Summer Getaways (That Kids Will Love!)

Summer is fast approaching and I can already hear the panic in parents voices… “They’ll be out of school soon! What are we going to DO with them all summer!?” No need to fear Mom, there’s a ton of options no matter what your budget and time frame is!

Getting away (whether for the day, a weekend or longer) is a great way to create memories with your kids! It tends to be a time where the family leaves behind all the distractions of life such as the TV and Internet and focuses full time on togetherness. This is why these kind of experiences top my list of must-do’s in life! So today, I’m going to share with you a few of my favorite places to go with kids in hopes that it will inspire you to pack up that minivan and hit the road!

1. Do Disney!
I know, I’m starting off with an expensive option. But if you are looking to really wow your children and happen to have some vacation cash in the bank, this tops my list. We just got back from taking our nearly three and one year old from the Happiest Place on Earth and it’s by far our favorite place to go! The rides, the characters, the shows – it caters to families and you won’t run out of things to see and do.

2. Go camping!
Campfires, swimming at the lake, picnic lunches, there’s not better bonding then being in the great outdoors for a couple of days! It’s a great opportunity to teach your kids about plants, bugs, animals and safety – and they’ll be having so much fun they won’t even realize that they’re learning! If sleeping on the ground isn’t your cup of tea, you can always look into renting or borrowing some kind of trailer to make things more comfortable too.

3. Play tourist in your town!
Plan a few day trips and explore what’s close to home! Visit the Zoo, a Museum or ride the local transportation downtown! Most larger cities have a hop on hop off bus tour that you can purchase tickets for, which will drop you off and pick you up at the local must-see destinations.

4. Spend a day at the Beach!
Pack up some fruit, chips and sunscreen and head to the beach. You’ll get your fill of vitamin D while splashing in the waves and building sandcastles! Grab an ice cream cone and take a stroll through the local shops to extend your day and put you in that seaside mood. You’ll end your day feeling sun kissed and refreshed!

5. Take a road trip!
Plan a destination (or don’t) and remember that the journey is half the fun! Don’t restrict yourself to an exact timeline and take advantage of highway fruit stands and road signs that promise fun activities! By freeing yourself up to stop whenever, you’ll discover hidden gems you would normally drive right by. Some great driving trips would include the Rocky Mountains along BC and Alberta, the Grand Canyon in Arizona or the East Coast of Canada & the U.S.A!

These are only a few options in regards to summer fun. Try sitting down as a family and making a summer bucket list and see how many items you can scratch off by the time they head back to school! And try not to worry too much about how your kids will sleep, eat or behave on the trips. Enjoy the moment, take pictures and make those family memories! Happy travels!

For more summer getaways, outing ideas, tips and reviews, check out the Travel Bug section on my site!