Family vacations provide an opportunity to spend quality time together, create lifelong memories, and explore new places. While beaches and amusement parks are classics, why not try something different for your next family trip? Here are 10 unique vacation ideas to inspire your family’s next adventure:
Take an Epic Road Trip
There’s no better way to bond than a good old-fashioned road trip. Load up the car and hit the open road, making stops at quirky roadside attractions and local diners along the way. Some epic cross-country routes to consider:
Route 66
America’s Mother Road stretches over 2,000 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. See kitschy Americana, national monuments like the Grand Canyon, retro motels, and more. Make stops in small towns along the way to try local cuisine and check out Main Street America.
The Great River Road
This route follows the mighty Mississippi River through 10 states from Minnesota to Louisiana. See small river towns, go river rafting, visit museums dedicated to the river’s history, and learn about early American pioneers. Don’t miss the music scene in New Orleans.
The Pacific Coast Highway
This scenic drive down the California coast takes you past beaches, redwood forests, whale-watching spots, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Stop to hike and camp in Big Sur, enjoy fresh seafood in coastal towns and stroll across the Golden Gate.
Try an Adventure Getaway
Why relax on vacation when you can get your adrenaline pumping? From climbing mountains to scuba diving St George Utah, an active trip builds family teamwork. Consider:
Dude Ranch
Go horseback riding, learn to lasso, and eat around a campfire at these family-friendly ranches. Try your hand at activities like roping steer, having a horseback riding competition, and line dancing at night. Experience the American West together.
Whitewater Rafting
Ride the rapids as a family in places like the Grand Canyon or New River Gorge. Just hold on tight! Take turns paddling and navigating through the thrill of the rushing waters. See amazing scenery between rapids.
Surfing Camp
Learn to hang ten together at surf camps located in popular spots like Hawaii or Southern California. Catch your first waves together and enjoy the beach life. Take turns cheering each other on as you learn to ride the waves.
Volunteer as a Family
Giving back is rewarding. Find volunteer vacations where your family can make a difference together. Options include:
Building Homes
Help construct houses for families in need through Habitat for Humanity or similar organizations. Your family will learn construction skills and gain perspective on the housing crisis.
Caring for Animals
Nurse injured wildlife back to health at a sanctuary or help at an animal rescue. Your animal-loving kids will especially enjoy bathing, feeding, and assisting in the recovery of rescued animals.
Preserving Nature
Build trails, plant trees, restore forests, and more through Sierra Club service trips. Get your hands dirty improving parks and protected wilderness while learning about environmentalism.
Learn Something New
An educational vacation opens minds and brings the family closer. Consider:
Take a Cooking Class
Learn new cuisines and cooking methods from top chefs at cooking schools like Le Cordon Bleu locations. Your family can pick up cooking skills, try new foods, and laugh together in the kitchen.
Go to Space Camp
Attend this NASA program in Huntsville, AL to experience astronaut training and simulated space missions. Families work together to complete missions and your kids may discover new career goals.
Try a Language Class
Practice Spanish, French, or Chinese through immersive language schools worldwide. Your family will pick up conversational skills quickly while immersed in the culture.
Explore Lesser-Known National Parks
Avoid crowds and create your own adventure exploring the lesser-visited gems of the National Park system. Try parks like:
Congaree National Park, SC
See soaring old-growth trees and experience the biodiversity of this southern swamp ecosystem.
Kenai Fjords National Park, AK
Take an Alaska cruise and watch whales and sea lions in this dramatic landscape.
Dry Tortugas National Park, FL
Boat 70 miles off Key West to snorkel and camp on this remote cluster of islands.
Take in Local Culture
Skip the normal tourist attractions and dive into local experiences. Check out:
Attend a Small Town Festival
Experience local flavor at festivals like maple syrup festivals in Vermont or cattle drives out West.
Take a Foraging Class
Learn to find local edible plants on a foraging outing led by an expert.
Watch a Play at an Off-Broadway Theater
See a quirky show and support local art in small theaters in places like Chicago, Minneapolis, or Austin.
Plan an International Service Trip
Expand your cultural horizons by volunteering abroad as a family. Help teach English in Costa Rica or volunteer at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. Working together for a good cause fosters empathy.
The next time you plan a family vacation, think outside the box. Choosing a unique trip will create memories to cherish for a lifetime. Where will your family’s next adventure take you?
