Family Vacations Ideas
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Vacations I Want My Family to take over the next 10 Years!
I decided to come up with a list of vacation spots I would like our family to take. After you look over the list you may think I'm crazy (from a state fair to Hawaii!). These are places that I want to show/experience with my children. My husband & I grew up in the Midwest but we now live in a Mid-Atlantic state so we don't get back to the Midwest very often (except to see family, but not touristy things!) The list includes places we visited as children or maybe as an adult that we want to share with our children or just fun places that would just be - fun! Right now our children are 11, 13, and 21. There is an order that the vacations could be taken for the girls to experience each vacation fully. By the time we get through this list the youngest will be in college. Everyone will be well on their way to their own lives (especially the oldest!).
Iowa State Fair
I grew up in Iowa and going to the state fair every year was a tradition. I really took it for granted when I was young. I thought every state fair was like the Iowa fair - they are not. The Iowa State Fair has something for everyone - top headliners - this year Kelly Clarkson & Journey make an appearance, carnival rides, food, animals, antiques, food, tractor pulls, and did I mention food (I could use a Frosty Malt about now!)! Whatever you are interested in the Iowa State Fair covers it. The reason I want to share this with my children is to show them a slice of life that their parents grew up with.Update: We made it to the fair! We went for two days (wanted to go for more but ran out of time!)! We want to try and go again next year and go for 3 days! We'll let you know if we make it!
Lenses about State Fairs
Iowa State Fair - The Movie!
Websites for the Iowa State Fair
- Iowa State Fair
- This is the official website for the Iowa State Fair. You can find out any information you need to know about the upcoming fair.
- Wikipedia - Iowa State Fair
- This is the Wikipedia entry for the Iowa State Fair.
Iowa State Fair - Food Exhibit
Disneyland or Disney World or Both!
I didn't get to experience Disneyland until I was an adult. I have never been to Disney World - but my husband has (but only for work!). This one has just got to be the vacation for "No Worries - Be Happy" - well because they are both the happiest places on earth!
Here's a place to find a vacation spot while visiting Disney: Disney Vacation Homes
Disneyland!
Lenses about Disneyland
Lenses on Disney World
Websites for Disneyland or Disney World
- Disneyland
- Official website for Disneyland
- Wikipedia Entry for Disneyland
- The Wikipedia entry for Disneyland.
- Wikipedia Entry for Disney World
- The Wikipedia entry for Disney World.
Disney World - Opening Day
So - Tell Me - Which Do You Prefer - Disneyland or Disney World!
Which is better Disneyland or Disney World?
Old School All the Way - Disneyland!
miaponzo says:
Never been to either :) But I think I would like Disneyland. maybe
Yowza-Fitness-Fan says:
Disneyland -- too many memories.
Michey says:
I like both, but the original has more charm
Michey
Heather426 says:
I still like the original Disneyland the best!
Walt Disney World is My World!
mistyblue75605 says:
Been to Disneyland when I was a kid would love to take mine to disney World one day!!! :0)
ronberry says:
Never been to Disneyland - Disney World was a blast though. I'm on the east coast for D-World is closer.
COUNTRYLUTHIER says:
Whichever is in Florida!
OhMe says:
I have never been to Disneyland but love Disney World
Treasures-By-Brenda says:
I just like the space better at WDW. They have so much more!
Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, The Corn Palace, & Wall Drug
All of these are in the Black Hills area and easily accessible to each other. One day at each site and your vacation is complete. Mr. Rushmore has taken on more interest since National Treasures 2 came out. Crazy Horse is a demonstration of perseverance. The story of one family's determination to complete a monument to a Native American chief. The Corn Palace is just fun - in a kitschy sort of way! Who thought to put corn on a building in a design! Speaking of kitschy - Wall Drug fits that fill also. Lenses on South Dakota Attractions
Websites for the Black Hills Attractions
- Mount Rushmore
- Official website about the history of Mt. Rushmore
- Travel South Dakota
- Wikipedia Entry for Mount Rushmore
- Official Website for Crazy Horse Memorial
- This is the official website for the Crazy Horse Memorial.
- Wikipedia Entry for Crazy Horse Memorial
- Corn Palace Festival
- Official website for the Corn Palace Festival.
- City of Mitchell, SC - Corn Palace Info
- Official website for City of Mitchell, SC. This page lists the information for the Corn Palace.
- Roadside America
- Wall Drug
- Official website for Wall Drug.
- Roadside America
Chicago!
Lenses on Chicago Attractions
Websites for Chicago Attractions
- Sears Tower
- Official website for the Sears Tower.
- Virtual Tourist
- Chicago Area attractions.
- Wikipedia Entry for Chicago
- The Wikipedia entry for Chicago.
