Summer Vacations
Ideas by Region
Dozens of suggestions organized by region: Northeast U.S., Southeast U.S., Florida, the Caribbean...
Awesome Affordable Summer Vacations
Check out great drive-to destinations, a value-priced "Family Adventure", affordable vacation towns, state park resorts, family camps with activities for everyone (plus some unexpected perks for adults -- beer-tasting, anyone? massage?), and many more ideas.
Affordable Vacation Ideas
Check out great drive-to destinations, a value-priced "Family Adventure", affordable vacation towns, state park resorts, family camps with activities for everyone (even for grown-ups -- beer-tasting, anyone? massage?), and many more ideas for summer getaways.
Something Different, for This Year's Summer Vacation?
Check out eight cool ideas you may not have thought of: white water river rafting, Grand Canyon Learning & Lodging Adventures, a 6000-acre YMCA family camp in New York state, Salt Fork Resort, Ohio, and family farms in Pennsylvania.
Great Outdoors
Some say that today's kids have a "Nature deficit disorder", and what better remedy than a summer vacation in the Great Outdoors?
Summer Fun at Ski Resorts
Ski resorts can be wonderful places for recreation and nature once the snow's all gone, and many places try hard to attract summer clientele, with festivals, mountain-biking, horse-riding, etc.
Orlando
Yes, it gets hot in summer in Orlando, but that doesn't stop families from flocking here. Remember, you can cool down at two great water parks at Disney World, or at SeaWorld's Aquatica, or at Wet'n Wild, or at the pool at your resort or hotel.. Many places have pools with waterslides, and some even a full-on water park. Take a break...
More Theme Parks
Memorial Day Weekend starts the season for theme parks in the US, and every year brings new and exciting rides. About.com's Guide for Theme Parks covers his subject from coast to coast(er) and beyond.
Summer Solstice
June 21 is our "longest day" in the northern hemisphere, with longest hours of daylight. The date is also the official start of summer, and many places celebrate with family-friendly parades and festivals.
Fourth of July
Independence Day is a major holiday in the U.S. Time your summer vacation so that you can enjoy parades, fireworks, and more, in one of the cities that goes all out to celebrate.
Money-Saving Strategies
Split costs with another family, try camping resorts (with great amenities), home exchanges, alternative lodgings, Do Disney Twice...
College Tour Trips
Many families undertake this rite of passage in summer, touring a set of campuses with a teen who's heading to college. See tips to get the most from your college tour trip.
Summer Trip to Europe
Europe is in bloom and offers much to enjoy during thee peak summer months. There are so many ways to travel with kids in Europe... Check out cruises, barging, biking tours, castle stays, escorted "family adventures", Eurocamp holiday villages with resort-like amenities, affordable family resorts where Europeans take their vacations, and more ideas.
Summer Sport Camps for the Whole Family
Read about several ways for kids and parents to learn a new sport or enjoy other types of structured outdoors activity programs.