PHOTO: Chirripo National Park in Costa Rica makes for great family-friendly hiking. (Photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
If you're planning a family trip, there are more choices than just the standard - and typically overcrowded -- popular theme parks. If you're looking for more from your vacation than souvenir mouse ears, here are some suggestions:
National Parks: "We are fortunate in the United States that our National Parks Program offer an opportunity for amazing family vacations," said Cassandra Burke owner of Powered By Bling Travel. "Each National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, rafting and sleeping under the stars. I find more and more families are making it a goal to tour all the parks as their children grow up. The National Parks Passport Program also offers a great way for children and families to learn more about each destination and fill their National Parks Passport with cool stamps."
The National Park Service was created by an act signed by President Woodrow Wilson on August 25, 1916. Yellowstone National Park was established by an Act signed by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872, as the nation's first national park. There are currently 400 national parks available to visit, so whether you're embarking on a staycation or you're traveling the country, there's one to see. Every year, more than 300 million people visit the parks.
The National Park Service website has a map where you can select the state you live in or want to visit and see a list of parks that are available. For example, in New York you can visit an African Burial Ground, the homes of Eleanor Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin Roosevelt as well as the home of Martin Van Buren the Statue of Liberty. These are all designated national parks.
Costa Rica: One of Heather Cross's favorite family-friendly destinations is Costa Rica. "The people are warm and the country is really welcoming to families - they even have a separate line for families clearing security at the airport," said Cross, of Vacations By Heather. "Children and adults alike can enjoy seeing wildlife up close and there are so many destinations to explore there that it's easy to go back several times and see new places each time.
Her favorite itinerary for families making their first visit is a split stay between Arenal and the either Manuel Antonio or Papagayo beach. "My kids and clients have loved staying at properties where monkeys wake them in the morning and there are a wide range of excursions available from easy safari boat rides to more adventurous hikes and ziplining," she said.
St. Louis, Missouri: Shannan Wright loves Mickey Mouse, but she also recommends St Louis as a great friendly family destination. "There's so much to do and it's not expensive at all," said Wright, of Addicted 2 Mickey. "The zoo is free, other than parking and a few side attractions. The main brewery tour is free and you even get a sample. Grant's Farm is free, aside from the parking and it's so much fun! There are lots of other inexpensive tours to check out as well like the Arch, Lacledes Landing and more."
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
