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Family Summer Things To Do In Atlanta

Atlanta is the state of Georgia's largest city and is filled with fun summer things to do for this season's holidaymakers. People with children of different ages will find themselves with their hands full of all the family-oriented attractions and activities that the city has to offer.

Before you start your summer vacation and wander around with your family, get yourselves the Atlanta CityPass that will give you instant admissions to the most popular attractions in the city. The Atlanta CityPass not only gives you great savings on cash, but also helps you save on time as you no longer need to fall in line for tickets for every attraction. The Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, High Museum of Art, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta History Center and Fernbank Museum of Natural History are just some of the places you can go to with the Atlanta CityPass.

Note: The High Museum of Art currently features the works of professional photographer, Sheila Pree Bright, entitled Young Americans. The exhibit shows photographs of young American adults with captions that state their opinions and sentiments about American culture and society. This display will run until August 10th 2008.

If you have children ages 2 to 8, the Imagine It! Children's Museum of Atlanta is highly recommended. Your kids will be encouraged and excited to learn new things with the museum's colorful hands-on exhibits. There are so many things to see, listen to, touch and explore in this 30,000 square-foot establishment, even older kids and parents are going to find themselves enjoying the place!

The Fabulous Fox Theater presents the Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival. The Fox, as it is more popularly called, has the biggest screen in Atlanta and features blockbuster hits of the past and present. This August, The Fox adds a few more movies that will definitely draw dozens of moviegoers including Iron Man, Kung Fu Panda and Indiana Jones – Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

If you wish to spice your family summer vacation up with a little adventure, then Georgia's Stone Mountain State Park is right for you. Sixteen miles east of Atlanta stands the 3,200 acre-park that centers the world's largest exposed granite mountain. The first thing you should do when you get to the park is to ride the sky-lift gondolas that will take you over 800 feet above ground, giving you the most beautiful views of Georgia's countryside. Within the park are other interesting things to see and do such as a petting zoo, a riverboat, an antique automobile museum and an antebellum plantation. Be sure to settle your family in the park's campgrounds or any of its other lodging options for the laser light show in the evening, which is a regular event in Stone Mountain State Park during the summer.

Atlanta sure is rich of cool surprises for everyone taking a vacation. It has been among the most sought for getaways for families, couples and those who prefer traveling alone. Top the above mentioned attractions and activities with the city's wide selection of dining options, and you are definitely bound to have one of the best family summer vacations.

Things To Do In St. Louis: Summer Vacation For The Family

The many things to do in St. Louis offer a world of fun and excitement for the family.   The city's fascinating attractions and amusing activities make it a prime vacation spot for this summer!

The best way to start your St. Louis summer vacation is to visit the city's famous landmark: the Gateway Arch. The 630-foot tall and 630-foot wide arch offers a unique tram ride that lets you have amazing views of the city and the vast expanse of the Mississippi River. The Gateway Arch is located inside the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial where you will find the Museum of Westward Expansion.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is the oldest garden in the United States. It is among the top-rated botanical gardens all over the world with its showcase of twenty gardens set with different themes such as the Japanese Garden and the Chinese Garden. There is also a Children's Garden that features different exhibits, including the Butterfly House. The Children's Garden offers a fishing trip, a wilderness wagon trip and other adventurous family-oriented summer activities. The garden also teaches children how to care for the environment by planting trees and more.

Note: The Missouri Botanical Garden will be having its annual Japanese Festival on August 30th to September 1st. The festival celebrates the Japanese culture with a tour around the Japanese Garden, art exhibits, traditional Japanese parades, musical and theatrical performances, and kimono and cooking demonstrations. Entrance fee is only $10, with discounts for senior citizens and children under 12 get in for free!

There are other things to do in St. Louis that offer free admissions, making your summer vacation with the family even better. St. Louis Zoo allows visitor to enter the premises free of charge, but various special zoo attractions have entrance fees. To make the most out of your day in St. Louis Zoo, purchase the Safari Pass which takes you to all the special attractions for only $10.  St. Louis Science Center is another freebie attraction where your kids can see full-size animated dinosaurs and hundreds of other interactive exhibits.

The City Museum is a great place for both kids and parents. It has three floors of interesting and educational rooms. The attraction features an indoor play area with imaginative caves, crawling tubes, slides, circus, art workshops and a gallery of oddities. Feel free to go around and marvel over the displays of the enchanted forest, architectural museum and the gigantic aquarium.

St. Louis' Forest Park is more than just a park – it is a community! There are more than just a dozen things to see and do in the park such as the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, the Science Center, the Missouri History Museum and other cultural institutions. The world's oldest and largest outdoor musical theater, The Muny, is also located in Forest Park. The Muny currently stages two of the most successful musicals in recent history: The Producers and Disney's High School Musical.

