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Kid-friendly Vacations You May Have Overlooked

Traveling with children can be a lot of fun, but you might be tired of going to the same amusement parks or beaches year after year. There is Disney, of course, but that is not your only kid-friendly option available to you. Across the country, there are tons of events, museums, tours, and other locations that cater to pint-sized visitors. The good news is that many of these travel destinations can be fun for adults as well! Here are the top best kid-friendly vacation destinations you may have overlooked.

The Crayola Factory, Easton, PA

It goes without saying that kids love crayons, paint, and markers. Few people have been to Easton, PA, but if you are heading to the Pocono Mountains, this destination is not a far drive. At the Crayola Factory, interaction is essential to getting the most out of your visit. You will get an up close and personal look at how markers are made, and as you explore the factory, your children (and you) can participate in a number of free interactive art projects. Try out their fun, clean modeling clay, make a paper bag puppet, and have fun with lights. There are projects for all age groups, but kids aged 4 to 12 will likely have the most fun. The good news is that even teens and adults will not be bored at the Crayola Factory, so the whole family can go and have a good time.

The Mall of America, Bloomington, MN

You might tend to think that taking children shopping is a horrible experience, but at the Mall of America, it can be a lot of fun! People from Minnesota call this the MegaMall and for good reason – it is HUGE. The shopping is great, but they also cater to kids. There are special events every Tuesday morning, including lunch specials for toddlers at many of the restaurants. In the middle of the mall, you will find Nickelodeon Universe – a huge theme park featuring your child’s favorite characters, and under the mall, you can enjoy a fun walk-though aquarium. They also have a LEGO Imagination Center for kids of all ages, three different food courts, and baby-changing stations apart from the regular bathrooms to help parents feel more comfortable. It is a great place for families to visit.

The World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta, GA

What the Crayola Factory is for children’s art projects the World of Coca-Cola is for fun family beverages. This tour might be suited for children who are a bit older, but there are fun things to see at every corner. You will get to see an old-fashioned soda jerk at work, and at the end of the tour, there are “tasting” rooms – just grab a little cup and try out your favorite coke flavors, including many that you cannot find in stores or restaurants.

The Tide Pools at Newport Beach, Newport Beach, CA

If you and your children enjoy the beach, check out Newport Beach as a fun alternative. The tide pools are really cool for kids of all ages. You can peak in to see a ton of sea life between dips in the ocean. Newport Beach is not far from Anaheim, where families like to go to visit Disneyland, so this is a perfect daytrip between days in the park. It is a fun real-life experience for kids to see interesting Pacific coast creatures in the wild.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver, CO

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is fun for kids and adults of all ages. They have exhibits on gems, ancient Egypt, North American Indian culture, space, wildlife, dinosaurs, and more. Their Discovery Zone is especially great for children, because they will be entertained and learn through interactive art projects, puppet shows, dress up, and more. You can even sign up your kids for special children’s workshops, summer camps, parent/children classes, and family events. At this museum, fun meets learning.

Historic Williamsburg, VA

Travel back in time to Colonial Williamsburg where your family can see first-hand real buildings and artifacts from the period before our country was born. Every day there are exhibits and reenactments to watch as well as fun activities. The town is staffed with professional and volunteer actors and craftspeople. But this vacation does not have to be all in a time warp. Nearby major theme parks Busch Gardens and Water Country USA offer days’ worth of family action and entertainment.

Keep in mind that you do not have to visit one of the specific places above to find a fun kid-friend travel destination. In your own town, there may be tons of things to do with your kids. Check out a near-by zoo, visit some of the local “tourist traps” (they can be a ton of fun), or explore a park or community center in a near-by town. By staying near home, you can save money, making it easier to do more things with your family. Remember, it does not matter what you do with your children. The important thing is that you are enjoying yourselves and spending time together as a family.

About the Author

Cynthia Andrews is a freelance writer who writes about vacationing and the travel industry, often discussing tips and travel deals one would find through working with travel agents.

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