Adventure family vacations not only create strong bonds but ensure a lifelong supply of happy memories, provided you have found the perfect locale.
Outdoor trips offer the ideal way to enjoy nature, and escape from the strains and stress of day-to-day life and when you have the kids in tow these getaways become even more enjoyable.
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So shut your screens, pack your travel kit, and experience some epic adventures at these chosen destinations for a family holiday you will find hard to forget.
Yellowstone National Park
Suggested duration: Three to five days
Yellowstone National Park was the first of its kind in the world when established in 1872 and even today is one of the most visited parks in the world. July and August are the best months to visit the park as kids are out of school and the weather is just right to sleep under the open sky.
The dramatic peaks and pristine lakes makes Yellowstone a paradise for families. If you want to see much of the 2.2 million acres of the park, don’t spend all your time at Old Faithful.
There are gentle hiking trails throughout the Wyoming, Idaho and Montana sections of the park. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can camp in the park’s undeveloped backcountry (permits required).
While it will take a day or two to explore Mammoth Hot Springs and Yellowstone Lake, try and visit some lesser known regions and explore the wildlife like moose, North American bison, grizzly bears etc along Dogshead Loop. The sheer number of attractions may seem daunting, but you can always come back again. If you book through wildlife holiday specialists like Naturetrek who cater to families, you can be assured of an unforgettable experience.
Grand Canyon
Suggested duration: three days
Said to be visible from outer space, the Grand Canyon in Arizona should be on top of your family’s bucket list. One mile deep and stretching across a distance of 277 miles, this gorge can easily be explored on foot from the rim, especially through guided hikes for kids six and older.
You will never hear a complaint from the young brood regarding WiFi connectivity or even switching on their screens once in this magnificent region.What they will cherish forever will be the family experiences ranging from mule rides to the bottom or hiking the many trails for a long long time.
What’s more, the Skywalk will leave them thrilled to bits once they venture out 70′ from the canyon rim and look down at the Colorado River flowing 4000′ feet below, with nothing but glass separating you.
Plan your visit in June, when the kids have a school break, even though the park becomes extremely crowded this is the time to go camping and white water rafting as both these activities are weather dependent and enjoyed by the whole family.
Florida Beaches
Suggested duration: Five days
Best known for its famous white sand beaches and pristine fishing spots, Destin, Florida is the perfect place to spend quality time with the family under the sun, especially during September or October.
The little ones will love frolicking in the calm shorelines, particularly those along the Henderson Beach State Park and Crystal Beach Park.
If theme parks are on the agenda, take the children to Big Kahuna for waterslides and to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park to interact with penguins and dolphins.
When in Destin, a boat cruise is a must. The family is sure to enjoy excursions for dolphin spotting, pirate themed boat tours and sailing in glass-bottom boats to view the spectacular marine life.
Related: Guide to the Best Family-Friendly Florida Beaches
Arizona Dude Ranch
Suggested duration: 3 days
If you are seeking the ultimate outdoor adventure attraction with endless activities and experiences for the entire family, then visit a horse ranch for an ideal getaway.
Dude ranches in Arizona can feature a restaurant, pool, a movie theater, a petting zoo and above all large herds of private horses to ride everyday, irrespective of whether you are a novice or an ace saddle artist.
Other mind-blowing things to do on dude ranches for older kids are rock climbing, biking, cattle sorting and horseshoe decorating. The adults meanwhile can try their hand at wine and cheese rides.
After the sun sets, be prepared for evening entertainment which includes rodeo shows, line dancing lessons and bonfires under the moonlit sky. Perfect time for the parents to head for a spa treatment or a drink at the bar while the children are making merry elsewhere.
Texas
Suggested duration: Seven days
Texas is a very big state full of great adventure destinations for families, from small town attractions to big cities adventure parks. If you are into nature, your next family outdoor fun vacation should be in Big Bend National Park, the only place in Texas where one can spot black bears. Kids can go horseback riding, river rafting or simply drive around the park to enjoy its scenic views.
Another top travel destination in Texas is South Padre Island, home to the Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark and South Padre Island Adventure Park. Both attractions will keep the family entertained for hours. After a hard day at the adventure parks you can consider taking the children to the sea turtle rescue center to interact with these lovely marine creatures and gain some knowledge as well.
Not far from San Antonio in New Braunfels is a spectacular maze of passages and caves that both you and your family will love, especially on the lantern-lit tour. Here are the best caverns to see in Texas. This is the best way to enjoy the unique features of Texas complete with a fossil mining experience, a zip-lining course and an opportunity to watch thousands of Mexican bats fly out from a cave at the same time. New Braunfels is also home to Schlitterbahn Waterpark.
Monterey Bay
Suggested duration: three days
This charming Northern California city on the shores of the North Pacific Ocean has tremendous potential for unforgettable family adventure holidays. The beautiful beaches, unique museums and gorgeous parks bursting with wildlife makes Monterey Bay the eternal family favorite.
There are a number of other activities to keep the entire family on their toes, whether it is kayaking in the Monterey Bay, a segway tour along the Cannery Row or a ghost tour trolley ride through the old town of Monterey.
You can further crank up the adventure with a trek on the rugged Big Sur trail or get a full dose of adrenaline on a whale-watching tour in the bay. End the day with a thrill a minute action at the Weather Tech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Before you head home, hop on into a car and take a ride to the Monterey Zoo in the Salinas Valley to get up close to lions, tigers, elephants and many more exotic animals.
For more destination ideas, check out:
- Spending 2 Days in San Diego? Fun-Filled Itinerary for Family with Teens
- Top Things to Do in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Outdoor Things to Do with Kids in Colorado Springs for All Ages
- Top Things to Do in Mooresville NC
In Conclusion
Whether you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a relaxing getaway, these dude ranches, city, and national park destinations are perfect for families. With so many activities to choose from, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So pack your bags and head out for an unforgettable vacation full of fun and memories.
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