopper and simply like to look through stores without having to buy anything then outlet malls are a nice way to browse around, get some exercise and enjoy your family time together.

Fun Day at the Beach

Take a road trip or day trip to the beach with your kids for a fun free trip idea

 

If you are within driving distance from the beach and the weather is suitable, why not enjoy a fun day at the beach. This free activity provides a lot of options for you and the kids such as swimming, soaking in the sun, playing in the sand, Frisbee and more. In keeping with the free part of the day trip, bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy.

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Family Travel Ideas for Family Vacations to Massachusetts with your Kids

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008
Family Travel Ideas for Family Vacations to Massachusetts with your Kids


Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Massachusetts with your Kids

The activities of Boston, the beaches of Cape Cod and the unique tourist attractions of Central and Western Massachusetts are just a few of the reasons that families frequently plan to spend their summer vacations in the state. If you know that you want to be one of these families but aren’t sure where in Massachusetts you want to spend the summer, here is a closer look at those three basic regions to help you get started on your trip planning.

Boston:

Boston and the surrounding area offer so much for family travelers that it’s possible to plan almost any kind of itinerary that you want. If you have a multi-age family with older kids who are getting near to the college age, you might want to spend some time in Cambridge on the campuses of Harvard and MIT. But that doesn’t mean that the little kids will get left out of a trip to the city. The Boston Children’s Museum, The Boston Children’s Theatre, The Franklin Park Zoo and The New England Aquarium are just a few of the best kid-friendly spots in the area. You can also explore areas of the city that will appeal to the entire family, such as The Esplanade Park area along the Charles River, the outdoor festival at Faneuil Marketplace and the sporting fun at Fenway. Families who enjoy tours provided by local guides should check out the short-trip on Swan Boats of Boston, the hour-and-a-half tour of the Boston Harbor provided by Boston by Sea and The Old Town Trolley Tour of Boston.

Cape Cod:

For some families, Boston is a great city to see for a day or two but the chance to spend a longer vacation at the beach is the true desire. And for others, a longer trip to Boston that includes a day trip to the water is the way to go. Cape Cod and the other beachfront areas of Massachusetts are located close enough to the city to make it possible for your family to experience both. There are many miles of public beaches all along Cape Cod and the neighboring towns of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. The kids can build sandcastles (and there’s an annual sandcastle competition each year to check out), go swimming and enjoy other beach activities. If you want to get a little bit more adventure during your stay in the area without going all the way to Boston, check out Pirate Adventures Theme Park, Water Wizz Waterpark and The Children’s Museum of Cape Cod.

Central and Western Massachusetts:

Boston and the beaches aren’t the only parts of Massachusetts that are worth visiting with your family. There’s a whole half of the state west of there that offers much adventure of its own. Visit Old Strubridge Village in Central Massachusetts to show your kids what an early nineteenth century town looked like. Show them modern farm life (and get lost in eight acre corn maze) at Davis Farmland and MegaMaze. Other must-sees are the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, the Basketball Hall of Fame, the indoor/outdoor museum called EcoTarium and� the Herbert Candy Mansion.

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Family Travel Ideas for Family Vacations to Nebraska with your Kids

Tuesday, April 1st, 2008
Ideas for Family Vacations in Nebraska with your Kids

Ideas for Family Vacations to Nebraska with your Kids

 

 

A summer vacation to Nebraska is filled with fun from A-Z (well, okay, it’s A-Y for the cities from Ashland to York). You might opt to spend your vacation in a small rural town, in one of the larger cities of Nebraska or traveling throughout the state. Whatever you choose, you’ll be able to find enough to keep you occupied if you start by considering some of the following travel spots and ideas for a Nebraska summer family vacation.

 

Ashland

Ashland is a small town in Nebraska and one that often gets overlooked by people who aren’t familiar with the state. But its friendly community, proximity to state parks and low-cost accommodations make it a great place for families seeking a summer getaway. Within Ashland itself, you can enjoy unique attractions like Willow Point Gallery where 30 stuffed big game animals are set against a backdrop of materials natural to the area. You can also go enjoy that nature yourself since Ashland is located next to three great state parks: Mahoney, Memphis and Platte River. Mahoney is one of the most popular summer getaways in Nebraska, offering lakeside camping and a recreation activity center.

 

Omaha and Lincoln

 

If your family wants to spend the summer in one of the more urban areas of Nebraska, then you should plan a trip to either Omaha or Lincoln. Better yet, check out both cities. Omaha is the largest city in the state and, of course, Lincoln is the capital so both offer plenty of activities. They each have large zoos, children’s museums, and family fun centers. Lincoln has more in the way of interesting museums (such as the National Museum of Roller Skating) but Omaha is located right off of the Platte River so it’s hard to pick which is the better spot for urban travelers.