Accommodations and dining options are easy to locate in St. Louis. The Westin St. Louis is conveniently within walking distance to the Forest Park and is overlooking the Busch Stadiums, home of the St. Louis Cardinals. Restaurants, on the other hand, are spread all throughout the city. Try the city's best burgers at Blueberry Hill located in The Loop, Charlie Gitto's On The HIll's toasted ravioli, or Ted Drewes Frozen Custard's treats that will definitely complete your list of summer things to do in St. Louis.

Fun Things To Do In Boston For The Family

Give your family one amazing weekend to do all the things to do in Boston. The kids will sure have a blast and parents will be delighted to know that treats and discounts for children under twelve are spread all throughout the city.

What is the best thing to do to to have a nice Boston introduction? Allow the very interesting Boston Duck Tour give you the kind of welcome you want and need. Let the entertaining and knowledgeable tour guide give you backgrounds on Boston's history, culture, tradition, influential people and the like. More importantly, the guide will run you through the city's top attractions. You can discover more of Boston on foot and via public transportation, which is more preferred by most people than driving a private or rented vehicle. Get each member of your family a Visitor's Pass, which will give you unlimited access to the T and the trolley.

Boston museums and other educational attractions also offer lower rates for children. A visit to the New England Aquarium is one of the most popular things to do in Boston among both local kids and visitors alike. At the Aquarium, expect your kids to giggle and call out for Nemo as you pass by the pool of clown fish or gasp in awe as they see the gigantic and big-tooth white sharks.

The months of April through October give families an amazing thing to do in Boston: whale watching! Join a cruise that will take your family to the Stellwagen Bank where pods of humpback, finback and minke whales swim around.

Sports and recreational activities are great things to do for quality family bonding time in Boston. Take the kids to the Boston Common's Frog Pond for an afternoon of ice skating free of charge. While dad takes the boys to roar in support for the Boston Red Sox on a home game experience, mom and sisters can go to Faneuil Hall where they can get good finds from amazing shops that are spread out in an amazingly classy atmosphere.

Add any of the many festivals as one of the things you should do in your Boston itinerary. One way to get to know a new city is to join its residents in celebrating a very anticipated event. Or, if you want to keep things on a low profile, quiet and simple, enjoy a smaller crowd (your family, that is) in an afternoon at the much-famed Emerald Necklace. Pick from the series of parks in the Necklace and allow your kids to roam and run around or play frisbee while you and your spouse get some down time watching boats passing by the Charles River.

Having a taste of Boston's food is one thing you should not miss to do in Boston. Located right in the heart of the Back Bay, Skipjack will serve your family only the freshest seafood. Steaks and other kid-friendly meals are, of course, also available. Along with the comforts of Intercontinental Boston to take care of your accommodation needs, you realize that all these things to do in Boston promise an absolutely fun family trip!
 

Myrtle Beach, Family Vacation Ideas

From beach combing and surf walking to heart stopping shows, living history and more golf than one family vacation will hold, the vacation possibilities are endless. Myrtle Beach is family friendly.  Known for great golf and awesome entertainment, the area also offers an array of day adventures to create the perfect family vacation. You’ll find sun soaked beach days, shopping bargains, scrumptious seafood, kid-friendly golf and plenty of entertainment to fill the nights. Our idea menu includes the good stuff. Let the fun begin.

Castle a spell. MagiQuest is a new family vacation experience that utilizes patented technology to create a magical experience for participants. It all begins with a personalized  “magic wand” to enjoy during the interactive adventure and  keep for the future. Participants of all ages are quickly trained as “Magi,” (short for magical beings). The training results in skills that when used correctly set off lightning bolts, control music, open treasure chests and perform heroic deeds. The fun involves role-playing, teamwork, skill and imagination. Even Harry Potter would approve.

Play in the Sun. Myrtle Beach’s Family Kingdom Amusement Park has over 30 rides including an all-wooden roller coaster, the Swamp Fox, a long flume, Go-Kart tracks, bumper cars, a historical carousel, and the largest Ferris wheel in the state. Admittance to the park is free, and the rides are pay as you go – so family’s can do as much or as little as they want. For a great way to cool off families should try the nearby Ocean Front Water Park, Myrtle Beach’s only water park actually on the ocean. With three wet-and-wild water flumes, one with a 185-foot drop, two exhilarating speed slides and many other water-themed rides and attractions the water park is the ideal way to beat the heat.

Count the animals. Low Country History & Wildlife Preserve is part of the tranquil Brookgreen Gardens. The options for families are unique to the area. From bouncing along in an oversized jeep to gliding along in a 48-passenger pontoon boat, the experience will be one-of-a-kind.  The all-natural exhibit showcases the history from the time of the early Native American residents. The Low Country habitats feature non-releasable animals and include a waterfowl aviary built over a tidal swamp, river otter and alligator habitats along a creek. Bonus points: Interpreters onsite provide a variety of ways for visitors to interact with nature and its inhabitants.

