Best Kid Friendly Summer Trips
There’s no time quite like the two and a half months of summer vacation for school aged kids. For many families, this period is the perfect opportunity to take their big vacation of the year. While the advantage of avoiding school disruptions and enjoying the summer weather in the Northern Hemisphere is undeniable, it’s important to consider the drawbacks such as long lines, crowds, and elevated costs at popular summer destinations. We’ve curated a list of our top destinations you may not have thought of that promises to delight children and ensure an unforgettable summer for your family!
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs offers a myriad of exciting activities for a family vacation, thanks to its diverse landscapes, trails, and parks. Embark on an adventure through the trails of Garden of the Gods, marvel at the rugged formations and quarries of Red Rock Canyon, and ascend the stairs to witness the breathtaking cascade of Seven Falls.
At the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, kids can take part in the unique experience of feeding giraffes, elephants, and rhinos, and care for several other exotic zoo animals. There are multiple military history museums including the National Museum of World War II Aviation, United States Air Force Academy, 4th Infantry Museum at Fort Carson and the Peterson Air & Space Museum (make sure you get a base pass in advance).
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod offers a wealth of excitement for kids during the summer months, making it a true treasure trove of fun. With miles of pristine beaches, charming drive-in theaters, lively town parades, and ice cream shops, families can slow down and feel transported to another era. Among the Cape’s popular destinations is Chatham. While it is one of the Cape’s busier and pricier destinations, the secret is to visit on a weekday. A leisurely stroll down Main Street invites window shopping at quaint boutiques, followed by a lunch of fresh seafood or a scoop of ice cream.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Cape Cod Rail Trail presents a 25-mile paved pathway, perfect for hikers, bikers, and even horseback riders, offering stunning coastal views from South Dennis to Wellfleet. Bike rentals are conveniently available at Rail Trail Bike Shop in Brewster or WheelHouse Rentals in Chatham. On rainy days, families can explore kid-friendly museums like the Cape Cod Children’s Museum, featuring interactive exhibits tailored for children aged 6 months to 8 years. The Whydah Pirate Museum offers a fascinating journey into pirate history, boasting the largest collection of pirate artifacts from a single sunken ship, with exhibits designed for children over 5 years old. Additionally, a visit to the Chatham Shark Center provides an educational experience on Great White Sharks.
History enthusiasts can delve into Cape Cod’s rich past by visiting sites such as the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown, the Cape Cod Maritime Museum in Hyannis, and the Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich, offering insights into the region’s cultural heritage. With its diverse attractions and activities, Cape Cod promises an unforgettable summer adventure for families.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago offers a perfect blend of cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly amenities. One of the most popular spots to visit is the Navy Pier. This iconic landmark offers a plethora of family-friendly attractions, including the Centennial Wheel, the Chicago Children’s Museum, and the IMAX theater.
At Millennium Park, kids can frolic in the Crown Fountain’s interactive water features, marvel at the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture (affectionately known as “The Bean”), and enjoy open-air concerts and events. Chicago is home to world-class museums catering to children’s interests, such as the Museum of Science and Industry, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium. These institutions offer hands-on exhibits and interactive learning experiences.The Lincoln Park Zoo is a free zoo that provides a fantastic opportunity for children to see a wide array of animals, including lions, polar bears, and gorillas. It also features a children’s zoo area with interactive exhibits.
Chicago also boasts several sandy beaches along Lake Michigan, such as North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach, where you can swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy picnics with stunning skyline views. Families can rent bikes and explore the scenic Lakefront Trail, take boat tours on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, or enjoy outdoor concerts and movies in various parks throughout the city
Bar Harbor, Maine
Another great beach town for kids who love the outdoors is Bar Harbor, Maine. Bar Harbor serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park, where families can explore over 120 miles of hiking trails, go biking along carriage roads, enjoy scenic drives, and engage in various outdoor activities such as swimming, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Kids can embark on nature cruises from Bar Harbor, offering opportunities to spot seals, dolphins, whales, and other marine life in the surrounding waters. These cruises often provide informative commentary suitable for children.
