Family Vacations
  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Family Vacations

Summer Vacations: ideas by region

By Teresa Plowright, About.com

See More About:

5 of 10

Summer Vacations: Heartland and Southwest US

Summer vacations - Wisconsin Dells indoor water park resorts - photo courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge.Photo courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge- indoor waterpark.

Many of these suggestions feature the Great Outdoors; but there are some Great Indoors also, such as the many indoor waterparks of Wisconsin Dells.

  • OH: Heartland Country Resort- luxury B&B in Ohio features horse-riding
  • OH: Cedar Point - roller coaster capital of the world
  • WI: Wisconsin Dells Waterparks: private resorts have an amazing array of indoor waterparks; in summer, many open outdoor waterparks too.
  • IN: Holiday World - family theme park plus water park
  • WY: Yellowstone National Park- awesome destination
  • Yellowstone: multiday summer program for families- through the Yellowstone Assoc'n Institute
  • Yellowstone Family Adventure -escorted tour
  • CO: Colorado dude ranches
  • CO: YMCA of the Rockies - a top "family camp" with lodge, cabins, activities

  • NM: Taos: rafting, hot-air balloons; pow-wow; pueblo
  • NM: Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa -500 acres on Santa Ana Pueblo; horse-riding, cultural activities, Camp Hyatt for kids

  • Utah: Bryce Canyon National Park - otherworldly beauty; hiking, horseback riding, stargazing, interpretive programs...
  • AZ: Pointe South Mountain Resort- with waterpark
  • NV: Houseboat Rentals on Lake Mead - luxury style

  • TX: Barton Creek Resort & Spa - 4000 acres in rolling hills near Austin; lots of recreation near by
  • TX: Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and Lodge

  • Dude Ranches in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and more


    • - continue to Western US States
    Explore Family Vacations
    About.com Special Features
    Vacations Made Easy

    Find travel inspiration and get the best tips and reviews for your next getaway. More >

    When to Go on Safari

    The best times to visit East and Southern Africa. More >

    Family Vacations
    1. Home
    2. Travel
    3. Family Vacations
    4. More Great Places to Go
    5. Seasons
    6. Summer Vacations!
    7. Summer Vacations Ideas - Heartland and Southwest US

    ©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

    All rights reserved.