Escape the Typical Family Break
Over the years, family vacation disasters have played out on the big screen from classics like National Lampoon’s Vacation to catastrophes like RV. Kayak wants to help make your summer vacation picture perfect with these unique trips ideas for the active family.
Yellowstone flights | hotels | cars
We did some digging around and found a dino-mite trip for your budding paleontologist at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. The entire family can participate in a day-long dig. Special “Kids Dig” programs throughout the summer let parents drop off kids 8 to 12 years old for a day of digging, prospecting, and scavenger hunts on their own. Complete the day by visiting the museum to view over 200 displays, including dozens of full-size mounted skeletons. Yellowstone is just around the corner, so spend a few days hiking, biking and canoeing.
San Juan Islands flights | hotels | cars
You can go to Sea World and see trained marine life or experience these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat in the waters of the San Juan Islands. Some of the more common wildlife sightings include minke whales, dall’s porpoises, harbor seals, and river otters. The lucky might see the more exotic whales such as gray, orca, and humpback. The San Juan islands offer a diverse set of activities for everyone in the family, from kayaking around the beautiful waters of Lopez Island to hiking on Orcas Island to checking out one (or all!) of the three skateboard parks in the island chain.
Costa Rica flights | hotels | cars
Costa Rica is a great place for an up-close look at biodiversity, cut with plenty of adventure and fun for the whole family. The country’s friendly inhabitants, democratic and non-violent history (the country abolished its army in 1948), and an abundance of English-speakers make it a safe and easy international family destination. Text books come alive in Costa Rica, so foster a love of nature with an ecological and natural history tour through the rainforest. Take a zipline tour for an above the ground peek into the forest canopy. You can also find canoe rentals, horseback riding, mountain hiking, and plenty of beaches.
Charleston flights | hotels | cars
Need a little R&R with your activities? The resorts along South Carolina’s barrier islands are among the best family-friendly beaches in the country. Our favorites resort communities are Kiawah Island and Wild Dunes, both located a short drive from history-filled Charleston. Both resorts offer a wide range of kid-friendly activities, including nature workshops, bike and baby jogger rentals for seaside rides, and river cruises where you can watch for loggerhead turtles, alligators, and bald eagles. Go the weekend of May 18 for Tall Ships Charleston. In addition to really cool ships, the kids can also participate in pirate camps, sailing, rowing and family boat-building–all for free.
Deals:
- South Carolina
Cheap Flights to South Carolina - Seattle
50% off Seattle Hotels - Yellowstone
Save Big on Cody/Yellowstone Rental Cars
Trip Idea from a Featured Kayaker
We’ve gotten great suggestions from readers about their favorite places. This week, we’re trying a new feature and including a reader suggestion in the newsletter (thanks Allison). Yay or nay? Let us know what you think. Got an idea of your own? Share it with other readers
Hot Springs, NC flights | hotels | cars
Hidden in the mountains of Western North Carolina, 30 minutes from Asheville, is the excellent family adventure destination of Hot Springs. Outdoor activities include hiking or backpacking on the Appalachian Trail, whitewater rafting or canoeing on the French Broad River, not to mention fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, llama trekking, and most importantly, enjoying the natural hot springs. Lodging options accommodate all budgets and amenities, and include shelters and camping on the Appalachian Trail, campgrounds, both primitive and luxurious cabins, vacations homes, and bed and breakfasts. Insiders tip: visit during the annual Bluff Mountain Music festival, Saturday, June 9, which is a free event featuring some of the region’s best traditional and bluegrass music.
-Allison Taylor, Pisgah Forest, NC
Heading to Walley World,
Steve & Paul, Kayak.com co-founders