Awesome American Destinations for Families
In February we set you up for a stellar road trip experience with some tips and tricks. Now it’s time for a few family-friendly destinations to explore. In June we’ll inspire you to take your show (or family circus) on the road with a few of our favorites. Find your spot, read up, load the bags, and go!
Pacific Northwest-Oregon. Oregon is often overlooked as it’s nestled between California and Washington state. However, the PNW state has a wide variety of experiences and destinations to check out. Portland offers an array of wonderful options for fun like the Oregon Zoo and the Portland Children’s Museum which features a Zany Maze, clay studio, construction exhibit, and an Outdoor Adventure space to play.
West Coast-Northern California. Northern California has a cool vibe with its pastoral farmland, lush vineyards, beautiful beaches, and a more laid-back attitude than its LA sibling. Kiddos can see the sea creatures at the Monterrey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row or enjoy the splashy sea otters and penguins on display at the Viva Baja exhibit.
Southwest-New Mexico. The New Mexico’s deserts are sure to impress anyone with their expansive natural beauty. Check out the parks in the mountains for unlimited recreational play options.
Mountain Country-Colorado. Every kid should see the Rocky Mountains and experience summer at the base of a mountain and the snowy winter that awaits above the tree line. Make it easy by choosing Denver as your basecamp.
Upper Midwest-Minnesota. The Land of 10,000 Lakes is gorgeous, the number of Up-North family-friendly resorts you’ll find in Minnesota is impressive. Sure to please is Cragun’s, located on beautiful Gull Lake, near Brainerd. The resort offers a special children’s program, fab
watersports, freshwater fishing, great local shopping, and a large dining room with food and nightly interactive entertainment. Just one look and you’ll see that this resort was created to provide experiences to last a lifetime.
Lower Midwest-Texas. Why not pack the kiddos up and head for Austin? The state’s capital is home to the University of Texas, the SXSW Music Festival, and Austin City Limits for music fans. Austin is also home to successful foodies who began their restaurants in the active food truck community.
Southeast-South Carolina. The Carolina beaches are beautiful, and the attractions are plentiful. There are many options in this lovely state, like Myrtle Beach offering memorable views and experiences for families. Away from the sunshine and sand, you can go on a pirate’s voyage, hop on a dolphin sightseeing tour boat, visit Dino Park, splash around at Myrtle Waves Water Park, find something fishy at Ripley’s Aquarium, or grab a ticket to rides at Family Kingdom Amusement Park. Looking for something educational? Try Wonderworks, featuring 100 interactive exhibits. Myrtle Beach is also the Miniature Golf Capital of the World; the oceanside city offers many golf courses on the beach and over 100 in total.
Enjoy these cool, car bingo cards created especially for our Kids Quest families as they trek cross country—or across town!
Print out a set of regional license plate bingo cards and ask the older kids to record a license plate from each state license plate they see on the road.
Download Eastern Edition License Plate Bingo here
Download Midwestern Version License Plate Bingo here
Download Southern Style License Plate Bingo here
Download Western Way License Plate Bingo here