Parenting Today
Planning vacations can be a stressful experience. Sorting out accommodations, travel, rental cars, and what you’re going to do can be a lot to juggle, and it gets even more complicated when you have kids. With so much to figure out, it can be tempting to fall into the usual sort of routine of a trip to Disney, Universal Studios, or even a typical tourist destination like Yellowstone.
But fear not! We’re here to help you with some incredible destinations you may not think of right away that are sure to delight every member of your family.
Denver, Colorado
Colorado’s largest city has something for just about everyone.
Have kids who love animals? The Denver Zoo is an incredible place to see animals from all over the world. Plus, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is just a quick 90 minutes away in Colorado Springs. The mountains are also a short jaunt away and have plenty of opportunities to observe moose, elk, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Love museums? Check out the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Museum, and the Denver Art Museum. If you want something a little less well-traveled, the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center is an incredible, unique experience.
Have a love of trains? Check out the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, a short 20-minute drive west of Denver proper, and the Forney Museum of Transportation in downtown Denver is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Want to get away from the hustle and bustle? Take a day or two and explore Aspen, Winter Park, or Estes Park.
No matter what you and your family love to do, Colorado has you covered.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, Michigan
One of the most unique destinations in the country, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is a must-see. The sand dunes are nearly 500 feet high in some places, and the landscape is absolutely stunning on the shores of Lake Michigan.
There are places to climb and play on the dunes and slide back down. You can swim in the crisp waters of the lake, or take a tube ride on the Platte River. You can even try freshwater surfing!
Cooperstown, New York
Cooperstown is a lovely, sleepy town in upstate New York. And if you or your kids are sports fans, it’s a must-visit.
Cooperstown is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum — a destination for any sports fan. Enjoy the interactive exhibits, learn about the incredible history of the game you love, and see some of the most famous faces in baseball history. With a treasure trove of memorabilia, the museum is at least a day’s worth of fun for everyone in the family.
But the Hall isn’t the only thing in Cooperstown; the Glimmerglass Queen Boat Tours cruises along Otsego Lake, providing you and your family with a scenic, relaxing ride. The Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad is also worth checking out, as it delivers incredible views that are sure to delight the whole family.
Wisconsin Dells
For a fun summer destination that’s nestled smack in the heart of Wisconsin, head to Wisconsin Dells — especially perfect for waterslide fans. Because let’s be honest: Who doesn’t love a water slide?
Wisconsin Dells is the Waterpark Capital of the World. With six different parks and resorts, all featuring a plethora of slides, pools, and play spaces, you’ll have days of fun for the entire family.
You can also visit Noah’s Ark Waterpark, the largest in the U.S., which features a number of incredible slides. Land of Natura is America’s largest inflatable waterpark with plenty of places to slide, climb and splash. Mt. Olympus has America’s largest waterslide and the massive Lost City of Atlantis, a fortress with water cannons, splash buckets, and more.
If you love to get wet and have kids with energy to burn, Wisconsin Dells is the place for you!
Plan a family vacation to one of these exciting destinations this year — you’ll be glad you did!