The wheels [on the bikes] go round and round. Burn off some energy, let the kids pedal and relax or skate along the Strand. Bicycles-n-Gear is Myrtle Beach’s premier cycling shop since 1988 has plenty of options for families. Located inside of the Sports Corner they carry only top-of-the-line bicycles, inline skates and everything you need to enjoy South Carolina’s Grand Strand on non-motorized wheels.

Create KidsArt at the beach. Easy to enjoy, family friendly and welcoming best describe The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum located footsteps from the beach. They provide ongoing discovery programs for young children as well as families. The ambience created by the former beach house turned art museum is peaceful and inspiring. The contemporary galleries do not overwhelm instead offering an energizing tribute to art and living. Bonus points: Second Saturdays at the Art Museum offers a chance for children to explore their creativity through a variety of arts and themes. Fun stuff includes faux stained glass, photo journals, strip quilts, wearable art and sand candles.

Walk through the water. Believe it or not, Ripley’s has an amazing aquarium at Broadway at the Beach. It showcases some of the worlds' most curious as well as awesome aquatic life. Interactive and inviting the displays invite questions and provoke thought. Touch a horseshoe crab; pet a manta ray; crawl through a tunnel or watch a diver feed the fish; it is fun for all ages. New for 2006, Mars - the Search for Life.  Explore the surface of Mars, Create a sandstorm and drive a Mars Rover in the exceptional hands-on exhibition that probes the question "Is there life on Mars"? Bonus points: Throughout the year they offer special camps for children.

Kids golf for free. The Myrtle Beach area has an organized program that provides young golfers, when playing with a paying companion, to play at no cost. Select a golf package and ask about the free golfing with children.  The whole family can take advantage of these specials. Individual rounds or multi-course rounds are all priced to provide “Kids Play Free” every afternoon with a paid adult golfer. The rule is one junior for each paid adult and the deal may be combined with special golf packages making the option quite attractive. Discovery: Myrtle Beach is a First Tee community. Better yet, for those who enjoy the short game, Myrtle Beach area has nearly 50 mini golf locations so, having fun golfing does not have to be serious.

Explore together. If your holiday includes young children then a visit to the Children's Museum is a perfect fit. Located near Broadway at the Beach, the spunky space encourages little ones to touch, explore and play. Need to know: The Myrtle Beach website has a special section dedicated to kids. It includes coloring pages and word games.

To see the bigger picture, make vacation plans and take advantage of website online discounts go to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com

Here is the deal. No family vacation in Myrtle Beach is complete without a few deals. From the Myrtle Beach website print coupons to redeem on your vacation. Fun deals: Participating in the Amusements/Water Parks category: Broadway at the Beach, Brookgreen Gardens, Family Kingdom Amusement Park Grand Prix Family Thrill Park, MagiQuest, Myrtle Waves Water Park, NASCAR, Speedpark, Pavilion Amusement Park. U-Save Auto Rental and Planet Hollywood are on the list. Golf deals: For golfing you will find discounts provided by Cane Patch Par 3 Golf & Driving Range, Captain Hook's Adventure Golf, Dragon's Lair Fantasy Golf, Jungle Safari Mini Golf, Jurassic Golf, Midway Par 3 at South Beach Resort, Myrtle Beach National, Shipwreck Island Adventure Golf. Shopping deals: Find deals for shopping at Barefoot Landing, Bass Pro Shops, Coastal Grand Mall and Colonial Mall. Entertainment deals: Take advantage of discounts at Alabama Theatre, Carolina Opry, Legends In Concert, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament and Palace Theatre. Get out on the water with Downwind Sails and Ocean Watersports. Find the deals at Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.  1200 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, 29577 or www.visitmyrtlebeach.com

Planning Details
MagiQuest. 1185 Celebrity Circle, 29577. 1(843) 913-9408, 1-866-353-6244 or www.magiquest.com

Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Ocean Front Water Park. 300 South Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. 1 (843) 626-3447 or www.family-kingdom.com

Low Country History & Wildlife Preserve Brookgreen Gardens. 1931 Brookgreen Gardens Dr. Pawleys Island, 29585. 1(843) 235-6000 or  www.brookgreen.org 

Bicycles-N-Gear. 515 C Hwy. 501 Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. 1 (843) 626-2453 or www.bikesngear.com

The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum. 3100 South Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, 29577. 1(843) 238-2510 or www.myrtlebeachartmuseum.org/kidsart.htm 

Ripley's Aquarium. 1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, 29577. 1(843) 916-0888, 1-800-734-8888 or www.ripleysaquarium.com 

Children's Museum of South Carolina. 2501 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577. 1(843) 946-9469 or www.cmsckids.org

Content created by FamilyTravelFiles.com and images provided by South Carolina Division of Tourism. Copyright 2008.

Tennessee: Pigeon Forge, Spring Break Family Vacation Ideas – Dinosaurs, Gems and Shopping

Need a break? Looking for fun with no hassles? Pigeon Forge has a spunky charm, a friendly mountain spirit and plenty of ways to enjoy the family vacation with the kids. Imagine sunshine and fresh mountain air; think sweatshirts and sneakers; have fun and make memories. The order of the day is easy-paced and fun with no long lines, and oodles of bargains to be discovered. From trout fishin g and miniature golf to wildflower walks and entertainment geared to families, the choices are plentiful.