 

Nebraska Road Trip

 

Why spend your family summer vacation in just one Nebraska city when you could take a tour of the entire state (or at least make your way through one or two of Nebraska’s major regions)? It’s possible to enjoy many different scenic drives throughout the state, many of which are filled with the potential to experience a bit of history during the drive. For example, take Highway 385 which is also known as The Gold Rush Byway and see the strange rock formations that makeup “The Courthouse and Jail Rocks”. On this same highway, you can check out the manmade semi-reconstruction of Stonehenge known as “Carhenge”. For more information on this byway and the other scenic routes throughout the state, visit the Nebraska travel website.

 

The Panhandle

 

Highway 385 runs through part of The Panhandle of Nebraska but it doesn’t cover all of it. If you’re taking a road trip in this area, or if you’re just looking for a general region of Nebraska to explore more thoroughly on your family summer vacation, then you should think about checking out what The Panhandle has to offer. In the city of Alliance, you’ll find such potential stops as Dobby’s Frontier Town historic area and The Sandhills Drive-in Movie Theatre. Other stops in The Panhandle may include historic sites associated with The Oregon Trail, outdoor fun at spots like the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area and modern fun at places like The Great Escape family fun center.

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Ideas for Family Vacations in Nevada with your Kids

Thursday, March 27th, 2008
Family Travel Ideas for Family Vacations to Nevada with your Kids

Ideas for Family Vacations in Nevada with your Kids


If you’re thinking about taking a summer family vacation in the state of Nevada, there’s a good chance that you’re planning to go to Vegas. It’s a good place for a trip, especially with those low-cost buffet meals that you can find if you look around. But it’s not the only city in Nevada and it’s not the only spot in the state offering summer vacation options for your family. Don’t be afraid to go to Vegas “ but don’t be afraid to think about going somewhere else in Nevada either!

Las Vegas

For awhile, Vegas was really beginning to be considered a family destination. Some of that has faded away and a lot of what the city has to offer is in the manner of adult fun, but there are still some great spots for families. Hotels that cater to kids (like Circus Circus), shows that are good for all ages (such as The Tournament of Kings), and nearby day trips that take you out of the city (like Hoover Dam) all make for great family fun. And Vegas is good for parents who might want to enjoy some fun away from the kids because it is a place with reputable babysitters or kids’ rooms available in many hotels and attractions areas. For more details information on what to do with your kids in Vegas, visit Las Vegas Kids, Kids in Vegas and The Vegas.com site’s page on kids.

Lake Tahoe

If Vegas is the big city destination for families on summer vacation in Nevada, then Lake Tahoe is the big natural destination. This awesome location offers every kind of lake activity that you can imagine, including camping and family-friendly lodging on the shore. You can go to the north shore or the south shore, or you can start at and take “The Most Beautiful Drive in America” to reach the other. In addition to activities on the lake, you can visit historical sites, do some shopping and enjoy some great food at the local restaurants.

Scenic Byways

The drive along the shore of Lake Tahoe may be beautiful, but it’s not the only scenic drive in the state of Nevada. If you do the RV thing with your family, or if you’re open to the idea of a road trip this summer, you’ll find that there are nine other scenic byways in Nevada that offer terrific views and interesting activities. See the Nevada travel website for more details about these trips.

Valley of Fire / Lake Mead

For a destination that is popular but may be less hectic than Vegas or Tahoe, think about heading to the area near Lake Mead. Valley of Fire State Park, located here, is great for picture-taking since its home to Nevada’s red sandstone formations. It’s also good for getting some Native American history in since there are petroglyphs here to take a look at. And it’s located right near Lake Mead so you’ll be able to ecape the heat with some water activities.

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Ideas for Family Vacations in New Hampshire with your Kids

Wednesday, March 26th, 2008
Family Travel Ideas for Vacations in New Hampshire with your Kids

Ideas for Family Vacations in New Hampshire with your Kids


If you go to the official web page for the state of New Hampshire, you’ll find that the first thing you see there is the slogan: “New Hampshire: You’ll Love It Here”. It may sound presumptuous, especially for such a little state. But after spending your summer family vacation in the state, you’re likely to find that you agree with the motto. If that’s not enough to convince you, maybe you’d like to know that under the link titled simply, “Why NH?”, their second reason given is “fun and affordable family vacations”. And if that’s still not reason enough to book your summer vacation to this New England destination, then take a look at these trip ideas for a visit to the state:

Hands-on Science

New Hampshire offers many indoor spots for exploring science with your kids. The SEE Science Center, the Mt. Washington Observatory’s Weather Discovery Center and the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium are some of the major science center spots that you could visit on a science tour throughout the small state. If you’re planning such a tour, you should also consider the state’s children’s museums as destinations which might have science stuff for your kids to enjoy. The Children’s Museum of Portsmouth is one of the choices in that category.

