The Top 10 Kid-Friendly Summer Vacation Ideas For Fun Family Adventures

kid-friendly summer vacations

It's almost summertime which means parents are going to be thinking about how many kid-friendly summer vacation ideas we can fit in before a new school year starts. I know I'm not the only parent feverishly planning toddler activities to keep my son entertained, so I'm thinking long-term — and thinking of something fun we can all do together.

Last year we took a family trip to the Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, GA and my son still talks about it. He also walked around the entire park without losing an ounce of energy which means I've got my work cut out for me. In the same boat as I am and need ideas that won't require you to travel out of the country? Keep scrolling for fun, family-friendly summer vacation ideas!

Kid-Friendly Summer Vacations

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Gonzales Jambalaya Festival (May 24-26) in Gonzales, LA

Take a trip to Gonzales, LA in time for the city's annual Gonzales Jambalaya Festival! According to official site for the festival, Gonzales has the best Jambalaya you'll find in the bayou. Each day will feature live music from popular acts that truly capture Louisiana's sound and will make your bones feel good as you enjoy food that makes your taste buds swirl.

There's also a cooking contest, pageant, car show, plenty of vendors, and a carnival for the whole family to enjoy!

Image via Caroline Cagnin/Pexels

Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, FL

I'm a Florida native so any theme park or resort is always at the top of my list, but I'm partial to visiting Universal Orlando Resort during the summer. Although it's at the top of my own kid-friendly summer vacation ideas list, there's tons of stuff adults can have fun doing. The resort usually have packages that allow you to bundle a few days together so you visit a different park each day — something my mom and stepdad definitely took advantage of.

From there you and your kids get to let loose. There's rides dedicated to Jurassic Park, Harry Potter and Dr. Suess, and you dine at the famous Hard Rock Café! Everyone will need a nap once you're done exploring which isn't a bad idea.

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Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, CA

If you've memorized all the different versions of "Baby Shark," you may be entitled to a kid-friendly trip to Monterey Bay Aquarium. While the trip itself won't be free, you'll love watching your kid's face light up when they get to see real sea animals. You can enjoy visiting the following habitats with them:

  • Beaches & dunes
  • Coastal waters
  • Coastal wetlands
  • Coral reefs
  • Deep sea
  • Kelp forest
  • Open waters
  • Reefs and pilings
  • Sandy seafloor
  • The rocky shore

Image via Momentos Reales/Pexels

Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa in Pigeon Forge, TN

Take a dream to Pigeon Forge, TN to book a fun stay at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa! The theme park alone is situated on 160 acres of land which should tell you how much fun you and your family will have. Still need convincing? No worries!

If you have smaller kiddos, rides like Busy Bees and Black Bear Trail are available for them to enjoy. But if they need to burn off excess energy, they can run and jump as much as they want inside of Hidden Hollow. It's a secret play area that's based on the forest so your kids will feel like they're little explorers.

If you want to sneak off for a little me time, you can find goodies at The Southern Pantry or Mountain Laurel Home!

Image via Arthur Krijgsman/Pexels

Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio, TX

Everything's bigger in Texas, including the kid-friendly summer vacation ideas. That's the main reason why Morgan's Wonderland is on my list. The 4D Cinema alone is enticing, but there's also tons of other rides and attractions to see! There's everything from the classic carousel to Pirate Island (sorry Squidward — there's not any robots here), plus a Sensory Village that encourages creative play!

And if your kid's birthday is this summer, you can throw a birthday party for them at Morgan's Wonderland.

Image via Yan Krukau/Pexels

Keystone Resort in Summit County, CO

All I can picture is the episode of Bob's Burger when the Belchers spend a night at a national park so that Tina can make up for a Thunder Girls event she missed, but the tubing that'll be done at Keystone Resort will be supervised. It'll officially open June 20 for a summer of fun that your family will love remembering.

There's Lakeside Village activities to enjoy, snow tubing, hiking, tennis, yoga, and more! You can also choose from 16 dining options.

I don't know about you, but I love having options.

Image via Valdemaras D./Pexels

Atlantic White Shark Conservatory in Cape Cod, MA

Still have "Baby Shark" on the brain? Travel to Cape Cod, MA to visit the Atlantic White Shark Conservatory. Beginning May 16, Shark Center Chatham and Shark Center Provincetown will be open for the 2024 season. You can book an expedition that lets you see everything from great white sharks to various seabirds. It's an all day tour so make sure you and your family are prepared for that if you choose this option!