Walk amongst prehistoric giants. Unlike other dinosaur museums, the Dinosaur Walk Museum in Pigeon Forge allows families to walk through one of the world’s largest collections of life-size dinosaur sculptures, from a two-story high Tyrannosaurus Rex to a 12-inch tall Microraptor. Giant sea lizards, flying reptiles, bones, skulls and ancient skeletons complete this one of a kind collection. At the end of the “walk” is a movie theater showing high definition educational films which will bring dinosaurs to life on the screen. Bonus points: Children of all ages will enjoy the dinosaur fossil dig and dinosaur movies. Need to know: Directly in back of the actual museum is an antiqu e store with awesome yet affordable fossils, rocks and petrified wood.

Take a wild ride. Beginning in March, Smoky Mountain Speed Park Intermediate track offers kids of all ages plenty of curves and dips and action as well as a trampoline ride, gyro ride and rides for tiny tykes. Race with the wind at Pigeon Forge's only sprint car track, Speed Zone Speed Track or go wild at Wild Wheels Speedway with CAN-AM racing, figure-eight course bumper boats, bungee jumping, arcade games and a kiddie park. For go-cart thrills, Smoky Mountain Slick Track has swerves and curves that make for thrills on a go-cart "slick" track.

Pan for gems. The Pigeon Forge Gem Mine allows families to live a prospector’s dream by panning for real uncut gemstones – rubies, emeralds, garnets and more. Using old-fashioned panning techniques visitors sift through buckets of sand and stone, unearthing precious stones.  Once the sand sifting is complete the gemstones are examined by a gemologist to determine worth. Any of the findings may be made into one-of-a-kind jewelry a keepsake from Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains. Need to know: The buckets are arranged by type of gemstones so it is possible to select by stone preference.

Shop ‘til you drop. A paradise for bargain hunters, the area has more than 200 stores as well as Belz Factory Outlet World, Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall, Tangier Factory Outlet Center, Z-Buda Outlet Mall, River Vista Factory Stores, and River View Factory Outlets with bargain prices well below retail. Find designer clothes, athletic wear, luggage, home furnishings, crystal, china, tools, toys, books, music, shoes, leather goods and more. Bell Tower Square (the South's largest year-round Christmas village) offers thousands of unique items including exceptional toys, collectible dolls and distinctive Christmas items. Visit the Old Mill Village for a piece of Appalachian history. Find shops with hand-thrown pottery, original oil paintings, woodcarvings and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Laugh and be happy. From music and dancing to laughter and magic, the city's theaters present all styles of entert ainment. The best part is that they are dedicated to presenting wholesome family programs. Audiences are treated to amazing costumes, heart pounding music, thrilling horsemanship, racing ostriches, mind-reading pigs, fire-eaters, jugglers and perhaps the best Elvis impersonator outside of Graceland. Tickle your funny bone at Elwood Smooch’s Ole Smoky Hoedown where the art of laughing has been has mastered. Audiences enjoy one liners, banjos playing,  and gospel singing. Elwood welcomes families and provides an Int ernet discount on tickets.

Enjoy wildflowers. While flowers are a natural benefit from spring until autumn, the wildflower season begins in April. The annual Pilgrimage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park launches the season with variety of ranger led walks and talks, new indoor and outdoor programs and springtime activities.

See the world. Each spring, Dollywood opens its season with the Festival of Nations and provides people on their family vacations with an array of international entertainment. The five-week celebration includes music, dance, food and art from around the world. The festival offers attendees a window on the world with costumes, music, food and art to be enjoyed by all ages.

To make a spring break in Pigeon Forge even more affordable there are discounts for activities and dining available online. To make spring break planning easy, more than a dozen family vacation packages have been created for inspection with the click of a mouse. For the big picture go to www.mypigeonforge.com

Vacation Details
Dinosaur Walk Museum. 106 Showplace Blvd Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.
(865) 428-4003 or www.dinowalk.com

The Pigeon Forge Gem Mine. 2865 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. (865) 453-4733.

Belz Factory Outlet World. Parkway 2655 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge, 37863. 1(865) 453-3503.

Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall. 2850 Parkway,37863. 1(865) 428-2828 or www.pigeonforgefactoryoutlet.com

Tangier Factory Outlet Center. 1-800-408-5775, 1(865) 428-7002 or www.tangeroutlet.com

Smoky Mountain Speed Park. Parkway. 1(865) 429-INDY.

Speed Zone Speed Track. Parkway. 1(865) 908-7255.

Wild Wheels Speedway. Parkway. 1(865) 453-7942. 

Smoky Mountain Slick Track. 1-865-428-4955.

Content researched and created by FamilyTravelFiles.com.

