Planning a family vacation means choosing a spot with activities and attractions the entire clan will enjoy. There is no shortage of destinations across the United States that qualify. Wherever you go as a family, you'll have company. Thirty percent of U.S. adult leisure travelers are families traveling with either children or grandchildren, according to a July 2009 report by travelhorizons, the U.S. Travel Association's research arm.
Travel to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California for family entertainment, education and awe-inspiring scenery. Known as a Land of Giants, these adjacent parks feature mountains, foothills, canyons, caves and the world's largest trees. Get information on a range of activities from any of eight visitor centers. The Giant Forest Museum is located in the Giant Forest sequoia grove and includes exhibits on the towering trees. Walk about 20 minutes from there to see one of the park's main attractions, the General Sherman tree, the largest, single-trunked living tree on earth. Additional sites include Hospital Rock with its Native American pictographs and the Redwood Canyon, home to the world's largest grove of sequoias. Take the family on a ranger-led walk during summer months. The Junior Ranger Program allows visitors of any age, particularly children, to earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing a series of activities and sharing answers with a park ranger.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271-9700
559-565-3341
nps.gov
Located in the foothills of Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is home to family attractions such as the Dollywood theme park, an amusement park owned by country singer Dolly Parton. Tour the Dinosaur Walk Museum with its life-size dinosaur sculptures, including a two-story-high T-Rex. The Wonderworks indoor attraction provides families with thought-provoking entertainment. The center includes an inversion tunnel, anti-gravity chamber and an interactive simulation of the 1989 San Francisco earthquake. For families who want a little more action, there are hiking trails and tours of the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park, whitewater rafting and horseback riding.
Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism
P.O. Box 1390-I
Pigeon Forge, TN 37868
1-800-251-9100
mypigeonforge.com
The self-proclaimed "Sweetest Place on Earth," Hershey, Pennsylvania was established in 1907 by Hershey founder Milton S. Hershey as a model town for his factories employees and their families. Today the town is a complete candy getaway with Hershey-themed resorts, parks and attractions. Visit Hersheypark, an amusement park with 11 roller coasters, nine water rides and 20 kiddie rides. Admission includes free entertainment, including performances by life-sized Hershey's product characters. Hershey's Chocolate World is a museum dedicated to the famous candy company. It offers a free chocolate tour with simulations of the tropical rainforests where cocoa beans are grown and a chocolate factory. The tour also includes free candy samples.
Hershey, Pennsylvania
1-800-HERSHEY
hersheypa.com
