Summer Getaway Idea
Summer vacations are a fantastic time to relax, reconnect with family, and create memories. Summer is also a popular time to travel; however, planning a family vacation may be difficult, especially if your family members are of all ages and interests. So, skip the planning and jump straight to the fun part with these family-friendly summer getaway ideas.
1. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is at the top of our list for family adventure travel. Glacier National Park is renowned as the "American Alps" for its steep, jagged mountains, gorgeously adorned wildflowers, and rivers and lakes at practically every turn. There's something for everyone to enjoy here, like hiking, fishing, rafting, kayaking, spectacular sunsets along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, abundant wildlife, and huckleberry delights. If you want to explore Glacier while based out of a private, off-the-grid glamping trailer in a mountain setting with a swimming pond, check out our Glacier national park getaway trip!
2. Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks
Yellowstone and Grand Teton are two of America's most frequented and picturesque national parks. The two parks are only 31 miles apart, making for an excellent road adventure where you'll enjoy an action-packed, family-friendly journey while experiencing some of America's most dramatic scenery. There is so much to see and do, from spectacular, jagged mountain peaks to unique, jaw-dropping geothermal pools and geysers. Hike into the Tetons, discover Yellowstone's geyser basins and hot springs, and observe elk, bison, and bears as you tour the parks. If you want your family to explore at your own pace, check out our Grand Teton and Yellowstone exploration trip!
3. Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park, located in a remote area of southern Oregon, is an awe-inspiring place with unparalleled beauty and history. The park is busiest from July to mid-September, when the weather is nice, and the full park is open. Hiking, swimming, kayaking, biking, and horseback riding are just a few of the activities available to your family. Create a personalized itinerary that’s tailored to your interests and requirements with our Crater Lake getaway trip!
4. Mount Baker
Mount Baker is a breathtaking stratovolcano in Washington State. It is well-known for its attractions and activities, which are popular with both locals and tourists alike. The smell of fresh greenery in nature and the cool wind as you drive to the Mount Baker Recreation Area is a delight.
There are numerous exciting activities that your family will surely enjoy during your Mount Baker adventure. The most popular include hiking, skiing, and fishing. Pitch a tent at one of the campgrounds, or stay in a nearby cabin. . To explore the stunning Mount Baker area at your own pace while based out of a cozy private cabin in the area, check out our Mt. Baker Self-Guided Hiking Trip
5. Orcas Island
Getting to Orcas Island in the San Juans may appear to be a game of planes, trains, and automobiles, especially if you have children with you (and, of course, ferries). But once there, you won't be disappointed you made the effort. Orcas Island, with fewer than 6,000 residents and no stoplights or major chain stores, is a lovely summer escape and the ideal place to enjoy a few days of unplugged family time in the Pacific Northwest. Orcas Island offers incredible experiences ranging from walking through a quaint little town bustling with galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, to going on exciting adventures such as hiking, mountain biking, sea kayaking, and whale watching, and seaplane rides. Explore this gem of the San Juan Islands at your own pace while taking in the scenery on our self-guided Orcas Island Weekend Adventure trip!
6. Lake Tahoe
The pristine, crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe lure adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. Lake Tahoe, the country's second deepest lake, is located at the base of the Sierra Nevadas. Warm, sunny summer days allow you to explore Emerald Bay's glacier-formed granite cliffs and alpine forests. It is one of the most popular family holiday destinations in California and Nevada, with an abundance of outdoor family fun such as camping, hiking, kayaking, biking riding, fishing, river rafting, paddleboarding, and waterskiing, and much more. If you want to include Lake Tahoe on your summer adventure list, head over to our Lake Tahoe Summer Getaway trip!
7. Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’re looking for a mountain adventure with the kids, Rocky Mountain National Park could be your perfect spot. You'll find your stride here whether you're traveling with or without children. Summer at Rocky Mountain National Park is beautiful, with endless views of the Rockies riddled with wildflowers and greenery. Rocky Mountain National park is famed for its hiking and backpacking trails, but you’ll also find opportunities for activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and horseback riding, which are a great way to beat the summer crowds. Throughout the summer, park rangers also lead a variety of fun—and free! —children's events. Activities might include art projects, crafts, games, and hikes. Want a hassle-free self-guided trip to Rocky Mountain? Check out our Rocky Mountain National Park Adventure trip!
8. Mount Hood & Columbia River Gorge
Mount Hood, Oregon's tallest mountain at 11,245 feet, reigns supreme. The spectacular peak offers breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge, a beautiful place with plenty of family activities. Skiing and snowboarding are available all year for families, and outdoor activities in the area's creeks and rivers beckon in the summer. Families are welcome to pick berries and stone fruit at farms around Hood River's "Fruit Loop." Other summer outings for kids include hiking, fishing, camping, horseback riding, white-water rafting, and mountain biking. Explore this gem of Oregon without having to worry about planning for the best destinations, stops, activities, or accommodations with our Semi-Guided Columbia Gorge - Mount Hood trip!
9. The Oregon Coast
The Oregon coast stretches for miles, with sheltered coves and endless beaches, silvery driftwood logs tossed up on the beach at random, tide pools teeming with exciting creatures for kids to discover, sand dunes shaped by the winds, rocky headlands for whale watching, and lighthouses standing guard with their beacons flashing far out to sea.
From beaches to aquariums, the kids can learn about marine life as they relax on vacation with the kids. Check out our Oregon Coastal Treasure trip to make sure you and your family have your best vacation yet!
10. North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park is a treasure of a wilderness, with glacier-clad peaks, virgin forests, large turquoise lakes, and sub-alpine meadows. It is often overlooked by visitors and revered by rough adventurers. Despite its size, it is one of the least visited national parks, unlike many others.
Hiking and camping are fun activities available here for kids. The park also has a Junior Ranger Program where youngsters may learn about environmental protection, trash pick-up, exploring the outdoors, and protecting state parks. Dipping in Diablo Lake is one of the best things to do (be sure to make it quick as the water is freezing). If you want to experience the turquoise lakes, conifer trees, sub-alpine meadows and stunning mountain views of North Cascades at your own pace check out our North Cascades Camping trip!
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