North Myrtle Beach, Family Vacation Ideas – Beach Time, Fishing and Free Golf

South Carolina is a perfect family vacation idea.  At the top of the Grand Strand, North Myrtle Beach area also includes Windy Hill Beach, Crescent Beach, Ocean Drive, and Cherry Grove Beach. Stay along this stretch of beach and feel the luxury of time away from the crowds. The area offers international-class theatre, dancing and music at Barefoot Landing. Family vacation options include beach time, shopping, water sports, saltwater and freshwater fishing, hiking, biking and stargazing. Our family vacation checklist is the place to start formulating a getaway plan.

Clap for the ‘gators. One of the largest reptile zoos in the world is located at Barefoot Landing. Alligator Adventure provides an exciting fun filled day with live shows and demonstrations to thrill the whole family. The have more than 700 alligators, crocodiles and albino alligators, plus extremely rare exotic snakes, lizards, tropical birds, tortoises, and komodo dragons.

Thrill the kids. Just north of Barefoot Landing, The Grand Prix provides a variety of exciting, no thrilling ways to have fun. Compact, crazy and oodles of fun, the park works for all ages. The official “Thrill Zone” has Lolly Swings, a tilt-a-whirl and the very popular Crazy Mouse. In the “The Kids’ Zone” you’ll find the Zamperla Swings, a crop duster airplane experience and Wacky Worm- a family coaster. Bonus points: Receive a discount by printing the coupon from the website and taking it to the park.

Go Barefoot all day. Shop with intent or browse for pleasure, either way barefoot Landing has plenty to be enjoyed. More than 100 specialty shops fill the family friendly complex. Add to that more than a dozen restaurants and the excursion is complete. Shop, eat, shop, what else is there. At Teddy Town build your own stuffed animal and watch it come to life in the "Wake Me Up" room. Try on Birkenstock sandals at Comfortable Soles. Find the perfect doll at Hoot E-Lou's. Stop in to see the folks at Peace Frogs or buy an angel at Christmas Mouse. Not to worry, everything is not just for kids. There is a Chico’s for mom. Bonus points: Sample luscious homemade ice cream or frozen yogurt at Kohr's Family Ice Cream Shop. Need to know: The Landing has a free preferred shopper’s card available at the Barefoot Landing Welcome Center.

Go Barefoot all night. Tons of fun during the day, at night Barefoot Landing is where the action is. Spunky and varied, the choices for entertainment are numerous. Alabama Theatre Presents “ONE - The Show”, two fun-filled hours of great music, dancing and comedy well-suited for families. The line up at the House of Blues is ever changing and always featuring the most popular musicians. Ghosts & Legends presents historical, educational and chilling tales in a southern plantation parlor and offers a late-night 1800's Low Country Séance for ghost lovers. From June through Labor Day go for the weekly fireworks. Take a ghost walk, feed the fish or cruise along the waterway. Bonus points: Ride the Barefoot Carousel, an authentic representation of a Barnum & Bailey carousel or navigate the new Mirror Maze.

Fish for a day. No pole, no problem, at Cherry Grove Pier parents may rent what it takes to fish with the kids. A day may be too much for a fishing outing but a morning should be enough to get at least one fish story. Expect to catch some blues, whitings or pompano but if you don’t you will still have a story o tell about the one that got away.

Head north to the stars. Ingram Planetarium and Science Center at Sunset Beach, North Carolina, has a state-of-the art facility which includes planetary and astronomy programs as well as hands-on exhibits for all ages. Sky event programs include telescope viewing, and sky watch holiday programs in the planetarium. Children's programs are offered throughout the year. Bonus points: Just being there makes all of the difference. ViewSpace exhibit provides a continuous broadcast of the most recent updates directly from NASA.

Rent a surrey with fringe on top. Family pedal power cannot be beat and North Myrtle Beach offers access to more than 60 miles of beaches with hard-packed sand, perfect for a bile ride. It is possible to take the whole family for a ride on surreys or deuce coupes. Wheel Fun Rentals has wheels to match any family excursion.  Sit back in a Slingshot or sit up on a Chopper. Rent an old-fashioned Schwinn beach cruiser. Biking provides a way for the entire family, from toddlers through grandparents to have fun together. Bonus points: Just ask and the friendly staff will be happy to recommend bike routes in the area.

Kids golf for free. The Myrtle Beach area has an organized program that provides young golfers, when playing with a paying companion, to play at no cost. Select a golf package and ask about the free golfing with children.  The whole family can take advantage of these specials. Individual rounds or multi-course rounds are all priced to provide “Kids Play Free” every afternoon with a paid adult golfer. The rule is one junior for each paid adult and the deal may be combined with special golf packages making the option quite attractive. Discovery: Myrtle Beach is a First Tee community. Better yet, for those who enjoy the short game, Myrtle Beach area has nearly 50 mini golf locations so, having fun golfing does not have to be serious. 