At low tide, families can walk across the sandbar to Bar Island, located just off the coast of Bar Harbor. This adventure allows kids to explore tide pools, search for seashells, and enjoy picnics with stunning views of the harbor and mountains.
The Village Green in downtown Bar Harbor hosts free outdoor concerts and events throughout the summer, providing entertainment for families. Kids can run around the green space, play on the playground, and enjoy ice cream from nearby shops.
Families can take a leisurely stroll along the Shore Path, a scenic coastal trail offering views of Frenchman Bay, lobster boats, and nearby islands. It’s a perfect spot for a family walk or bike ride with benches along the way for resting and taking in the views. The George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History to learn about the local wildlife, including birds, mammals, and marine creatures found in Acadia National Park and the surrounding area.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Even further north you’ll find Vancouver, British Columbia (yes, you’ll need a passport for this one!).
Stanley Park is an iconic urban park that offers endless opportunities for family fun, including playgrounds, beaches, a water park, and the famous Vancouver Aquarium. Families can rent bikes or rollerblades to explore the park’s scenic seawall or take a horse-drawn carriage tour.
Kids will love exploring Granville Island’s bustling Public Market, where they can sample local treats and watch artisans at work. The island also features a variety of family-friendly attractions, such as the Kids Market, a water park, and the Granville Island Water Park.
Telus World of Science, commonly known as Science World, is a hands-on science center with interactive exhibits and immersive experiences that engage and educate kids of all ages. It’s a perfect destination for a fun and educational day out.
Families can take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Grouse Mountain, where they’ll find a range of activities, including hiking trails, wildlife encounters, zip-lining, and the Lumberjack Show. In the summer, the mountain also offers outdoor movies and concerts. Vancouver boasts numerous beaches and parks where families can enjoy picnics, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Popular spots include Kitsilano Beach, English Bay Beach, and Queen Elizabeth Park.
Families can embark on outdoor adventures such as whale watching tours, biking along the seawall, exploring nearby islands like Bowen Island or visiting nearby attractions like the Capilano Salmon Hatchery. Vancouver offers rich cultural experiences for families, including visiting the Vancouver Art Gallery, exploring diverse neighborhoods like Chinatown and Gastown, and attending family-friendly festivals and events throughout the summer.
Bonus: Staycation
In today’s fast-paced world, finding quality time to spend with family can be a challenge. With busy schedules and various commitments, planning a traditional vacation sometimes is just not feasible. However, there’s a wonderful alternative that allows families to relax, unwind, and create lasting memories without the hassle of travel: the staycation.
A staycation offers numerous advantages for families during summer vacation. This budget-friendly approach allows families to allocate their resources towards exciting activities and experiences closer to home. Additionally, planning a staycation is incredibly convenient, requiring minimal time and effort in terms of travel logistics. Families can spend more time enjoying activities and less time on transportation, creating a stress-free atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
Staycations also provide an opportunity for families to explore their own city or nearby areas. By discovering hidden gems and experiencing local culture and attractions, families can gain a newfound appreciation for their surroundings. Moreover, a staycation offers flexibility in planning activities based on preferences and schedules, without the constraints of travel itineraries or flight times. This flexibility allows families to customize their staycation experience, ensuring that every member of the family can participate in activities they enjoy.
Ultimately, a staycation is about creating quality family time. Whether it’s exploring local attractions, enjoying outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing at home, a staycation allows families to focus on bonding and making memories together.
As parents, we’re entrusted with the incredible responsibility of creating memorable and meaningful summers for our children, knowing that we only have 18 precious ones to cherish. Whether we’re embarking on international adventures or planning staycations close to home, let’s savor every moment.
Ready to Plan Your Getaway?
At Showcase the World Travel, we’re here to help make your travel experience memorable and enjoyable. After all, your kids aren’t the only ones who should enjoy their summer vacation! If you’re ready to learn more about how we can create a vacation for you to remember, schedule a complimentary vacation discovery call today.
Who is Christina?
Meet Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists. After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation too.
She specializes in Disney, Caribbean, Europe and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old daughter, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.