Image via Olya Harytovich/Pexels

The Lodge at Blue Sky in Park City, UT

If you prefer to deal with nature in a different way, The Lodge at Blue Sky in Park City, UT may be just the place you need to visit this summer. Besides hiking, you can introduce your kiddos to the Little Vaqueros Camp. Here's a daily breakdown of what each day offers:

  • Monday — Wilderness Explorers
  • Tuesday — Cowboys & Cowgirls
  • Wednesday — Mountain Creativity
  • Thursday — Culinary Exploration
  • Friday — Discovering Gracie's (rehabilitation center for animals)
  • Saturday — Little Miners
  • Sunday — Love of the Land
If one of your kids is a teenager, they'll be able to participate in activities like axe throwing, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

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Explore Activities in Hilton Head, SC

Instead of focusing on one singular thing, I decided Hilton Head, SC deserves it's own spotlight. There's so much to do and it's probably one of the best kid-friendly summer vacation spots to create new memories in. You can visit The Sandbox Interactive Children's Museum, Station 300 Bowling Lanes, or Commander Zodiac Kids Camp. At the latter, you and your kids can go on a private boat tour that allows you to see wildlife like dolphins.

Image via Ivan Torres/Pexels

Niagara Falls State Park in Niagara Falls, NY

Have your kids been expecting to see a big miracle and can't stop talking about what they think it could be? Sounds like it's time to plan a trip to Niagara Falls State Park! There's literally so much to do that you'll even be talking about this trip during Thanksgiving. Here's some of the attractions that are available to visit:

  • Cave of the Winds
  • Aquarium
  • Maid of the Mist
  • Fireworks Show
  • Observation Tower

There's also hiking trails you and your kids can take advantage of!

Which kid-friendly summer vacation ideas sound like they're perfect for you and your kids to enjoy in the coming months?

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Scandinavian style is essential for summer, and it's exactly what you're looking for to get the easiest and comfiest look this season. This all-consuming Pinterest and Instagram trend is so effortless, yet still cool and chic at the same time. The outfits are almost always comprised of easy-to-get pieces that are, mots likely, in your wardrobe already. And if not, here's a list of the 10 essential pieces you need in order to nail this #ScandiGirlSummer look.

Djerf Avenue

Djerf Avenue Summer Field Top

How could we talk about Scandi summer style and not mention the Scandinavian style icon herself, Matilda Djerf? She's the queen of the effortlessly cool style that we're talking about. This top is one of their new pieces, and it's just perfect to throw on with a pair of shorts and ballet flats for the summer. I've purchased so many items from this brand, and every single piece is so high quality! It'll definitely make you feel like a Scandi cool girl in no time. 100/10 for me!

Djerf Avenue

Djerf Avenue Airy Midi Dress

Another amazing Djerf Avenue find! It's currently number 1 on my wishlist for Scandinavian girl summer given how versatile it is! I love the flowy, effortlessness of the dress, especially styled with dainty flats like above! This will make for the easiest outfit combo to throw on when you're in a hurry, but still want to look chic.

Amazon

Pink Stripe Linen Shorts

Striped linen shorts are the #1 essential of mastering Scandinavian style! They're in practically every Scandinavian cool-girl's closet, and can be worn in a multitude of ways. With flats and a sweater, a matching set with Birkenstocks, the list goes on and on. A versatile essential for the summertime!

Amazon

Havaiana Flip Flops

These flip flops are not only one of the most popular Scandi-girl shoes, but they're also insanely affordable! You may think, "But these are just basic flip flops?" And while yes that is true, they're also just the perfect casual statement to add to a fancier look. Scandi girl aesthetic is all about comfort and looking effortlessly cool, so if you're wearing something traditionally more fancy like a maxi dress, then throw these on to add the signature Scandinavian style to it!

Nordstrom

Topshop Linen Button Down

Another incredibly versatile piece is a linen button down. You can throw it over so many outfit options like a dress or linen pants or even as a cover-up like above! This is a staple to take an outfit to the next level, adding an additional layer or dimension to an otherwise simple look.

Nordstrom

Birkenstock Boston Clogs

You may think that these are more of a fall and winter shoe, but scandi girls love these for the summer! I have to say that I agree as well. I wear these everywhere in the summer. I wear them with matching shorts and button down sets, or to the beach, or even sometimes with denim skirts! They're also insanely comfortable so definitely add this to your "minimalist wishlist."

Abercrombie

Abercrombie Linen Pant

Pajama style is seriously taking off right alongside the rise of Scandi style — and that's because they were the ones to revolutionize it! Really though, pajama sets in public are so in, and I'm here for it! I love these exactly styled how they are above with a white tank (another Scandi basic), flip flops, and a straw bag!

Amazon

Canvas Tote Bag

Scandi girls are always on the go, so they're always carrying a classic, tote bag to carry everything they need! I love this stylish option from Amazon for under $20. You can use it as an everyday accessory, or as a beach bag, in typical Scandi fashion.

Amazon

Oval Sunglasses

The perfect accessory to every Scandinavian outfit? You guessed it, oval sunglasses. These ones from Amazon are so affordable so you can get the Scandi girl look on a budget. They come in black and — my favorite — brown leopard!

