State parks are located throughout the United States and are easily forgotten when planning a vacation. The terrain varies from beaches to mountains to deserts to lakes, giving visitors a wide selection of things to do. Some state parks are free, and others might charge a small fee for upkeep. Overall, these parks give families activities such as camping, hiking, swimming and biking.
Zoos and aquariums can give children an up-close look at animals they learn about in school but rarely see in person. Most state zoos are fairly inexpensive and are open year-round. Safari parks are also a way for children to not only see the animals in a closer atmosphere, but also experience the animals sometimes coming up to the car. Even a smaller, locally owned petting zoo can give them a chance to feed animals by hand.
Although this seems to be an unlikely vacation most would choose, it can be a quick weekend trip. Choose a farm not too far away from home, but make it a two-day adventure. Narrow your selections by determining which season you plan to take your trip. In the summer, the kids can help pick berries; in the fall, they can pick apples. Pick out a Halloween pumpkin where it's grown and some farms even offer haunted hay rides or a corn maze. Christmas tree farms allow you to cut down your own Christmas tree and sometimes have reindeer for the kids to feed and a Santa Claus handing out candy canes.
Theme parks are popular attractions for most kids and families. Rather than going to the same park every year, try to find a local amusement park. There are a few smaller parks still in business that are locally owned. They are generally cheaper than the bigger parks and they do not have the huge crowds and long lines. Most smaller parks also include more children's rides rather than large roller coasters, making them a little bit more family friendly.
Choose to stay with a relative that lives out of your city or state. Driving offers sightseeing and discovering new places along the way. Stop at a locally owned restaurant or shop at a flea market. Once your family arrives at your destination, you can save money by avoiding hotel costs and ask them to take you to places they enjoy besides the regular tourist spots.
