As the school year begins to reach its final stretch, Spring vacations from school give kids a chance to fuel up before they end the year with a bang. More importantly, Spring vacations can be a time for parents to leave the stresses of work behind and focus their attention on their families. With digital media reigning supreme , it can be easy to let the break pass us by while our kids watch movies, play video games, or update their social media accounts. Time is precious, which is why it’s so important to utilize the extra time we are given to spend with one another. Rather than sit inside staring at screens, this can be the year you plan a road trip. What better time to disconnect than when you’re with your family?
Since plane tickets can come at hefty costs, you can always go with an alternative, a road trip. Pack up all your bags, audiobooks, a 
camera, and of course, your kids, and take off to a new place for a family vacation. While the idea of taking a road trip can be overwhelming, the time spent traveling can be a bonding experience. Also, your kids will appreciate all the joy and laughter of simply being together while creating memories they will carry with them throughout their lives. If you don’t know where to go, consider searching for national or state parks in your area or that are within a day’s drive.
When the topic of Spring vacations comes up, many people think of going to one of the many Disney parks or other such destinations, but there is a myriad of other places to discover and explore. Although fun, popular parks like Disney can be over-priced and over-crowded. Instead, consider staying at a campground or visiting mountains that display the world’s vastness and beauty. From West coast to East, here’s a list of national or state parks for the next road trip you can plan with your family.
- Redwood National and State Parks – California- Kids (and adults!) will be mesmerized by the giant trees and abundant wildlife that fill the park. Family-friendly activities, including information for young aspiring junior rangers, can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/redw/learn/kidsyouth/index.htm
- Glacier National Park- Montana – If you’re a family of hikers, this trip may be perfect for you. You can hike to Glaciers and discover the majestic teal lakes of the park.
- Dinosaur National Monument – Colorado- Your family will love this destination, which is perfect for kids who have an interest in dinosaurs. Come look at the dinosaur fossils left embedded in the rocks and you’ll leave speechless. Your kids will be sure to share their adventures with great enthusiasm with their teachers and friends once you arrive back home!
- Big Bend National Park – Texas- This park will keep you busy with diverse habitats, rivers, and mountains. You can canoe down the river, go on a hike, or simply explore the unique wildlife throughout the park.
- Biscayne National Park – Florida- This park is 95% underwater, giving you opportunities to enjoy water activities including snorkeling or a boat ride all while admiring the clear waters of the park. If you come between December and April, you can participate in Family Fun Fest where you can learn about the sea creatures and coral habitat residing in the park.
- Mammoth Cave National Park- Kentucky- Named the world’s longest cave, this park will have you exploring underground passageways as you make your way through the twists and turns of the mysterious picturesque land.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes N
ational Lakeshore – Michigan- Hike sandy trails along the dunes or climb up the main dune to view Lake Michigan in its natural beauty. The kids will have a blast running back down the sand dunes! - Fire Island National Seashore – New York– Your family can embrace the wilderness by camping on the island and hiking on trails or staying at a hotel and enjoying the nearby beaches.
- Acadia National Park- Maine– Introduce an array of sea life creatures to your youngsters in this mountainous National Park along the nation’s Northeastern coast.
These are only a few of the hundreds of national and state parks that are available to visit in the country. With the world running at faster and faster speeds and the prevalence of technology, the times we get to spend together with our families can be hard to come by. That’s why, when we are given the opportunity, it is vital we put down the devices and spend quality time with each other. Planning a road trip and visiting national or state parks is just one way to accomplish the task.
For a complete list of National Parks in each state, check out this site:
https://www.nationalparks.org/
What are some of your ideas for spending time with the family during vacations? Do you have any photos or stories to share about an awesome trip to one of our country’s great parks? We would love to hear from you!
