Close-To-Home Adventures for Active Family Travelers

New experiences, new places, new bonds … traveling as a family is a priceless experience that can strengthen relationships and form life-long memories. And while visits to theme parks, water parks or popular beaches are common go-to choices for this style of travel, some families might find they’re ready to try something new. To that we say, we’ve got you covered! Here are a few ideas to help inspire close-to-home adventures for active family travelers.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Nothing quite beats the combination of brisk winter air, challenging slopes and fluffy powder. No matter your age when you reach for a pair of skis or a freshly waxed snowboard, winter sports offer an undeniable thrill. And while the thought of young kiddos whizzing down snow-covered runs might sound frightening, anyone who’s seen them in action can attest that the smallest of winter sports enthusiasts are often the bravest — for better or for worse. All jokes aside, skiing and snowboarding is a hobby families of all varieties can enjoy with most venues offering bunny hills and training grounds where newbies can learn while full-length slopes of differing levels allow participants to choose their own powdery adventure.

Top Picks for Family-Friendly Skiing and Snowboarding

• Timberline Lodge in Government Camp, OR: A beautiful family-friendly lodge in the Pacific Northwest where slopeside convenience meets historic charm and modern comfort. An onsite Kids Club gets little ones up to speed while private or group lessons are available for children, and adults, of all ages.
• Sundance Mountain Resort in Sundance, UT: The whole family can experience Utah’s famous slopes at Sundance Mountain Resort, a secluded resort village framed by the stunning beauty of Mount Timpanogos. Situated just an hour outside Salt Lake and Park City, this beloved ski area is easily accessible and has something for everyone.
• Ski Cooper, in Leadville, CO: As one of the oldest ski resorts in the United States, Colorado’s Cooper offers guests an authentic skiing experience in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Comprising 480 skiable acres and 64 trails, family travelers will love conquering runs at this iconic and affordable option.

Boating and Watersports

For many, a worthwhile vacation involves sandy shorelines and sparkling blue waters, but what about those who prefer their beach days to include an extra dose of excitement? From tubing and wakeboarding to surfing and parasailing, there are plenty of ways for active travelers to enjoy their time on the water, and no shortage of incredible destinations in the U.S. where they can do so. Whether that means heading to the nearest coast or road tripping to a vacation-worthy lake or river, family travelers will find nothing compares to bonding over refreshing days beneath the sun.

Top Picks for Family-Friendly Boating and Watersports

• Florida Keys, FL: Fantastic for boating, fishing, kayaking and more, the Florida Keys are a vibrant, yet laid-back destination. Warm temperatures year-round are a plus, while nearby family-friendly attractions and delicious treats like key lime pie add to the region’s allure.
• Northern Wisconsin, WI: Home of the supper club, Hodag and 15,000+ freshwater lakes, Northern Wisconsin is an unexpected treasure trove for family fun on the water. Tourist towns like Minocqua, Eagle River, Boulder Junction and Rhinelander offer plenty to do by way of watersports and motoring, while even farther north, cities like Ashland and Bayfield boast pretty views and access to Lake Superior.
• Chesapeake Bay, MD: Ripe with opportunities for exploration by sea and by land, Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay is a beloved destination thanks to its historical sights, abundant nature and wildlife and scrumptious seafood. The locals are welcoming and friendly, and families will love touring the area by boat — whether it’s of the sailboat, speedboat or kayak variety.

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Hiking and National Parks

Travelers looking to form core memories with their family might consider turning to the magic of the great outdoors, something America boasts in spades. From soaring mountaintops and grassy hills to densely packed forests and alien-like landscapes, the country’s incredible natural areas have a special way of helping visitors of all ages restore, relax and recharge. National and state parks make it easy for vacationers to safely immerse themselves in the wonder of Mother Nature, while trails and routes of varying difficulties — from quick loops to all-day outings — allow visitors to tailor their adventure to suit their needs.

Top Picks for Family-Friendly Parks

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN: With just the right mix of entry-level and advanced trails, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a fan-favorite for a reason. Situated adjacent to Gatlinburg, TN, family-friendly fun awaits around every corner thanks to nearby museums, shops and attractions geared towards visitors of all ages — think moonshine for the adults and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not for the kiddos.
• Redwood National and State Parks, Crescent City, CA: Almost everyone loves being dwarfed by massive things, and at California’s Redwood National and State Parks, that’s exactly what park-goers will experience. Dating back thousands of years, these soaring redwood giants have a knack for sparking wonder among all who visit, and families are sure to enjoy spending an afternoon exploring the area’s many hiking trails and beaches.
• Mammoth Cave National Park, Mammoth Cave, KY: With over 400 miles of explored caverns and passageways, Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest known cave system and one of the oldest tourist attractions in North America. Just a hop skip and a jump from cities like Nashville and Louisville, Mammoth Cave is certainly a worthy pitstop stop during any Midwest road trip.

Cities and Urban Escapes

Suffering from the travel itch? Why not try an adventure in a new city? With so many great destinations to visit — from coast to coast to the states that lie in between — active family travelers will find no shortage of fun and entertainment when they spend a few days in one of the U.S.’ many urban metropolises. Whether their group comprises foodies, art and culture connoisseurs, history buffs, museum-goers, shoppers or almost any other type of traveler, an urban escape can satisfy them all. Annual events and festivities add a special touch of flair to the itinerary while different seasons have a different vibe depending where vacationers decide to visit.

Top Picks for Family-Friendly Cities

• Indianapolis, IN: Home of the award-winning Indianapolis Children’s Museum, Indy deserves a spot on family travelers’ vacation wish lists. The Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and White River State Park are also popular attractions.
• Boston, MA: As the “birthplace of the American Revolution,” Boston is a destination ripe with history. Those looking to learn more won’t want to miss The Freedom Trail, the site of the Boston Tea Party and the USS Constitution Museum, while LEGO Discover Center Boston, the New England Aquarium and the Boston Museum of Science are other must-sees.
• Chicago, IL: While winter can present its challenges with less-than-desirable forecasts and freezing temps, nothing quite beats summer in the Windy City — or the Midwest, for that matter. From classic stops like The Bean, The Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Ice Cream to quintessential Chicago activities like chowing down on hot dogs, taking a river cruise and strolling Michigan Avenue, this city is a perfect destination for families.