Trip Ideas For Your Next Family Outing
There are plenty of family-friendly destinations throughout the United States. Whether your family trip ideas include visiting historical sites, state or national parks, or you are just setting out with no itinerary and planning to explore all a city offers, the opportunities will be endless.
Every state has their own unique, interesting must-see locations, but for this article, four cities will be highlighted.
Washington D.C.
Probably one of the most cherished events occurs in our nation’s capital each spring. The cherry blossoms bloom in mid-March, providing plenty of family-friendly activities throughout the city.
In honor of the beautiful blooms, there is the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, which is set for March 20th through April 16th, 2023. A few examples of the planned activities include the Blossom Kite Festival and the opening ceremony set for March 25th, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 15th. Throughout the festival, local restaurants serve up spring-inspired plates. To view the Cherry Blossoms throughout the city, a few places to start is the Tidal Basin, Dumbarton Oaks Gardens, and the East Potomac Park.
Of course, the historical aspect of this city is astronomical. The Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Vietnam Women’s Memorial, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to historical monuments available for viewing. Throughout the city, there are 75 National Historic Landmarks.
Where to stay
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in the area. One of the most highly rated options is Cherry Hill Park. The RV park has earned an excellent 9.1 average rating on RV LIFE Campgrounds, with over 773+ reviews.
Walla Walla, WA
Skipping from the District of Columbia to the state of Washington, this Pacific Northwest city offers both a vacation and an education. Spring break doesn’t automatically mean a break from learning when visiting Walla Walla.
Kids will love to explore Fort Walla Walla Museum, which is built on the grounds on a 19th century military fort. It features a pioneer settlement, five exhibit halls that house thousands of artifacts, and special events and programs.
Stop by the Inland Octopus for plenty of science puzzles, experiments, games, and toys for all ages. Spend some time at the sculpture walk, where art forms can be viewed up close and personal. Don’t forget to check out the archway to Narnia.
For more history, walk the coveted Oregon Trail, learning firsthand about the natives and settlers within the Walla Walla Valley. Fun fact: The original Batman, Adam West, was born in Walla Walla.
Other “school subjects” that can be covered while you’re visiting Walla Walla include agriculture (Frog Hollow Farm and Blue Mountain Lavender Farm), English (Book & Game), and everyone’s favorite subject, P.E. Get some physical education in by way of Allegro Cyclery; there are plenty of bike paths throughout the countryside for some family outings.
Where to stay
Blue Valley RV Park in Walla Walla holds a solid 4-star review through RV LIFE Campgrounds. Read about it and 15 other RV lodging options here.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Part of the Golden Isles on the coast of Georgia, this gem provides plenty of outdoor activity for a family of all ages. Besides the plethora of water activities, options to stay busy include miles and miles of bike trails, a trip to the sea turtle rehab center, and a large water park.
Spend some time at Driftwood Beach and see what collectibles you can find. Go for a family-friendly horseback riding excursion or enjoy the historic trolley tour. For a day outing outside of Jekyll, visit neighboring island, St Simons. Tour their lighthouse, do some shopping in Pier Village, and finish the day with a sunset at the pier.
Where to stay
Make plans to stay at the Jekyll Island Campground and enjoy the southern atmosphere. Lots are shaded by moss-covered oak trees. The 179 campsites are spaced out over 18 acres, within walking distance to Driftwood Beach and Clam Creek.
The pet-friendly campground also offers a bird sanctuary, bike rentals, and a general store with a variety of items for sale, ranging from RV supplies to personal supplies, firewood, propane, and ice.
Read reviews of Jekyll Island Campground here.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Another southern comfort city is Gatlinburg. With no shortage of options for RV lodging, in both Gatlinburg and neighboring Pigeon Forge, families can find their perfect vacation destination while taking in all the excitement and wonder the Smoky Mountains has to offer.
For indoor family fun, spend some time at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Mysterious Mansion, Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, or the Gatlin’s Escape Room Games. The Amazing Mirror Maze and Circus Golf offer up family-friendly games with optical illusion trickery.
To take in the outdoor fresh air, consider the Sugarlands Riding Stables, Mynatt Park for waterfall views, one of the many zipline tours available, or a three-mile, scenic wooded hike on the Gatlinburg Trail.
For a historical stop, add the Bud Ogle Cabin to your list. Explore the log cabin, barn, and mill created back in the 1800s.
Winter outings can range from ski-filled days to snow tubing, the Downhill Mountain Coaster, snowboarding, or indoor ice skating.
This is a city that has so much to offer, a week’s stay doesn’t seem long enough to experience it all. No matter how many days your visit consists of, there doesn’t have to be any downtime. Pack your itinerary as full as you like and let Gatlinburg provide memories that will last for a lifetime.
Where to stay
There are over 120 Gatlinburg RV parks listed on RV LIFE Campgrounds. The highest-rated locations are the Elkmont Campground and the Greenbrier Campground. Both of these campgrounds have a rating of 4.5 stars.
Whether you choose the classic offerings of the north or the comforts of the southern United States, these cities provide enough variety to complement any family. Spring break, summer vacation or a winter getaway, these family trip ideas will keep your 2023 fun.
For all of your camping and trip planning needs, look no further than RV LIFE Campground Reviews and RV LIFE Trip Wizard. Campground Reviews is a trusted source of campground and RV park reviews offered by camping and RV enthusiasts just like you. With its accompanying RV LIFE App, RV Trip Wizard gets you to your camping destinations utilizing RV-friendly routes specific to your RV and travel preferences.
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