To see the bigger picture, make vacation plans and take advantage of website online discounts go to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com

Here is the deal. No family vacation in Myrtle Beach is complete without a few deals. From the Myrtle Beach website print coupons to redeem on your vacation. Fun deals: Participating in the Amusements/Water Parks category: Broadway at the Beach, Brookgreen Gardens, Family Kingdom Amusement Park Grand Prix Family Thrill Park, MagiQuest, Myrtle Waves Water Park, NASCAR, Speedpark, Pavilion Amusement Park. U-Save Auto Rental and Planet Hollywood are on the list. Golf deals: For golfing you will find discounts provided by Cane Patch Par 3 Golf & Driving Range, Captain Hook's Adventure Golf, Dragon's Lair Fantasy Golf, Jungle Safari Mini Golf, Jurassic Golf, Midway Par 3 at South Beach Resort, Myrtle Beach National, Shipwreck Island Adventure Golf. Shopping deals: Find deals for shopping at Barefoot Landing, Bass Pro Shops, Coastal Grand Mall and Colonial Mall. Entertainment deals: Take advantage of discounts at Alabama Theatre, Carolina Opry, Legends In Concert, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament and Palace Theatre. Get out on the water with Downwind Sails and Ocean Watersports. Find the deals at www.visitmyrtlebeach.com

Details
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. 1200 N. Oak Street,  Myrtle Beach, SC 29578 or www.visitmyrtlebeach.com

Clap for the ‘gators. Alligator Adventure 4604 Hwy. 17 S. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.  or www.alligatoradventure.com

Thrill the kids. North Myrtle Beach Grand Prix. 3900 Hwy. 17 S. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.  or www.mbgrandprix.com

Go Barefoot all day or night. Barefoot Landing 4898 Hwy. 17 S. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.  ext. 102 or www.bflanding.com

Fish for a day. Cherry Grove Pier. Cherry Grove Pier 3500 N. Ocean Blvd. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.  or www.cherrygrovepier.com

Head north to the stars. Ingram Planetarium and Science Center at Sunset Beach, North Carolina, The Village at Sunset Beach, Junction Hwy, 904 & 179 Sunset Beach, NC 28468.  or www.ingramplanetarium.org

Rent a surrey with fringe on top. Wheel Fun Rentals 91 S Ocean Blvd. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. dividual rounds or multi-course rounds are all priced to provide “Kids Play Free” every afternoon with a paid adult golfer. The rule is one junior for each paid adult and the deal may be combined with special golf packages making the option quite attractive. Discovery: Myrtle Beach is a First Tee community. Better yet, for those who enjoy the short game, Myrtle Beach area has nearly 50 mini golf locations so, having fun golfing does not have to be serious. 

To see the bigger picture, make vacation plans and take advantage of website online discounts go to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com

Here is the deal. No family vacation in Myrtle Beach is complete without a few deals. From the Myrtle Beach website print coupons to redeem on your vacation. Fun deals: Participating in the Amusements/Water Parks category: Broadway at the Beach, Brookgreen Gardens, Family Kingdom Amusement Park Grand Prix Family Thrill Park, MagiQuest, Myrtle Waves Water Park, NASCAR, Speedpark, Pavilion Amusement Park. U-Save Auto Rental and Planet Hollywood are on the list. Golf deals: For golfing you will find discounts provided by Cane Patch Par 3 Golf & Driving Range, Captain Hook's Adventure Golf, Dragon's Lair Fantasy Golf, Jungle Safari Mini Golf, Jurassic Golf, Midway Par 3 at South Beach Resort, Myrtle Beach National, Shipwreck Island Adventure Golf. Shopping deals: Find deals for shopping at Barefoot Landing, Bass Pro Shops, Coastal Grand Mall and Colonial Mall. Entertainment deals: Take advantage of discounts at Alabama Theatre, Carolina Opry, Legends In Concert, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament and Palace Theatre. Get out on the water with Downwind Sails and Ocean Watersports. Find the deals at www.visitmyrtlebeach.com

Details
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. 1200 N. Oak Street,  Myrtle Beach, SC 29578 or www.visitmyrtlebeach.com

Clap for the ‘gators. Alligator Adventure 4604 Hwy. 17 S. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.  or www.alligatoradventure.com

Thrill the kids. North Myrtle Beach Grand Prix. 3900 Hwy. 17 S. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.  or www.mbgrandprix.com

Go Barefoot all day or night. Barefoot Landing 4898 Hwy. 17 S. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.  ext. 102 or www.bflanding.com

Fish for a day. Cherry Grove Pier. Cherry Grove Pier 3500 N. Ocean Blvd. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.  or www.cherrygrovepier.com

Head north to the stars. Ingram Planetarium and Science Center at Sunset Beach, North Carolina, The Village at Sunset Beach, Junction Hwy, 904 & 179 Sunset Beach, NC 28468.  or www.ingramplanetarium.org

Rent a surrey with fringe on top. Wheel Fun Rentals 91 S Ocean Blvd. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. 17 S. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.  ext. 102 or www.bflanding.com

