Most shool-kids are are still in school for much of June, so if you've got pre-schoolers or homeschoolers, June is great for a getaway: summery weather but lower prices than in July-August and less crowds. Check out ideas below for places better to visit in June than later in summer...
1. Niagara Falls
Photo courtesy of Niagara Falls Tourism.
The famous Falls get crowded, hot, and humid during July and August; all of which makes June look good. Take the famous Maid of the Mist boat tour, go up the Skylon Tower, view the Falls from a helicopter ride... And maybe stay at Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls resort with its own indoor water park.
2. Massachusetts North Shore
Singing Beach, photo © Kim Knox Beckius.
Kids can visit a "singing beach" (where the sand actually squeaks), a touch tank at a maritime heritage center, a wildlife refuge, and lots more. Make your trip before July and August bring the crowds (and the greenhead flies.) New England weather's unpredictable, but June can be warm enough for wading, or even surfing/boogie-boarding for hardy types.
3. Outer Banks NC
Cape Hatteras National Seashore; NC Tourism - Bill Russ.
Just offshore from North Carolina and reachable by car, this set of barrier islands stretches for 130 miles. Families can swim, do some beachcombing, climb sand dunes (some are 100 feet high), watch birds, go swimming, crabbing, sailing, fishing, windsurfing... Or explore the salt and freshwater marshes in kayaks and canoes.
4. Virginia Beach VA
This popular destination in Virginia's southeast of Virginia is bordered by the Atlantic and by Chesapeake Bay. Miles of beaches, with quiet getaways and also lively areas of activity. Virginia Beach itself is a good-sized town, with 3-mile Boardwalk, oceanfront hotels, easy-on-the-budget lodging, amusement park, waterpark, and other attractions.5. Yellowstone National Park
You can beat at least some of the crowds if you visit this amazing Park in June. Yellowstone National Park is one of those famous places that exceeds expectations when you finally get there. Be wowed by its geothermal natural wonders (hot springs, geysers, otherworldly "terraces"); its wildlife viewing; historic inns; and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
6. More National Parks...
Likewise, if you can head to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite in June instead of July or August, do so! About.com has lots of visitor tips for these outstanding National Parks at our sites for US and Canadian Parks, Southwest Travel (read about Grand Canyon Mule Trips), California Travel, and Camping.7. Father's Day Getaways
Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June; check out some getaway ideas or special packages that are geared to Dads.8. Summer Solstice Festivals
June 21 is our "longest day" in the northern hemisphere, with longest hours of daylight; it also marks the official beginning of summer and many places celebrate with family-friendly parades and festivals.9. Star Wars Weekends at Disney World
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort.
Bring out your inner Obi Wan or Princess Leia: dress up and come to one of the Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Actually, costumes aren't required: Star Wars Weekends simply mean all the regular fun plus special extras, mainly at the Star Tours attraction: such as “Star Wars: Jedi Training Academy”, where youngsters do lightsaber battle with an impressive Darth Vader. Also expect parades down Hollywood Boulevard, motorcades, character meet'n'greets, actor and movie-maker celebrities, and special edition merchandise. 2009 Star Wars Weekends start May 22, and end June 14th.
10. Europe Trips
If you're heading to the southern Europe countries, June will be fresher and less hot than July and August; the northern countries will be summery by June; and in Scandinavia you can enjoy the midnight sun and solstice festivals. Everywhere, you'll avoid the peak season crowds.
11. Great American Backyard Campout
Get into the Great Outdoors this summer - starting with a family getaway that's as close as your back yard. This annual event aims to get families outside and unplugged, and to remedy the "nature deficit disorder" that so often characterizes our busy urban lives. (And thinking ahead to summer - check out Great Outdoors summer vacation ideas.)12. Fishing/Boating Week at National Wildlife Refuges
Photo courtesy of US Fish and Wildlife Service.
The first week in June is a great time to take a kid fishing at a National Wildlife Refuge: most states waive fishing license requirements for one or two days during this week. Every state has at least one National Wildlife Refuge, and most major cities have one within an hour’s drive. So get out in the Great Outdoors!
