There’s no shortage of vacation destinations in the United States where families can find almost limitless recreational, educational and entertainment experiences all in one place. While many draw visitors year-round, families may want to consider the season when choosing a place to visit, or whether they prefer places with historical significance, modern theme parks or more natural settings.
According to Orlando’s official website, it was the “most visited U.S. destination in 2009” and the country’s “number one family spring break destination.” Orlando’s three theme parks—SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort—are constantly coming up with new ways to entertain families. The latest additions are the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal and a new high-speed tube slide called Omaka Rocka at Seaworld. Beyond the make-believe parts of Orlando are opportunities for boating, tubing, jet-skiing and water skiing on the area’s more than 2,000 lakes. There are also eco-tours with cruises through the Everglades, where tourists can spot birds and gators. Visitors can even take a sunrise hot air balloon ride.
Orlando's Official Visitor Center
8723 International Drive, Suite 101
Orlando, FL 32819
800-972-3304
orlandoinfo.com
Yellowstone, America’s first national park, created in 1872, is located in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. The park is perhaps best known for the Old Faithful Geyser, which reliably erupts about every 90 minutes, shooting boiling water as high as 180 feet. Old Faithful is just one of hundreds of natural wonders at Yellowstone, which include bubbling mud holes, hot springs and other geothermal features. Another popular spot is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River and its spectacular waterfall, which plunges more than 300 feet. Kids will enjoy hiking down Uncle Tom’s trail to near the bottom of the falls for the great view. Another bonus for families is the opportunity to view a variety wildlife, including grizzly bears, bison, elk and wolves. Kids can also become Junior Rangers by completing certain age-appropriate activities, such as attending a ranger-led program and hiking a park trail.
Yellowstone National Park
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
307-344-7381
nps.gov
Steamboat, a Colorado ski resort about 150 miles northwest of Denver, is actually a mountain range with a diversity of trails for all ability levels. The resort is very welcoming to families and has many amenities just for kids, including special terrain and lifts, and free ski lifts and ski equipment rentals that come with a purchase by an adult. Lessons are provided for all ages, even two-year-olds. The resort’s Steamboat’s Kids’ Vacation Center is a western-themed facility that promises “a positive and rewarding experience,” whether your child “has never seen snow or is a bump-skiing superstar.” In addition, an experienced staff at the center provides child care for kids age 6 months through kindergarten while parents are on the slopes.
Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation
2305 Mt. Werner Circle
Steamboat, CO 80487
877-237-2628
steamboat.com
Families looking for a combination of history and fun may want to consider Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Restoration of the historic area began in 1926, and more than 500 18th-century structures have been restored or rebuilt. A popular activity is to stroll through town observing the re-enactments by blacksmiths, saddle makers and silversmiths or exploring places frequented by the founding fathers. The town now features rare animal breeds and re-created gardens to add to the authenticity. There is a host of activities, including costume rentals, storytellings and museums, where kids can learn about and create colonial-style works of art. Williamsburg’s historic taverns offer food from the period in a family-friendly setting.
Colonial Williamsburg
P.O. Box 1776
Williamsburg, VA 23187
800-HISTORY
history.org
