Kids are very visual creatures who love learning about things they can see. You could tell your kids about a historical place or explain another culture to them, but it’s a lot more fun if they can take a look for themselves.
Culture-filled and historical cities to visit with kids
If you think we’re going to start this list with Orlando, think again. Disney theme parks are delightful, but there are certainly more historical cities to see with your kids. New Orleans, for example. Here you can start your day with fresh beignet fritters washed down with hot chocolate or cafe au lait, then spend the morning exploring above-ground graveyards. Take a two-hour paddlewheel boat trip on the mighty Mississippi and be back in The Big Easy in time for a delicious dinner of gumbo and crawfish etouffee, advise travel pros at Travelocity.
For a hands-on historical experience, few American cities compare to Washington D.C. Older kids will willingly tour must-see educational sites like the Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Building, and White House if you tell them they can visit the International Spy Museum afterward. Located fewer than three miles from The Mayflower Hotel By Marriott, the Spy Museum is the place to explore the thrilling history of espionage and learn a lot about James Bond, too. Interactive spy games are available to kids 12 and older. Save money and stay close to the spy museum with this marriot discount code.
Be sure to save part of your D.C. day to visit the Tidal Basin with the kids. Rent a couple of foot-powered paddle boats, and race across the shallow basin to the Jefferson Memorial, suggest family travel gurus at Escape Here magazine.
Sunshine, beaches, and robot dinosaurs
Kids of all ages find plenty to learn about while having fun in San Diego. Sitting in the southwest just a few miles north of the U.S. – Mexico border, San Diego boasts beautiful beaches, inspiring scenery, and near perfect weather year ‘round. Plan to spend at least two days exploring Balboa Park. Home to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, the 1,200-acre urban cultural center comprises art galleries, playgrounds, an old-fashioned carousel, a miniature train ride, and museums galore.
Drop into the Natural History Museum to interact with animated dinosaurs, and don’t forget to catch a thrilling IMAX movie at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. For the best San Diego vacation value, buy an Explorer Multi-Day pass to gain access to park attractions for a week, recommends Parents magazine.
Disney with a dash of outer space
Big theme parks are wonderfully entertaining, but that’s not all there is to do in Orlando. Make a morning jaunt to the John F. Kennedy Space Center to learn about the history of space exploration, then spend the afternoon marveling at movies at Universal Studios.
Rev your kids engines for education as you plan your family vacation. Visit tourism websites, and invite your youngsters to help plan an itinerary that includes visits to places they want to learn about.