Nordstrom

Petal & Pup Linen Set

Scandi girl summer is all about linen. It's breezy, easy, and so comfortable. Bonus points if it comes in a matching set like this one does! You can pair this cute set with your oval sunglasses, tote, and Birkenstock clogs!

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TV can be the ultimate escape — especially when it features an insane plotline you'd likely never find yourself in IRL. That's the case for Netflix's new dark comedy Sirens, a limited series that dives into the world of socialites, scandal, and power struggles. And the best part is that it all takes place on a HUGE beach property. It's basically Gossip Girl meets The O.C. meets The White Lotus, which totally promises to give us the unhinged drama TV has been missing. Here's everything you need to know about the new TV show— andWhere To Stream The Best New TV Shows Of 2024 (So Far).

What is Sirens on Netflix?

Roberto Nickson/Unsplash

Sirens is a limited series coming to Netflix soon. The new TV show follows Devon, who is more than concerned with the relationship between her little sister Simone and Simone's boss, socialite Michaela Kell. But when Devon finds herself at the Kells' beach estate one weekend (with the intention of getting Simone out of there), she realizes Michaela might be more powerful than she expected.

The series is based on Maid showrunner Molly Smith Metzler’s play Elemeno Pea.

When is Sirens coming out?

Mollie Sivaram/Unsplash

Sirens is currently in pre-production, so we don't have an official release date quite yet. Check back here to find out when it'll hit Netflix!

Who's in the Sirens cast?

Fabio Lovino/HBO

The cast of Sirens is out of this world. So far, we know we'll see Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy, Milly Alcock, Kevin Bacon, and Glenn Howerton. We'll keep you updated on any additions to the cast, but one thing's for sure: they're going to knock it out of the park.

Stay tuned here, and our Facebook, for the latest news on Sirens, and read up on The Most-Anticipated Summer TV Shows Of 2024.

Lead image via Fabio Lovino/HBO

Chances are you're packing for your long holiday weekend, with a swimsuit or two stowed away in your travel tote bag. While you're trying to remember if you packed your new TSA-approved bottle of sunscreen and the cream blush you can't live without, it's a good idea to make sure your attitude is in check, too.

I like to believe that most people aren't intentionally inconsiderate while on vacation, but it doesn't mean none of us are immune to doing things that annoy other people. Whether it's accidentally kicking sand in someone's face because you're running to catch a flying volleyball, or screaming loudly next to someone who's reading their latest book club find, here are 8 rude behaviors to avoid at the beach.

Rude Behaviors To Avoid At The Beach

Ron Lach

Beach Blanket Battles

Sigh. I'm not sure what it is, but we're all guilty of claiming 'our' space in public. Sometimes it's harmless, but there are those who take things to the extreme by making sure no one gets remotely close to a space they're interested in. We've definitely seen this in parking lots, but it can at the beach too.

If you feel like you don't want someone close to you on the beach, don't be petty by positioning your beach blanket in a way that doesn't leave room for them. You can either verbally express that you'd like space, or you can try to find a spot that's not crowded.

You and other visiting beach goers don't actually own the beach, so try not to act like it.

Ron Lach

The Loud Music Hog

I don't know too many people who dislike music. It's something that unites people from all walks of life (hello, have you been to a Taylor Swift or Beyoncé concert), having an almost transcendent effect.

However, this doesn't mean that people on the beach want to hear your summer playlist when they might be trying to relax. Also, you don't want to be that person who has no regards for kids if you're listening to something that's on the more explicit side. We know that kids will be introduced to a number of things, but don't be an a-hole just for the sake of "living your life."

Unless there's an actual approved beach party going on, it's best to pop in your Airpods to avoid disturbing others.

Pavel Danilyuk

The Inconsiderate Splashers

Splashing in the water brings out everyone's inner kid, but everyone might not appreciate being splashed if they're trying to sunbathe, read a book, or just...in general. Some people might be forgiving, but it could irritate others.

As a courtesy, move your splash war away from large crowds so that you're not disturbing others.

KoolShooters

Heavy Smokers

You're an adult who can do whatever they want, I know. The thing is that people don't always want to smell the residue of someone smoking while they're trying to relax.

Never mind the fact the people may want to smell fresh air, but you also don't know who could have asthma. I'm sure you don't want to be the person who accidentally triggers someone's asthma attack from your second-hand smoke.

Kampus Production

Parents Who Let Their Kids Do Destructive Things

I'm a parent who has a busy body for a toddler, so I get that kids need to burn excess energy. However, it doesn't hurt to teach them how to be considerate of others. There's nothing cute or funny about letting your kids disrupt a volleyball game that's not theirs, or smash someone's sandcastle just for fun.

If it helps, try to come up with fun activities the entire family can do together. You can build your own sandcastles, fly kites, or even go on a beach scavenger hunt!