Fish for a day. Cherry Grove Pier. Cherry Grove Pier 3500 N. Ocean Blvd. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.  or www.cherrygrovepier.com

Head north to the stars. Ingram Planetarium and Science Center at Sunset Beach, North Carolina, The Village at Sunset Beach, Junction Hwy, 904 & 179 Sunset Beach, NC 28468.  or www.ingramplanetarium.org

Rent a surrey with fringe on top. Wheel Fun Rentals 91 S Ocean Blvd. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. dividual rounds or multi-course rounds are all priced to provide “Kids Play Free” every afternoon with a paid adult golfer. The rule is one junior for each paid adult and the deal may be combined with special golf packages making the option quite attractive. Discovery: Myrtle Beach is a First Tee community. Better yet, for those who enjoy the short game, Myrtle Beach area has nearly 50 mini golf locations so, having fun golfing does not have to be serious. 

To see the bigger picture, make vacation plans and take advantage of website online discounts go to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com

Here is the deal. No family vacation in Myrtle Beach is complete without a few deals. From the Myrtle Beach website print coupons to redeem on your vacation. Fun deals: Participating in the Amusements/Water Parks category: Broadway at the Beach, Brookgreen Gardens, Family Kingdom Amusement Park Grand Prix Family Thrill Park, MagiQuest, Myrtle Waves Water Park, NASCAR, Speedpark, Pavilion Amusement Park. U-Save Auto Rental and Planet Hollywood are on the list. Golf deals: For golfing you will find discounts provided by Cane Patch Par 3 Golf & Driving Range, Captain Hook's Adventure Golf, Dragon's Lair Fantasy Golf, Jungle Safari Mini Golf, Jurassic Golf, Midway Par 3 at South Beach Resort, Myrtle Beach National, Shipwreck Island Adventure Golf. Shopping deals: Find deals for shopping at Barefoot Landing, Bass Pro Shops, Coastal Grand Mall and Colonial Mall. Entertainment deals: Take advantage of discounts at Alabama Theatre, Carolina Opry, Legends In Concert, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament and Palace Theatre. Get out on the water with Downwind Sails and Ocean Watersports. Find the deals at www.visitmyrtlebeach.com

Details
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. 1200 N. Oak Street,  Myrtle Beach, SC 29578 or www.visitmyrtlebeach.com

Clap for the ‘gators. Alligator Adventure 4604 Hwy. 17 S. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. 1(843) 361-0789 or www.alligatoradventure.com

Thrill the kids. North Myrtle Beach Grand Prix. 3900 Hwy. 17 S. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. 1(843) 272-7770 or www.mbgrandprix.com

Go Barefoot all day or night. Barefoot Landing 4898 Hwy. 17 S. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. 1(843) 272-8349 ext. 102 or www.bflanding.com

Fish for a day. Cherry Grove Pier. Cherry Grove Pier 3500 N. Ocean Blvd. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. 1(843) 249-1625 or www.cherrygrovepier.com

Head north to the stars. Ingram Planetarium and Science Center at Sunset Beach, North Carolina, The Village at Sunset Beach, Junction Hwy, 904 & 179 Sunset Beach, NC 28468. 1(910) 575-0033 or www.ingramplanetarium.org

Rent a surrey with fringe on top. Wheel Fun Rentals 91 S Ocean Blvd. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. 1(910) 617-9792 or www.wheelfunrentals.com

Content researched and created by FamilyTravelFiles.com. Images provided by North Myrtle Beach CVB. Copyright 2008.

Seattle Cheap Family Vacation

Get ready to go to Seattle, Washington for a cheap family vacation! Just like other hot tourist cities such as Boston, New York and Miami, Seattle also offers a multi-attraction pass you can choose from that allow you to do more activities and visit more attractions in the city for a very low cost: the Go Seattle Card.

You can plan your trip ahead and purchase the Go Seattle Card online prior to your family vacation to Seattle at a deepdiscount. The use of the Go Seattle Card gives you admissions and great discounts from over thirty participating attractions, tours and other excursions, restaurants and shops. Exploring the city has never been this easy and affordable.

There are a lot of family-friendly attractions and activities you can use the Go Seattle Card for. Music-loving families can express their musical creativity at the Experience Music Project where you can try out all kinds of modern instruments. This might be a chance for the kids, too, to get inspired to make music and become the next great talent like Bob Marley or Jimi Hendrix. Your children may have the same brush of inspiration of becoming a future Nobel Prize winner for the Sciences with a visit to the Pacific Science Center. There are over 300 interactive exhibits for everyone in the family. Tour the center to find gigantic robot dinosaurs and spend time at the Planetarium to learn about the outer space. Present your Go Seattle Card at the Recycled Cycles and enjoy half a day on rented bikes with your whole family while enjoying views of Seattle's waterways and mountains. If you are a fan of horses, or horse races for that matter, go to the Emerald Downs. While adults are getting wagering "lessons" from other racing novices, the little kids can enjoy pony rides and face painting during the summer. Older kids and early teenagers, on the other hand, will be entertained at the arcade. How often do you have family vacations to theme parks at affordable prices? With the multi-attraction pass, you can visit Wild Waves and Enchanted Village for thrilling rides such as the Timberhawk Ride of Prey or for a refreshing dip at the Wave Pool or the water slides. After all, family outings are never complete without the theme parks.

