Summer Family Vacation Ideas

Everybody with kids in school knows how important summer vacation is for spending quality time together. Pick the right vacation that will allow you to bond with your kids, explore new places and perhaps even relax. Family vacation ideas in this article include short adventure trips, ranch vacations, city getaways and beach resorts.

Family Dude Ranch Vacations
Dude ranches in the United States and Canada offer many programs that your children can enjoy. There is horseback riding, river rafting, fishing, swimming and wildlife watching. If you have time to spend a full week on a dude ranch, your family can develop lasting relationships with other ranch guests and ranch owners. In the evenings, join a cook-out while your kids roast marshmallows over a campfire.

There are numerous ranches to choose from based on vacation activities and prices. You can find information about western ranches at the Dude Ranchers' Association web site at www.duderanch.org. This association only accepts ranches that pass its two year screening process. On their web site, you can look up ranches by state, read about activities offered at each ranch and compare prices. You can order a free dude ranch directory by calling 307-587-2339. Another web site you can use is www.ranchweb.com. This web site lists ranches in the United States and Canada. It lets you find ranches that offer kid's programs, luxury accommodations, golf, fishing and other activities.

Whale Watching
Some of the best summer whale watching destinations are: Cape Cod, California Coast, Baja California and Vancouver Island. Many tour operators offer boat tours that last several hours during which you will have a chance to spot whales. Choose a boat tour that provides a whale specialist to tell you more about whales and answer your questions.

Visiting National Parks, Recreation Areas and Historic Sites
Whether you like camping or day trips, take a look at the National Park Service web site to find parks near you. The web site lets you search for parks by activity interests and location. You can also browse interactive maps of all U.S. states, view photo galleries of individual parks and find detailed information about getting there.

For family vacationers, it usually makes sense to purchase a National Parks Pass for $50. The pass will admit you and any accompanying passengers in a private vehicle. You can call 888-GO-PARKS or order the Pass online at the National Park Service web site.

Resort Vacations - Hawaii
A Hawaiian islands vacation can be relaxing for parents and fun for kids. Kids can swim, hike, snorkel, or join an arts and crafts program at a resort. In the evenings, put your kids to bed and have a romantic dinner overlooking the ocean. Hawaii has an abundance of vacation resorts that cater to families.

Summer is low season in Hawaii. Although airplane ticket prices remain high this summer due to fewer flights to the islands, you can expect to find a few accommodation deals. The following beach resorts offer programs for kids: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa, Kona Village Resort and Hilton Waikoloa Village.