A List of Family Summer Activities to Do
Keeping children entertained over summer break can be a daunting task. However, rather than thinking of activity ideas just for the kids, why not enjoy the summer as a family? You'll make memories and bond as a family. America is a vast country and family-friendly activities abound. It'll also get the kids out in the fresh air and give them the opportunity to discover something new.
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Hidden Gems
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Theme parks such as Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World and Disney Resort California always rate highly for families, but if the kids are giving you a “been-there-done-that” sigh, rest assured as there are plenty of less-travelled to gems worth seeking out.
Walt Disney and his family visited Fairyland in Oakland, California (which is also home to the Storybook Puppet Theatre) to gain inspiration, Pre-Disneyland. Farther down the coast, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the oldest seaside amusement parks on the West Coast. Families can enjoy it’s most famous ride, a wooden roller coaster dating back to 1924.
A Ride On The Wild Side
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Get close to rhinoceroses at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo There is bound to be a zoo near you. Tampa, Florida's Lowry Park Zoo has been ranked by “Parents Magazine” as the number-one family-friendly zoo in America. Watch your children’s faces light up as kangaroos hop in front of them in the Australian-themed children's area, feed white rhinos or ride a camel.
To tire children out, visit San Diego zoo, California. With its epic size (nine zones spread out over 100 acres), the zoo has led the way in the use of cageless exhibits. A must-see is the Giant Panda exhibit; there only four in the world. If you have young children, take a sketch pad and encourage them to draw pictures of what they have seen.
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Become One With Nature
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If you are fortunate enough to live near any of the country's great national parks or man-made beauties, take advantage and explore. The San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas is home to the Hamilton Children's Garden, one of the largest interactive gardens on the West Coast. Visit the Butterfly Bed and Breakfast, an enclosure for caterpillars to eat, rest and transform into butterflies or climb a tree house in a jungle canopy.
Escape from civilization at Lassen Volcanic National Park, California. Full of lakes of all sizes; float on Juniper Lake in inflatable tubes or part-take in one of the summer, ranger-led programs to learn about the local wildlife and culture.
Sandy Days
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Beaches act as massive playing fields for families There is a stunning array of beaches to be enjoyed in America, and not just by sun worshipers and sandcastle enthusiasts. Nearly all of them host eclectic recreational activities to try as a family.
The beach at Long Beach, Washington, is a perfect spot for families who are keen to try kite-flying. As its name suggests, Long Beach is long. It is fairly flat and the wind is always whipping strong.
For something different try dune surfing or amuse the family with your sand driving skills at The Silver Lake Sand Dunes area, along Lake Michigan.
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