Summer is the perfect time to get out and about with the family. There is so much choice that it can also feel a little overwhelming especially if you’re looking for days out while you’re on vacation. Finding spots to visit should add something memorable and special to your summer break, and whether you choose an adventurous excursion or fun at a theme park, there is plenty to entertain every family member (including the big kids too!).
Before you decide on the best days out for the family, it’s a great idea to get a feel for what everyone likes. Make a list of top places you’d like to see or things you’d like to do, and narrow it down so everyone has a taster of different activities. It can be challenging to please everyone especially if you have an age gap between children, as the younger kids will have very different requirements than older ones. However, there is a selection of suitable attractions, activities and places to visit that get the balance just right for everyone.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it now time to consider the costs. Days out especially when you’re in popular tourist spots are notoriously overpriced and some hike them up during the busy seasons. To avoid feeling the pinch in your wallet, searching online and buying tickets in advance is a great option. Usually, you’ll find there is a range of special offers or discounts on advanced purchases which gives you a little more money to spend on your vacation. It’s not just going direct that saves you money either, as there is a host of websites that offer tickets and entry passes to hundreds of attractions across the country, why not check out Park Savers for tickets to see how much you could save.
If you’re planning some days out during the summer to keep the kids entertained or are looking for little extras for your vacation, check out some of the top activities and attractions that will offer fun all day long.
Theme parks
You can’t really go wrong with a trip to a theme park, as both kids and adults love the variety of rides and amusements on offer. You’ll find a host of options depending on your chosen location, and most will keep the fun rolling the entire day – some you might even need a few days to explore. Many theme parks also cater to kids of different ages and while the hair-raising rollercoasters might not be suitable for toddlers, you’re sure to find smaller and slower rides that they’ll absolutely adore.
Some top places to check out include:
- Walt Disney World Resort
- Universal Studios
- Busch Gardens
- Story Land
- Sesame Place
There are tons of options to check out, and you can find lots more here.
Getting back to nature
The US is fortunate to have some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. There is a variety of different experiences available including remote wilderness, mountainous spots, stunning rivers and lakes and spectacular coastal locations. For families looking for a slice of adventure, planning a day out that immerses you in the beauty of these places is a must. The activities available in these areas are plentiful and you opt for a slower pace with walking and hiking activities or go wild with white water rafting and climbing experiences. You don’t have to stay for a day either, as many of these destinations have camping facilities nearby, plus some give you the chance to wild camp if you’re feeling up to it. Although some of these day trips might not be suitable for smaller tots, there is, however, a range of spots that are family-friendly so everyone can get involved.
Check out some of the best places to get back to nature with the whole family:
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Everglades National Park
- Arches National Park
- Death Valley National Park
You can find lots of more options here.
A trip to the beach
Nothing beats having the sand between your toes and taking a dip in the ocean. Beach vacations and days out are among one of the most popular options for families as there’s so much to do even if that means just building sandcastles. In the summer, it’s perfect for soaking up the warm sunshine and relaxing with your loved ones. Many popular beaches have events and festivities throughout the season too so everyone can get involved with games and activities at their leisure. Another great activity at the beach is hiring a boat or going on a boat trip. In some spots, you might be able to see marine life in the waters or move further along the coast to explore other locations with a short trip back in the afternoon. A day at the beach is often also an affordable option especially if you’re on vacation. The sand and the water keep everyone amused all day, and if you take a picnic too, you won’t have to spend a small fortune on buying food and drink throughout the day (apart from some ice cream!).
Community events
If you’re looking for activities a little closer to home, it’s a great opportunity to explore what your local community has to offer. During the summer season, there is often a host of fairs and celebrations going on that provide an affordable day or afternoon out for the entire family. Your local community might also be running affordable activities throughout the day, so that also gives you a chance to leave the kids attended while pop to the store or run errands while they have fun with other kids in the neighbourhood. You could also think about running an event of activity yourself if you have the time, that way you’ll bring together people from your area to engage and have fun. Plus you’ll get to know lots of other residents in your area.
Summer camps
Camps are a great way to keep the older kids entertained over the summer break. Some offer a few weeks away while others include the whole season which is ideal if you can’t take a lot of time off work. There is a host of camps available which include everything from adventurous activities to educational experiences, however, both are excellent for helping with social interactions and development to keep learning alive during the summer season.
Go on a tourist trail
Whether you’re at home or away during the summer break, a great day out is to explore well-known tourist spots. Although they might be a little busy during the season, it’s a great way for the whole family to see and do things that they might not get to experience in everyday life. It’s sometimes fun to be a tourist and see popular landmarks or learn the history of famous points in the country’s history. Not only can it be a fun experience, but it’s also a learning one too. City breaks are a great opportunity to see the sights and follow tourist trails, and whether it’s standing at the top of the Empire State Building in New York or soaking up the scenery at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, you’re sure to remember those moments for years to come.
These are just some of the exciting things you can do on your summer vacation, whether you’re at home or away. Don’t forget to look out for deals and offers before buying tickets and passes full price, as there are tons of places to find affordable options. Most of all don’t forget to have tons of fun!