Cassiano Psomas

People Who Ignore Their Dog's Poop

Every living thing has to use the restroom at some point, so no one's gonna be mad that your dog has to do their business. The issue is that some people refuse to pick up their dog's poop in public for whatever reason.

If you willingly let your dog go to the bathroom on the beach and pretend like you don't see it, that's pretty annoying. I'm sure whoever's going for a stroll on the sand won't appreciate stepping in a fresh (or old) pile of poop. Just pick it up and toss it out, okay?

Yan Krukau

Parents Who Leave Their Kids Dirty Diapers On The Beach Or In The Ocean

I don't have much to say about this except please spare everyone. I don't know why people continue to do this, but it's unsanitary and extremely uncool. Find a trash can to dispose of their diapers or see if you can change them in a nearby restroom, but please don't subject others to your child's waste.

Gantas Vaičiulėnas

Excessive PDA

Freedom of speech is one of those things that people can really try to take too far — especially when it comes to PDA. If you're headed to the beach to have a handsy makeout session with your S.O., don't. No one wants to see (or hear) the two of you getting hot and heavy while they're trying to relax. Leave that for a hotel room or the beach house you're staying at.

Don't forget to check out these bad work habits before you head back to the office after your beach trip!

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Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds totally feel like the internet's mom and dad. They take cute red carpet photos, go on vacations together, and incessantly joke on each other. Basically, they prove that you can be both hot and hilarious. The two actors also have major summer movies on the way (It Ends With Us and Deadpool 3, in case you were wondering), and when Ryan's Deadpool co-star Hugh Jackman posted a photo of the actor, Blake had the PERFECT response.

In the Instagram photo, which Hugh Jackman posted on July 2, Ryan Reynolds and the X-Men star appear to be relaxing in a hotel room. In the photo, Ryan, wearing a white tank top, blue pants, and a gold chain necklace, points at the camera with one arm, while showing off his bicep with the other.

"'You want me to put this away?' — Ryan Reynolds, co-star, mouth breather, a—hole," Hugh captioned the post.

If you ask me, this kind of sassy Instagram caption is perfect for two Deadpool co-stars, considering that's exactly the kind of humor you see in the movies. (And exactly the kind of humor I'd expect Ryan to have IRL). While Blake Lively hasn't made a cameo in the franchise (yet), she was more than happy to play along, commenting, "My thirst has been trapped."

"This photo is from my private collection. How dare you?" Ryan added. The idea that Ryan and Hugh take random photos to send each other (or to send Blake) is enough to make me laugh out loud. Best friend goals! Here's hoping the Deadpool 3 press junket gives us plenty of hilarious Ryan and Hugh moments!

Drop your favorite Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds moment in the comments, and read up on Little Known Facts About Blake Lively That Make Us Love Her Even More!

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Remember your first 4th of July fireworks show? You sat mesmerized looking at the beautiful lights that glittered the sky. You could feel the deep booming noise in your belly and your eyes watered as you tried not to blink. What an amazing moment! As fireworks lovers, we are getting giddy for the upcoming 4th of July festivities. To celebrate Independence Day, we're taking inspiration from Say Yes and making sparkler alternatives that are perfect for your little ones to play with in between rounds of their favorite lawn game. These DIY paper + glitter sparklers sparkle without the sparks!

Brit + Co

Materials:

Brit + Co

– paper

– straws

– glitter

Tools:

– paper cutter (or scissors)

– spray adhesive

– glue stick

Instructions:

Brit + Co

If you don’t have a paper cutter, that is a-okay. Scissors work just as well. Cut your paper in half lengthwise. Then cut slits along one of the long edges to create fringe. Now cut this piece in half. Add a layer of spray adhesive to the tips of the fringe. Do this on both sides of the paper.

Brit + Co

  1. Cut your piece of paper in half lengthwise. Fringe one of the long ends, then cut this piece in half.
  2. Coat the tips of the fringe with spray adhesive, covering the front and the back of the paper. Sprinkle the paper with glitter.
  3. Roll your paper tightly and then add glue to the end. Insert the glued end into your straw.
  4. Separate the fringe and give your sparkler shape.

Brit + Co

Normally we would wait until the adhesive was tacky, but we found that for this project it worked better to add the glitter right away. Separate the fringe if it is sticking together. Then roll your paper tightly like it’s a mini yoga mat.

Brit + Co

Add glue to the end and file it into the straw.

Brit + Co

Separate the fringe to make your sparkler come to life!

Brit + Co

Though flameless, they are still super fun :) They look like mini versions of the huge ones that light up the sky!

Brit + Co

Not only are they great for kids, but they are also perfect photo booth props or park accessories!

Brit + Co

Have you made any faux sparklers for the 4th of July? Share your pics with us on Instagram!