Boston
Actually my family has taken a vacation to the Boston area - of course my youngest was eight months old and the middle one was 2-1/2 so they say they don't remember seeing Salem, the Constitution, the Boston Tea Party ship or Faneuil Hall Marketplace. I guess we should go back so they will remember it this time! Lenses on Boston Attractions
Boston Area Attraction Lenses
Websites for Boston Attractions
- Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
- The official website for the Boston area.Here you can find information on everything that Boston Massachusetts.
- Salem, MA
- Official site of the Office of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, featuring an online visitor's guide.
- Wikipedia - Salem, MA
- Wikipedia entry for Salem, MA
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace
- Boston is the seat of American history and the site of one of America's most famous shopping and dining experiences - Faneuil Hall Marketplace. For over 250 years, the marketplace has played an integral role in the life of Boston's residents. So if you are ready to see, taste and touch a true Boston experience, come to this historic and exciting place.
- USS Constitution
- The only official site of Old Ironsides. Includes photo galleries, news releases, visitor information, Constitution and crew in the news.
- Boston Tea Party Ship
- Historical description of the events of December 16, 1773 along with information on tours, special events and activities.
New York City
Here's a tour that looks interesting!
Downtown Tour + Empire State Building + NY Skyride
New York
New York City Lenses
Times Square
More New York City Lenses
New York City Websites
- New York City Tourist
- Website for New York City Tourist.
- New York Shopping
- Website for New York City Shopping!
- FAO Schwartz
- FAO Schwartz official website.
- Macy's
- Official Macy's website.
- New York Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Website for New York Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Broadway Tickets
- Website to find tickets for Broadway.
California
I visited California as an adult. I would like my children to experience some of the California coast lifestyle, the film studios, Venice beach, and Santa Monica pier. This would be a good vacation for when the younger ones are teenagers.A trip to wine country would be great when the kids are gone - or for a anniversary trip!
San Francisco - Wine Country Combo Tour
California offers vacation rentals also: California Vacation Rentals
Photo used under Creative Commons from False Positive
California Lenses
California
California Websites
- Venice Beach
- Website for Venice Beach.
- Santa Monica Pier
- Official website for Santa Monica pier.
- Film Stage Locations in Los Angeles
- Website that lists the film stage locations in Los Angeles.
College Roots
College Days!
Cruises
My husband is a little opposed to this one, but I think it would be fun. Maybe a Disney cruise for the family and another cruise for Mom & Dad - maybe that would convince him!Photo used under Creative Commons from Soprano For Now
Cruises - Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Lenses Focusing on Cruises
Family Cruises
Cruise Line Websites
- Disney Cruise Line
- The Official Disney Cruise Line website. Discover magical Disney Cruise Line vacations with fabulous children, family and adult cruiseactivities and exciting Caribbean cruise destinations.
- Princess Cruise Line
- Official Princess Cruise Line website. Escape completely with Princess Cruises. Choose from over 90 unique cruise itineraries to more than 270 destinations around the world.
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Discount cruises for all Caribbean cruises, Alaska cruises, Europe cruises and cruise bargains.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Hawaii!
Photo used under Creative Commons from Dan Zen
Do I really need to explain this one? It's exotic & tropical - what more do you need? This one could be one truly relaxing vacation - with a few helicopter rides thrown in for fun!
Check this out to get away from the "hotel" experience: Hawaii Vacation Rentals
Lenses on Hawaii
More Hawaiian Lenses
Hawaii!
Websites for Hawaii
- Hawaii
- Official website for Hawaii. There's no place on earth like Hawaii.
- Hawaii Vacation
- Planning a Hawaii vacation? Experience the best Hawaii has to offer without spending a fortune.
- Visitors Bureau of Hawaii
- For the best and most complete information to plan your next trip to Hawaii - the beautiful Islands of Aloha.
Vacation!
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Family Vacation Book
Here is a good all encompassing book on vacations.
The Everything Family Guide to Budget Travel: Hundreds of fun family vacations to fit any budget (Everything Series)
Amazon Price: $8.74 (as of 05/31/2012)
Used Price: $6.95
More Books to Help You Plan Your Vacation!
I know you love a good vacation - share some love with my lens!
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Did I Inspire You?
So that's my list - what's your list? How do you rank my choices? Where are you going?
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mistyblue75605
Jan 30, 2012 @ 4:11 pm | delete
- Wow! I would love to go on a family vacation with my kids....:( it's just never happened. But plan on going one day with all the kids! Thanks for taking me there through pics and links! :0)
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Tammylove
Jul 19, 2011 @ 7:41 pm | delete
- Your list is pretty close to my own :-)
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Tammylove
Jul 19, 2011 @ 7:41 pm | delete
- Your list is pretty close to my own :-)
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indiavacationplans
Jul 8, 2011 @ 4:32 am | delete
- Great pics and some cool links (I Must be really bored,I looked at all of them)
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mbrownauthor Jun 28, 2011 @ 6:08 pm | delete
- What a great idea for a lens! I hope you and your family get to visit all these places :)
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