5 Family Vacation Ideas for the End of Summer

Before summer ends and school begins, take the opportunity to show your kids another side of education: experience. Even simple summer family vacations can be an educational experience for kids.

If you’re looking for the best educational summer vacations, check this list below. The fun activities that you do together as a family are the memories you’ll all look back on for years to come. With the largest numbers of trips being taken in the summer, now is the time to make the most of the break before school. Let’s start exploring!

1. Camping

Camping in the great outdoors is not only an inexpensive getaway, but it’s an amazing opportunity to teach your kids about the outdoors, nature, and protecting wildlife. If you have kids who are overly connected to technology, this is also a great chance to unplug as a family.

Camping together has some unexpected consequences as well. In a study of over 300 camp directors, attending an outdoor summer camp helps kids become more resilient to life stress. From learning how to kayak to making a fire, these are skills kids can take with them through life.

2. Destination Trip

Is there anywhere you’ve always wanted to travel but weren’t sure if now was the time? Traveling to a destination in the U.S. or abroad can give your kids a new outlook on life, and it’s a great way for everyone to step outside of their comfort zone.

A lot of parents are afraid to take on a destination trip, especially with young kids, but there usually is no reason to worry. Kids of all ages can benefit from visiting somewhere new, experiencing the culture, and trying new things.

3. Road Trip

Taking a road trip across the country or even just through your state is a great way to get a different view of the world beyond your backyard. It’s both inexpensive and fun for the whole family. Pack up your family and maybe even the pets and head out on the open road.

What should you do on your road trip? Visit parks, museums, or other touristy stops along the way. As they say, it’s the journey and not the destination. Even more exciting is to challenge yourself to a no-technology road trip where you rely on “old fashioned” maps and ways of getting to your destination.

4. Family Cruise

If you’ve never been on a cruise, now’s the time to book your first one. A family cruise is perfect for kids of all ages, and you can show them the beauty of the open seas along with some exotic destinations. Whether you choose an Alaska cruise or a Mediterranean cruise, this is a kid-friendly way to travel without the stress.

Because you’re able to return to the same cabin every night, you don’t have to deal with lugging around your things or getting the kids used to a new sleeping arrangement. Also, most cruises come equipped with activities and educational programs designed for kids.

5. Staycation

Last but not least, who said you had to travel far to have a fantastic experience? Sometimes there’s so much to explore within your own backyard. If you’re looking for a low-cost educational summer vacation for kids, why not have a staycation somewhere close to home.

You can visit a nearby city, do all the local tourist attractions and museums, or even stay in a hotel nearby. Showing your kids that you don’t have to travel far to explore will help them learn to appreciate what they have.

Enjoy the Summer

Summer vacation is the best time to go on an adventure as a family. If you’ve been thinking of expanding your kids’ horizons, now is the time to do so. Try one of the fun ideas on this list and see how far they take you.

What’s your dream summer vacation? How do you keep it educational for the family? You might be surprised by just how many opportunities you have.