By Madeline Klein on January 18, 2019 in travel
There’s nothing like the open road to encourage some family bonding. Pop on the shades, roll down the windows, and turn on your favorite playlist as you head to a fun vacation with the whole family in tow.
We’ve gathered some of the top family-friendly destinations from US News that won’t cost an arm and a leg.
1. The Florida Keys
The drive from Miami to Key West is 113-miles of scenic road that the whole family can enjoy. And once in the keys, the fun won’t stop for your entire vacation. There are reefs to snorkel and plenty of fish to be caught. Enjoy all the outdoor adventures and some fun in the sun.
2. The Grand Circle Tour in Utah and Arizona
There’s nothing quite like the beauty of nature to set the stage for a perfect family trip. This area has some great national parks like the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon. The desert views and great rock monuments will be a vacation your kids will be talking about for years to come. Get out the hiking boots and explore some of the family-friendly trails.
3. The Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is an easy drive for families. There are many interesting towns to stop at, and enough scenic views to last a lifetime. Take the time to stop and explore any area that tickles your fancy. Be sure to check out the Shenandoah and Great Smokey Mountains National Parks while you’re there.
4. Montana’s Glacier Park and Yellowstone
For our outdoor lovers out there, you can’t beat Montana. Enjoy Big Sky Country with picturesque views and quirky small towns. The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is a great place for kids to have a quick lesson about animals as well. And don’t miss out on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. (PS: We’ve got some other wonderful national park roads here if you’re looking for them.)
5. Louisiana’s Cajun Coast
The Big Easy really has it all. You’ve got good music, great food, and a coast full of wildlife. Take the opportunity to teach the kids about the swamp, and spend some time fishing or canoeing for some outdoor fun.
6. A Tour of Michigan
Michigan can be an over-looked state in the midwest. Enjoy some white sand beaches without paying the high price of a beach vacation. Don’t forget to hit up Sleeping Bear Dunes, which has been named one of the most beautiful places by Good Morning America.
7. Colorado’s Natural Hot Springs
Check out Steamboat Springs, Glenwood Springs, and Buena Vista. The hot springs will be fun for all, and a great way to relax with your loved ones. Afterward, you can explore the wildflowers and aspens, which are perfect for a nature lesson. Hike, swim, and enjoy the outdoors for your whole trip.
Road trips can be a great, less expensive way to enjoy a fun-filled family vacation. So pack your road trip snacks and bring your walking shoes. You won’t regret the memories you’re sure to make on any one of these trips. The only hard part will be deciding which trip to take first!