As a parent, you can recognize the moment in an instant. The eyes get wide and a mixture of curiosity and excitement fills the room. You will never forget the seconds that change a child’s view of the world, thanks to travel. Packing the entire family up for a vacation is a thrilling endeavor filled with memories to last a lifetime. Is it time to visit a new (or new to them) city? Here are five hand-picked destinations that you will want to visit with your entire family.
Indianapolis, Indiana
In the heart of the Midwest, you can quickly discover one of the most family-friendly (and affordable) vacation destinations in the country. Visit the world’s largest Children’s Museum and make sure you say hello to the friendly dinosaur hanging around outside the entrance. Get active and climb your way to the top of a brand new 10,000 square foot Treetop Outpost and Nature Center at Conner Prairie. Board a gondola, paddle boat or kayak at White River State Park and spend some time enjoying the outdoors. Make some music at the Rhythm Discovery Center if you have a percussion lover in your home. For a day with the animals, the Indianapolis Zoo is a must, featuring a $26 million International Orangutan Center. You can also schedule an in-water dolphin experience, miles from the nearest ocean!
Hungry? Might we suggest Traders Point Creamery, a delightful organic dairy farm featuring a delicious array of food choices, sourced right from the farm. The entire family can also explore the farm, watch animals, and learn about the milking process. If you have children who love trains, Crowne Plaza at Historic Union Station offers one of the most unique overnight family experiences imaginable. You can actually reserve a room in one of 26 Pullman Train Cars on their original tracks.
Sedona, Arizona
Photo courtesy of Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau
Many consider Sedona the most beautiful place on earth and who could argue? Beyond the natural beauty of the southwest, there are lots of activities to keep all members of your family busy and smiling. Love to hike? With the mountains, canyons and red rocks, you are sure to find numerous picture-worthy spots for your photo album. There are many hiking adventures available for all ages and ability levels, making this a prime destination for kids. Of course, if you would prefer to sit and tour the area, why not do it from the comfort of a jeep? Jeep Tours are incredibly popular (and fun) and Pink Jeep Tours will let you view all the beauty and explore the rock formations in style. You can also take your comfort level up a notch on the Verde Canyon Railroad and explore over 100 years of history in just 20 minutes on beautiful, refurbished train cars. Have you ever been on a natural water slide? Check out Slide Rock State Park. The red rocks in the area form an 80-foot-long adventure filled with water fun.
If you are looking to interject some history in your travels, stop at Montezuma Castle National Monument, nestled in a limestone cliff. This breathtaking cliff dwelling offers numerous learning opportunities about the Sinagua people. If you are looking to catch your breath and enjoy a completely free activity, visit Jordan Historical Park filled with nature trails, plenty of picnic tables, a museum, and even a fruit orchard.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Photo courtesy Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau
If you are looking to get away from it all while enjoying modern activities and amenities, Chattanooga is a prime destination. There are gorgeous camping destinations and outdoor activities with unmatched scenery unique to this part of the country. If you drive into Chattanooga, you will see lots of signs and billboards for Ruby Falls, which will give your family that vacation “awe” factor, located 1200 feet beneath the surface. Don’t forget to spend some time on Lookout Mountain Tower where you will find the best scenic views of the Tennessee Valley. You can also hop on the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway for a steep ride you will never forget. For a hands-on, daytime activity, the Creative Discovery Museum will keep your kids occupied with water play and seasonally rotated exhibits. The Chattanooga Zoo is also a family favorite with over 300 animals to keep your kids entertained for a full day. You can also discover both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife at the Tennessee Aquarium, consistently ranked as one of the most highly rated U.S. aquariums every year. Chattanooga is also home to some of the friendliest people you will ever encounter, filled with southern hospitality for visitors of all ages.
Rapid City, South Dakota
Photo courtesy of South Dakota Department of Tourism
Rapid City is one of the best travel spots to cross a few items off your family bucket list. Beyond the popular sites such as Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park, there is plenty to see and do. Plan to stop at Bear Country USA, located 8 miles outside of the city, where you can take a leisurely three-mile drive through several enclosures and encounter black bear, elk, reindeer, deer, cougars, bobcats, rocky mountain goats, bighorn sheep, dall sheep, pronghorn, and buffalo. How fun! If you are on the hunt for the world’s largest reptile collection, you should stop by Reptile Gardens, guaranteed to make you squirm. For an educational and fun (plus indoor) experience, make plans to visit. The Journey Museum & Learning Center where you can learn the history of the Black Hills and the Western frontier. For free fun, visit the Dinosaur Park and view seven life-size concrete replicas of monstrous prehistoric reptiles. Storybook Island is also an ideal spot to swing, slide, ride the train, and watch storybook characters come to life. Of course, no visit is complete without seeing Badlands National Park for exquisite beauty and perfect family photo opportunities.
Moab, Utah
If you are a family that loves outdoor beauty, then Utah is a must-see destination. Moab is centrally located with ease of access to both Arches and Canyonlands national parks. The best part is that you get the amenities of traveling to a beautiful destination combined with small town hospitality around every corner. There's white water rafting, mountain biking, hiking, and even rock climbing. There are also ATV/Jeep/4x4 rentals for adventuring out onto the rock formation trails, if you want to turn your vacation up a notch. You also soar through the air on a scenic flight! All these activities are family-centered and offer varied ability levels to accommodate all ages and experience levels. If dinosaurs are your thing, then Moab is the place for you. Become an explorer as you visit the Moab Dinosaur sites and learn about the numerous species that once roamed the earth. If you are interested in getting more up close and personal with animals, you can feed and kiss a camel at the Hole N'" The Rock Zoo. Also, at night Moab is considered one of the best locations in the U.S. for stargazing. You can even learn from the professionals at RedRock Astronomy!