Get outside

Science centers offer great indoor fun but if you’re going to go all the way to New Hampshire, you should make sure to see the scenery of this absolutely gorgeous state. The summertime in New Hampshire is nice enough to make hiking, camping and other such outdoor activities more than pleasant. State parks that you might enjoy with your family include Coleman State Park, Deer Mountain Campground and Pawtuckaway State Park. See the New Hampshire State Parks website for more info on these and other spots. In addition to the state parks, you can visit waterfalls in the White Mountains or safely see wildlife at spots like the Silk Farm Audubon Center.

Ride the Rails

No, you’re not going to go so far as to jump on the backs of moving trains during your New Hampshire vacation, but you should definitely be sure to book yourself a seat on one of the scenic railroad routes that are located all throughout the state. Your choices include Conway Scenic Road, Hobo Railroad, Mt. Washington Cog Railway, White Mountain Central Railroad and Winnipesaukee Railroad. Your kids will love the chance to ride on a real train and you’ll get to sit back, relax and enjoy the New Hampshire scenery.

See the Strange

New Hampshire is beautiful and offers the chance for a family vacation that’s pleasant and fun. But perhaps your family is more Osbornes than Cleaver. Okay, so you’re not that strange, but you do have a penchant for seeking out oddities with your kids in order to make for memorable vacations. In New Hampshire, some such oddities might include The Storyland children’s theme park in the city of Glen, the rock profiles of George Washington (in Jackson) and “an Indian head” in Franconia Notch or the Mack Truck Museum in Hillsborough. For more ideas about oddities to see on a New Hampshire summer vacation, check out Roadside Attractions.

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Ideas for Family Vacations in New Jersey with your Kids

Wednesday, March 19th, 2008
Ideas for Family Vacations in New Jersey with your Kids

Ideas for Family Vacations in New Jersey with your Kids


Your kids might laugh and you might rapidly hear things about “Joisey” if you’re thinking about taking your summer family vacation to this state that many consider to be a suburb of New York City. However, after spending a few days laughing it up at the Jersey Shore or a week exploring the ins and outs of the rest of New Jersey, your kids may have a different take on the situation. And your summer vacation might have you thinking that this state deserves recognition all its own despite its proximity to the biggest of American cities.

The Jersey Shore

You really shouldn’t take a family vacation to New Jersey without spending at least a day at the Jersey Shore. Not only is it one of the most popular attractions in the state of New Jersey, but it offers all of the family that basically define summer for a kid: amusement park rides, beach activities, and boardwalk goodies. There are several different beaches along the Jersey Shore, such as Long Beach Island and Beach Haven. And if the basic beach and boardwalk fun of this area isn’t enough to make the family feel like they’ve had an exciting summer, a couple of days spent at the Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park and wildlife safari should do the trick.

Watch the Wildlife

The wildlife safari park at Great Adventures isn’t the only spot in the state for checking out some interesting wildlife. In fact, you might be surprised to know just how many opportunities there are to see exotic animals during a vacation in New Jersey. There are at least five zoos, an aquarium, a national wildlife refuge and a whale watching center all located within this small state. More details can be found here.

Day trip to NYC

Okay, so it’s cheating a little bit to think about going to New York City when you have the fun of New Jersey at your fingertips. But it’s an unforgettable place and a day there can supplement the rest of your New Jersey summer vacation. See the city; just don’t neglect the wonders of New Jersey in the process.

Trenton


Of course, New Jersey has cities of its own. The capital of Trenton clearly can’t compete with the glamour and activity of New York City but it shouldn’t be overlooked during a family summer vacation in the state. Check out the Grounds for Sculpture Art Park, a 22-acre activity-filled urban park. Enjoy water activities with the family on the Delaware River. Or go watch a baseball game at Mercer County Waterfront Park. Trenton is also a spot that gives you great access to several state parks so if you’re looking for a home base for your New Jersey vacation, it’s a good one to think about.

Jamesburg

Perhaps it’s not a city that you’re looking to spend the summer in but rather a small town. There are plenty of these throughout New Jersey that you can choose from but Jamesburg stands out because of its friendly air and historic quaintness. If you want a place where you can wind down and let the kids entertain themselves with nature walks, afternoons at the soda shops and reading books in corner parks, Jamesburg is a good place to begin.

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