Family Friendly Vacation

San Diego - Whether your the parent, or the child, San Diego is guaranteed to please.  Unlike most vacation destinations that seem to cater just to the child, or just to the adult, this hot spot has double appeal.  Kids just wanna play at the beach all day?  Mom and Dad wanna check out some of the finest museums in the area??  Well San Diego offers about 70 miles of beach, and great museums just a short drive away at Balboa Park.  Oh, and I'm sure at one point you'll want to do something everyone can enjoy at once, so head on over to Sea World, because regardless of your age, Sea World is a ton of fun.  If you don't like getting wet, then take the family to the San Diego Zoo, once again, guaranteed to please no matter your age. 

Great Free things to do in SD:

1. Go to the beach!  With 70 miles of beaches, you're sure to find one you'll enjoy.  I recommend Mission Beach, or Pacific Beach, but any of them will do!

2. Head to La Jolla Cove and watch the sunset.  GORGEOUS.

3. Walk around Seaport Village, and window shop, people watch, hang out on the grass and watch the yachts go by, and just enjoy the fact that you're in San Diego, on vacation!

4.  Enjoy free organ concerts at 2 p.m. on Sundays at the Spreckels Organ Pavillion in Balboa Park.

5. Explore the tidepools in Point Loma at low tide and get up close and personal with flowery anemones, scampering shore crabs, elusive octopus, spongy deadman's fingers and many other magnificent sea creatures.

Philadelphia - Head on over to Philly with your family!  The compact size of the city eases mobility for those with young ones, and your kids will surely impress their teachers when they return full of new knowledge after summer vacation.  Philadelphia is full of great museums, and attractions that appeal to young children, and parents alike.  If your a foodie, then stroll down South Street, where you will find an excellent restuarant scene.  Make sure to check out the Franklin Istitute Science Museum, the Liberty Bell, and the Reading Terminal Market. 

Great Free things to do in Philly:

1. Check out Independance Hall, the building housed this country’s founding father as they adopted the Declaration of Independence and then penned the U.S. Constitution.

2. Go see the Liberty Bell.  Every child learns about this iconic bell, which led to the birth of the United States on July 8, 1776.  This bell chimed the message to the locals, to gather at Independance Hall, for the first official reading of the Declaration of Independence.  Most well known about the bell however, is its flaw, the crack which deemed it no longer able to ring, on the the anniversary of Washington's birthday in 1846. 

3. Take a tour of the U.S. Mint.  The Philly branch is open Monday through Friday, 9am-3pm, and the tours are self guided, so you can go at your own pace and you don't even need to make a reservation.  It will take you about 45 minutes at a standard pace, and you actually get to view coin production, from start to finish.  That's one of the highlights of the tour. 

4. Head to the Philadelphia Musuem of Art.  Please note, the museum does charge for enterance every day of the week, except Sundays.  On Sundays, the museum asks for donations, of any amount you wish. 

5. Go enjoy the Martin Park Nature Center.  This park is much different from your traditional park because it serves a much higher purpose. The 140 acre park is not only a recreational area, but also a wildlife sanctuary and educational facility.


San Antonio - Man I can't wait to cross this one off my bucket list.  Wondering what the heck there is to do in San Antonio??  How about: Alamo City Ghost Tours, Sea World, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, cowboy and music shows, historic parks, natural preserves, canyons and caves, just to name a few.  Oh, and parents, did I forget to mention the River Walk? Sign me up.

Great Free things to do in San Antonio:


1. If you're in San Antonio during April, head to the Fiesta San Antonio.  This is one of the largest outdoor festivals in the United States, welcoming about two and half million guests each year.  This year’s festivities will include parades, outdoor concerts, fireworks, cultural performances and food-related events.  Though not all events are free, most of those that take place in public places do not charge admission.  Some of the other attractions, such as the popular Taste of New Orleans ($10 admission), are reasonably priced.

2.The San Antonio Missions Trail is a 6-mile walkway that runs between four of the area’s historic Spanish-built missions.  Yes, it is one of the better places to walk if you are in search of an urban hiking venue, but the missions, which are part of a national historic park, are the real attraction.

3. The Alamo.  This one is hard to pass up, especially because once you get home everybody will be asking "did you see the Alamo??".  You've got to see the Mission, but it's bound to be busy given about 2.5 million people pass through it each year.  The best way to avoid the crowds is to arrive early.  Get there about 9am Monday through Friday to avoid peak crowds.  During the summer, it stays open till 7pm. 

4.  Depending on when you're in the area, San Antonio Art Walk is a great free activity to take part in, on the first Friday of every month.  Located in the Southtown area of the city, in the Arts District, you will find plenty of art displays, and also can watch several local bands performing.  All genres take part, so there will sure to be something for everybody. 

5. During the warmer months of the year, you can head on down to the Main Plaza, located in the heart of the city in front of the Alamo, and near the River Walk.  Throughout the year, there are several free concerts held here, but during the warmer months you will find dances, movie screenings, fashion shows, and theater performances.  All free to watch of course. 

Washington D.C. - When I think back of my school years, and all the summer vacations I was able to go on, THIS, is by far one of my favorite.  I do have to admit though, when I arrived at this famed "mall" I had been hearing about, I was a bit dissapointed at first.  So parents, do a little educating first.  K thanks!  The National Mall, which contains an abundance of world class museums is the absolute best place to frequent if your a family on a budget.  The key to their success: they're free. Yes Please!  Other great family attractions?  The Lincoln Memorial, the White House, the Capitol Building, etc.  The Jefferson Memorial was especially fun, after walking around the Mall all day, we got to hop in a Paddle Boat, and peddle ourselves out there.  Be sure to wear your walking shoes for a visit to D.C. 


Grand Canyon - If you're looking to cross something off of your list of things to see before you die, then head to the Grand Canyon with your family.  This destination just has a family friendly atmosphere, most likely due to the Brady Bunch, and it is sure to please.  Great for the family that has a passion for the outdoors.  Here, you can go on a variety of hikes, go kayaking, rafting, and take a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway.  The location also boasts several family friendly restaurants.  It's truely one of the most beautiful sights you ever will see. 



Yosemite - Yosemite stands with the Grand Canyon as one of the most worthwhile outdoors/adventure destinations in America. Like the Grand Canyon, the diversity of outdoor activities seems endless.  The sheer size of Yosemite, as well as all of the outdoor family friendly attracations makes this vacation spot uber popular.  Did I just say "uber"?  Ew.  Anyways...Another reason Yosemite attracts so many families each year, is its relativitly close location to San Fransisco.  Moms and Dads love that.




San Fransisco - Fisherman's Warf, Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, Alcatraz, Lombard Street.  Need I say more?  There is no shortage of family friendly activities in San Fran, but they do have a HUGE downside.  EXPENSIVE.  That's why I saved it till last.  Just in case you were interested. 

Great Free things to do in San Fran:

1.  Take a guided tour of the city.  Volunteers in San Fransisco offer guided tours all year long.  The tours last between one and two hours, and there are 30 different types of tours you can chose from.

2. Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.  It's just under 2 miles long, and it's a great way to make memories, and avoid the hefty toll!

3. Head to the Zoo!  Did you know the San Fransisco Zoo has free admission the first Wednesday of each month?  This is perfect for families.

4. Go sailing!  You can go on a free boat ride with the Cal Sailing Club on the first Sunday of the month between 1 and 4pm.

5.  Want to ensure your kids are seriously pleased? Then head to the Jelly Belly Factory!  If you love Jelly Beans this is a great tour to go on. You can tour this famous jelly bean factory and even receive a free Jelly Belly sample for going on the tour. All tours and visits to the factory are free.