It’s almost time for your kids to go back to school, and maybe you haven’t had time to plan that dream family vacation. Well, the summer isn’t over yet! Get ready because DK is highlighting you three great trips across the United States that are fun for your family, and kind to your wallet.
Each city features fun things for you and your family to do. You can get lost in the historic relics of San Antonio, explore the sweetest spots in The Big Apple, or enjoy a sunny stay in San Diego. No matter which last-minute summer trip you decide on, your family is guaranteed to have a good time. Don’t forget to check travel aggregators like Kayak.com to find the best prices and great deals on flights, car rentals, and hotels.
If you are looking for a city with an array of kid-friendly things to do, then head down to sunny San Antonio, Texas; where the weather may be Hot! Hot! Hot!—but so are the attractions.
One of the most popular destinations in the United States, San Antonio is home to one of the most visited historic sites in America, The Alamo. World renowned as a symbol of bravery and defiance, the Alamo is the first Spanish Mission built along the San Antonio River, as well as the home of the famous battle fought there between Texan soldiers and the Mexican army. Perfect for teenagers and young adults, a visit to the Alamo opens their minds to an experience they cannot get from a textbook. Be sure to checkout The Long Barrack Museum and the mission church, the only two original buildings that remains from the 1800s. Go to www.thealamo.org for more information.
Temperatures in San Antonio can reach a scorching 101 degrees; so when your family is ready to cool off, head to Splashtown (www.splashtownsa.com), just a short ride from the Alamo. This 20-acre water park offers more than 50 attractions for all age groups as well as the area’s largest wave pool. The rides vary from white-knuckled tube rides to lazy river spills. There are also Sunday concerts and Dive-in Movies on Friday evenings.
Spice up your vacation at the Fiesta Noche del Rio (www.alamo-kiwanis.org), from mid- May to early August. This musical extravaganza features the songs and dances of México, Spain, Argentina, and Texas. The performances are shown at the Arneson River Theater on the San Antonio River Walk. Showtime doesn’t start until 8:30, so you won’t have to worry about your family melting under the Texan sun.
With a rich mix of, Spanish, German and Mexican cultures, San Antonio is a great place for your family to try a wide range of modern and traditional Texan cuisine; including Tex-Mex which is an extremely popular (and mildly spiced) cultural blend of southern Texan and northern Mexican foods.
Whether you decide to explore the secrets of the Alamo, or enjoy the cultural foods of the city, San Antonio is an amazing place to bring your family. Depending on where you live, flights can range from $200-$400 per person, while hotels start from as low as $100 per night and can go as high as $300 per night (check out DK Eyewitness Travel Top 10 San Antonio for hotel information).
With its bright lights, great museums, and breathtaking views, New York City is perfect for a family getaway! Discover Central Park where there are myriad activities for children including storytelling, carousel rides, boating, and guided walks. While you’re in Central Park, visit the many playgrounds within the park. From now to August 11th, it is a party at the playgrounds with Sandbox programs. Sandbox Programs provide live music, stories, sing-along activities, and dance programs in 20 different playgrounds throughout Central Park. Visit www.centralparknyc.org for more information.
Escape the afternoon heat and take a trip back in time at the Museum of Natural History. Located near Central Park, the museum is home to the world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils and a 94-ft life-size model of a blue whale. The museum will keep everyone on their toes as you explore the Halls of Asian and African People and visit the World of Birds. The Discovery Room offers families, especially children ages 5-12, an interactive gateway to the wonders of the museum and a hands-on experience. Make sure you allow an entire day for this jammed-packed museum. If you have extra- time, check out the new Wild Ocean IMAX . For more information, please visit http://www.amnh.org.
Experience vintage New York City by taking a trip out to Coney Island. New Yorkers have been enjoying this seaside vista for a hundred years, and Coney Island is home to the landmark Ferris wheel, the Cyclone (the world-famous wooden roller-coaster ride), and a long sandy beach. Watch a menagerie of talented street performers while chowing down on a Nathan’s Famous Hotdog, or dip into The New York Aquarium for an afternoon. On Thursday evenings, there are free concerts with artists ranging from Gladys Knight to Donna Summer.
For the best views of downtown Manhattan, hop on the Staten Island Ferry (www.siferry.com). The ferry ride is free, and offers unparalleled views of the city while passing by the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Once you get to Staten Island, check out a Staten Island Yankees game (www.siyanks.com). The seats at this minor-league stadium are cheaper than the major leagues and much more child-friendly. There’s even a section of the stadium just for kids with games and a jumping castle, and after the last inning, children are allowed run the bases at the stadium.
On average, hotels plus a New York Pass for a family can be as low as $1000 for four nights (for hotel selections, please refer to DK Eyewitness Travel Top 10 New York City). Average flights range from $150 to $300 per person, depending on your departure city.
With arguably the best year-round climate in the country, San Diego is a top pick for any time of year, but especially for a late summer getaway when much of the US is sweltering in a blanket of humidity. San Diego’s ideal coastal location and multitude of sites and attractions for every age make this city a perfect fit for families. Getting to San Diego can be very affordable, with airfare ranging from $240 to $350 from major cities like New York, Chicago, and Dallas.
Renting a car is not necessary if you plan on spending most of your time in downtown San Diego since there is a vast variety of restaurants and shops within walking distance. For sites and attractions further away, public transportation is inexpensive and readily available; choices include an excellent bus system, the San Diego Trolley, and The Coaster, a simple commuter light-rail.
For a cultural and esthetically pleasing experience, head to Balboa Park. The park is home to the famous San Diego Zoo as well as almost a dozen museums. The lush scenery and Spanish-Colonial architecture alone are worth a walk through El Prado and Alcázar Gardens.
The main attraction, of course, is the San Diego Zoo. Known for its thousands of animals and hundreds of different species living in authentic natural habitats, the zoo is sure to be a fun all-day excursion. Explore a wide variety of climates and habitats by visiting the Chinese giant pandas, Arctic polar bears, and African and Asian elephants. There is also a children’s zoo containing a petting area with goats and sheep and a nursery of baby animals. Go to www.sandiegozoo.org for more information.
If adventure is what your family craves, head over to Belmont Park in Mission Beach (www.belmontpark.com) for the day and experience this historic beachfront amusement park. There are rides for all ages, a mini-golf course, and an arcade. For those looking to hang-ten, catch some waves at the Wave House, which features the park’s very own wave machines. Entrance to Belmont Park is free and unlimited day passes for rides are available.
No trip to San Diego would be complete without a day at the beach. Silver Strand State Beach is close to downtown and has beaches on both the Pacific and the San Diego Bay. The area is very family friendly and there are plenty of water activities to choose from.
San Diego is the perfect vacation destination for those families seeking the excitement of the city with the tranquility of the beach. With such an abundance of activities for children, they might never want to leave! Booking in advance will ensure the best deals on hotels and major attractions. All these activities and more are featured in the DK Eyewitness Travel Top 10 San Diego.
Remember, it’s never too late to have an awesome summer vacation with the family--happy planning!