By: Jenny James
Family Vacations In The Great Outdoors
35% of Americans prioritize family vacations with just over half of these families planning a trip to enjoy the natural beauty of one of America’s national parks. With vacation days in short supply and the increasing need to get away from the daily grind, being at one with nature is a great way to spend quality time together as a family away from the distractions of daily life. Here are some vacation ideas to get you started.
Holiday Under Canvas
Camping is becoming more popular in the US with 1 million new households starting camping every year. Kids really enjoy camping, having the freedom to explore, climb trees or swim in rivers or lakes. There are many amazing places to camp in America with facilities ranging from back-to-basics campgrounds to recreational camping with more facilities for the camper. Try camping amongst the trees of the Redwood National Park or Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park which has a strong family camping culture including hikes ranging from beginner hikes for smaller kids to harder, more mountainous trails for older children.
Rent A Cabin In A National Forest
National Forests, often found near National Parks, offer an interesting alternative to visiting National Parks. It is generally more economical to visit a National Forest and easier to avoid the crowds. Why not relax in a woodland retreat in the Olympic National Forest enjoying rainforests, canyons, mountain ridges and impressive waterfalls? Enjoy the local wildlife spotting grizzly bears or lynx in Montana’s Flathead National Forest or, right on the Grand Canyon’s doorstep, visit Kaibab National Forest blessed with red rock canyons, mountains and prairies away from the Grand Canyon crowds.
Paddling The Day Away
Another option for water lovers and for families with other children is to paddle from one place to another. Try discovering the San Juan Islands in Puget Sound, Washington by kayak, sharing the water with river otters, orcas and porpoises or explore the geology and natural history of the 180 mile flooded canyon Lake Powell in Utah. For a wide range of options, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Northern Minnesota has 1200 miles of canoe routes and over 200 campsites to choose from.
Family holidays in the great American outdoors offer a great opportunity to get away from it all. The US has many different outdoor holidays options in stunning locations ranging from hiking and kayaking while staying in cabins or in a tent, get out there and enjoy the scenery.