There are a lot of cheap accommodations available in the city for your lodging needs during your family vacation - Seattle University Travelodge, Clarion Hotel Seattle Airport, Seattle By The Space Needle Travelodge and more.   Your cheap family vacation to Seattle with the Go Seattle Card is not yet over. There are cruises to Blake Island and other lake and harbor cruises your family can take to know the city even more. After all, Seattle is also known for the ferry boats. From water to air, head to the Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour where your family can design your own aircraft while learning the principles of powered flight, design and other technological plane essentials. Other tours that you can join are the Qwest Field Tours (home of Seattle's professional football and soccer teams), the Safeco Field Tour (feel the air of Major League Baseball) and the Underground Tour (an unusual tour of Seattle's urban ghost town).

Make use of the your cheap Go Seattle Cards to maximize your family vacation. Have a relaxing picnic at one of the gardens and parks around Seattle - Seymour Botanical Conservatory (where you can find tropical plans and floral arrangements), Kubota Gardens (and be impressed with the very artistic traditional Japanese landscape design), Volunteer Park Conservatory (a Victorian glass-house full of flowers and other plants) and Washington Park Arboretum (where you can learn many things from the living plant museum). There are fifteen museums affiliated to the Go Seattle Card. Some of which are the Museum of Glass, Wing Luke Asian Museum, Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, Museum of Flight and Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center.

What's a family trip to Seattle without going up the Space Needle? In forty-one seconds, the elevator opens and gives you stunning views of Seattle's finest - the city, Mt. Rainier, the Cascade Mountains, the Olympic range, float planes, ferry boats and more. A cup of coffee at the snack bar or a meal at the SkyCity is the best way to wrap up your trip. Who would have thought cheap family vacations can be this perfect?

Cheap Weekend Getaway to Philadelphia

Love flowers?  Why not head to Philadelphia for the annual Philadelphia Flower Show for a cheap weekend getaway. The flower show runs for an entire week. This year it was scheduled to take place on March 2nd until March 9th.

The 2008 Philadelphia Flower Show takes place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. It is the oldest flower and garden show in the United States, and is said to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. Admissions to this flower show ranges from $24 to $28 for adults and $13 to $17 for children.  Bonus:  A family or group package is also available for only $21.50. The exhibits all throughout the duration of the event teach spectators how to beautify their gardens with the usual as well as exotic plants. Apt to the event's theme this year, Jazz It Up!, the Pennsylvania Convention Center is decorated with large floating piano keys and musical notes. You are sure to enjoy yourselves in this cheap weekend getaway once you enter the Rhythm Rooms Jazz Club. The center is literally an indoor garden with a series of vines all around, floral chandeliers, palm trees and more.

Aside from the abundance of flowers and other plants, there is one more essential factor in this event that is present all week: music! In the parade, traditional street dancing from the Big Easy occurs. Other local musical acts are Big Sam, Hoppin' Jam Orchestra and UCC Brass Band. These acts all perform at the Bourbon Street Stage. If the street gets too crowded for you, you do not have to worry about not being able to enjoy some music for this cheap weekend getaway. Head to the Legends Stage where homegrown talents such as Sam Ruttenberg, Denise Bruckno, and the Crosstown Brass Quintet perform classical and contemporary jazz genres.

The Philadelphia Flower Show's Competitive Class division exhibits thousands of plants, collections and flower arrangements for hundreds of different categories. This competition is judged by hundreds of judges coming from all over the United States. On this cheap weekend getaway, you get to witness the announcement of winners and the awarding ceremonies during the Philadelphia Flower Show's last day on Sunday, March 9th.

This show is a haven for those people blessed with the green thumb, or those who are interested to learn some gardening. Special attractions at the show include lectures on flower arrangement, growing orchids, container gardening, landscaping, techniques on how to repel pests and more. Other things you might find interesting at the show are gardening information from experts, culinary artistry and shopping. At the shops, you will find unique gardening books and other reading materials that will help you "jazz up" your lawn.

Conclude your weekend getaway with a visit to the Marketplace. Enjoy good buys and good deals from over 150 quality vendors. At the Marketplace, you will find sculptures, gardening tools, plants, bonsai, orchids, artworks, garden decors and furniture, jewelry, handicrafts, birdhouses, glassware and more.

The experience at the Philadelphia Flower Show not only is a fun trip. It is also very informative, especially for those who love gardening and those who want to learn. With all the exhibits, the lectures and the great deals on tools and plants, this cheap weekend getaway offers long term rewards in terms of gardening.