Kid-Friendly Vacation Destinations with Meaning

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

22 Jan 2008 12:05 PM

I just received an email from my friend who wanted to brag about (I mean share the good news) that her family's spring break vacation plans to California are now complete. They don't depart on their trip for another two months, but she's delighted nonetheless. I don't blame her. Planning a cross-country trip for a family of five is no easy task. Her three children will have a blast and I'm sure she and her husband will too.

My pal's email inspired me to write this blog about family vacations. Beyond the thrill of visiting a new city, having fun and relaxing, vacations are great opportunities to learn about new cultures, explore new landscapes, and take part in hands-on history lessons. I've decided to write a series of blogs on kid-friendly vacation destinations across the United States that offer more than just a backdrop for a great family snapshot. The following sites provide a chance for children to learn that family vacations don't always have to center around roller coasters and life size rodents.

NEW YORK

Ellis Island Museum. Did you know that roughly 40% of Americans are descended from someone who immigrated through this station? You might be surprised by how well your children will take to visiting this popular NYC attraction. Thanks to thoughtful exhibits you and your family will be treated to a powerful history lesson, not to mention getting a terrific view of the Statue of Liberty on the same ferry ride.

Ground Zero. By now most American school children realize that the massive hole in lower Manhattan is sacred ground. Getting the chance to view it in person and tour the nearby Tribute-WTC Center, which features exhibits of crushed firefighter helmets and other recovered items will certainly leave a lasting impression.

Niagara Falls. I didn't get to visit this popular New York attraction until I was an adult, but I plan to take my daughter as soon as she's old enough to appreciate what is considered the most powerful falls in North America. It is an impressive sight to behold and pictures do not do it justice. Nearly six million cubic feet of water plummet over the gorge every minute---that's just one of the interesting factoids your kids will learn about the falls at the Niagara Falls visitors center. Oh, and in case you were wondering, it is worth crossing into Canada to see Niagara Falls from the other side.

PENNSYLVANIA

Independence Hall. This Philadelphia landmark is where George Washington was appointed commander of the Continental Army, the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the founding fathers started laying the nation's foundation, in the form of the U.S. Constitution. Independence Hall is loaded with hands-on history lessons that ordinary classroom lectures don't hold a candle to.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It's never too early for kids to learn about the sacrifices our nation's forefathers made to secure our freedoms. A trip to Gettysburg gives kids a chance to see the spot where President Lincoln delivered his famed Civil War speech in 1863. It is also home to a number of exhibits, which detail the bloodiest war in our nation's history.

My next blog will include more kid-friendly educational vacation destinations located along the East Coast.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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