As much as we’d all love a good long vacation, we don’t always have the time or resources to make it happen. That’s where a long weekend trip comes in! Parents everywhere have found that packing up and heading out for a 3-4 day trip satisfies the travel bug and gives our kids tons of new experiences, without the price tag of a a huge vacation. Check out some great ideas to take the family on your next long weekend.
1. Chicago, Illinois
Pack in tons of sights and sounds, or keep it low key––a weekend in Chicago is whatever you want it to be! Take the kids to see the Bean, the Art Institute or Millennium Park, or you can look for all the Chicago events in the area you’ll be staying. Enjoy gorgeous weather for 3 out of the 4 season and savor tons of local flavor at your choice of restaurants.
Head to A Passion And A Passport for some great itinerary recommendations!
2. Savannah, Georgia
A little bit of history for mom and dad and a whole lotta fun for the kids await you when you visit Savannah, Georgia. Make sure you take the kids to the outdoor Savannah Children’s Museum, on the site of a former train station. Stroll through Forsyth Park and hit up some local eateries for the complete Southern experience.
Check out Family Vacations US for some great tips on visiting Georgia with the fam.
3. Raleigh, North Carolina
Of the top 10 things to do in Raleigh, Visit Raleigh lists beer-related activities two times! While mom or dad is relaxing in the Raleigh Beer Garden or taking a walk through the Raleigh Beer Trail, the other can be taking the kiddos to the North Caroline Museum of Natural Sciences, Museum of Art, Marbles Kid Museum, taking a plunge in Jordan Lake, strolling through Pullen Park or hanging out at the Videri Chocolate Factory. While you’re there, try and catch a concert- you won’t be disappointed!
Check out Family Travel Magazine for more kid-focused activities in North Carolina!
4. Kansas City, Missouri
We’re not in Kansas anymore! There are plenty of kid-friendly activities in Kansas City, including Legoland Discovery Center, it’s next door neighbor SEA LIFE Aquarium, the Kansas City Zoo, Kaleidescope and Science City. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! For dad, there’s always the Kansas City Chiefs! Don’t forget to grab a snack at the Crayola Cafe before hitting the road home!
Check out Kidventurous to see more fun things to do in KC.
Source: Kat Jenkinson via flickr
5. Traverse City, Michigan
Visiting Traverse City means fun for everyone.There’s biking, hiking and beaches for the entire family, tap rooms, microbreweries and wineriess for mom and dad and tons of amazing restaurants. If you visit in the summer, get ready to enjoy the annual Cherry Festival in addition to the natural beauty that Michigan has to offer.
Plan your trip to Michigan by visiting the Traverse City website!
6. Charleston, South Carolina
If the beach alone isn’t enough to draw you to Charleston, the Charleston peninsula should do it. The historic district is packed with old gems and is super walking friendly. For the kiddos, hit up the South Carolina Aquarium, all the plantations you can muster, the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, and take a stroll across the Cooper River Bridge. There’s also no shortage of fabulous Southern cooking to satisfy your fried cravings!
We found a great list of things to do in Charleston over at Scary Mommy!
7. Seattle, Washington
Get ready for some amazing learning experiences when you visit Seattle with the fam. The Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Children’s Museum at Seattle Center, and Living Computer Museum are just a few educational experiences that are surprisingly fun. Enjoy the beautiful Seattle weather by getting outside and visits Pike Place Market, the Woodland Park Zoo and riding the Ferris Wheel on the Seattle Waterfront. Don’t forget to get your fill of fresh fish!
We can’t even begin to list all the amazing things to do in Seattle, so check out Santorini Dave!
Source: Chad McDonald via flickr
8. La Jolla, California
Pronounced “La Hoya,” this destination is perfectly placed above San Diego and without all the traffic hubbub. If your family loves the outdoors, then La Jolla is for you. Take time to check out the seals at The Children’s Pool, La Jolla Shores Beach, Shell Beach Tide Pools and plenty of outdoor parks.Catch a concert by the sea in the summer and if you’re brave- snorkel with leopard sharks! Take a quick day trip into San Diego for even more fun at places like Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo or Seaworld.
Check out all the fun things to do in La Jolla by checking out La Jolla Mom.
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