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USA: Mid Atlantic, Corn Mazes and Harvest Festivals

All along through the Mid Atlantic, Fall is the season to have fun together. Sometimes with a pumpkin patch and sometimes haunted on weekend nights, mazes provide unique signatures as the lunar calendar ends the calendar year. Taste sweet apple butter or corncob jelly; carve a pumpkin or stuff a scarecrow; play flashlight tag or chase the kids through the corn stalks; ride on a wagon full of hay or bob for apples; walk through a sleeping giant. The season has family fun written all over it. Forget the lawn; the laundry will wait. Take the kids and go.

Virginia: Mount Vernon, 18th-Century Craft Fair (9/13/2008 – 9/14/2008). This year marks the 13th anniversary of 18th-Century Craft Fair featuring dozens of America’s finest craftspeople and family fun. Colonial-attired artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts such as stone cutting, gunsmithing and soap-making. Also for sale will be traditional wares like baskets, woodcarvings, tin and ironwork, leatherworkings, weavings and furniture. Bonus Points: Spirit Cruises and Potomac Riverboat Company will be offering free sightseeing cruises.(3200 George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon. 1 (703) 780-2000, 799-8697 (TDD) or www.mountvernon.org)

Virginia: Williamsburg, Fall Harvest Festival and Haunted Wagon Ride (10/18/2008). The Fall Harvest Festival and Haunted Wagon Ride are hosted at James River State Park near colonial Williamsburg. Families will enjoy the fresh food, live music and good old-fashioned fun for the whole family. Wagon rides go from the festival site to the beautiful Tye River Overlook. Festival activities include: face painting, herbal butter tasting, apple pressing, apple bobbing, cornhusk doll making and more. Bonus: Around sunset the harvest bonfire will be lit and the haunted wagon rides will commence. (James River State Park, 751 Park Road, Gladstone 24553. 1(434) 933-4355 or www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/jam.shtml)

Virginia: Virginia Beach, Suffolk 31st Annual Peanut Fest (10/09/2008 – 10/12/2008). Experience the phenomenon that is the Peanut Fest; this family-friendly event honors Suffolk, Virginia’s agricultural heritage and its love of peanuts, the city’s official favorite legume. The Suffolk Peanut Fest is known for its fun family activities, concerts, amusement rides, contests and competitions, a demolition derby, a truck and tractor pull, fireworks and more. (1410 Airport Road, Suffolk 23434. 1(757) 539-6751 www.suffolkfest.org)

Virginia: Virginia Beach, Ghost Train at Northwest River Park (10/16/2008 – 10/25/2008). From Thursday through Sunday in late October, visitors are invited to brave the haunted train that runs through the haunted woods of Northwest River Park. The ride is not for the faint of heart as the train is sure to encounter ghosts, ghouls and long-leggedy-beasties as it winds through the haunts along the train route.(Northwest River Park, 1733 Indian Creek Road, Chesapeake, 23322. 1(757) 421-7151 or www.CityofChesapeake.net/parks)

Virginia: Irvington, Irvington Grape Stomp (08/20/2008). White Fences Vineyards started the Irvington Stomp to celebrate the annual grape harvest and to bring together old friends, new friends and neighbors in small-town Irvington, Virginia. This year the Irvington Stomp festivities surround Labor Day weekend August 30, 2008. In addition, there will be a two-acre corn maze, farm animals and exhibits, a kite show by the Wings Over Washington Kite Club, face painting, a petting zoo and much more. Food and beverages will be sold, including homemade ice cream from The Local. (1 White Fences Drive Irvington, Virginia  22480. 1(804) 438-5559 or www.irvingtonstomp.com)

Maryland: Annapolis, October Pumpkin Patch (10/04/2008 – 10/25/2008). Families are invited to enjoy a day at the farm this October. There’s a free hayride out to the pumpkin patch to search for the perfect Halloween pumpkin, as well as a petting zoo, freshly harvested apples and Fall produce and seasonal festivities. (Kent Ford Farm, 135 Eastern Lane at the southern end of Kent Point, Stevensville. 1(410) 643-1650 or www.kentfordfarm.com) 

New Jersey: Collingswood, Theatre District Festival and Fall Festival (10/25/2008). Collingswood offers families an exciting twist on the Fall festival experience this autumn. Families are invited to come and experience performances by local and regional dance troupes and theatre groups as well as fun games and contests for kids. Other activities include pumpkin carving, scarecrow making and hayrides and the haunted hayride at night! (1(856) 858-0980, 1(856) 858-9275 or www.collingswood.com/entertainment/theater-district-festival-and-fall-festival)

Pennsylvania: Kennett Square, Marlborough Valley Corn Maze. (09/14/2008  -  10/28/2008) Eight and a half aces of corn stalks make maze fun. Activities include hay jump, corn box, petting zoo, 20-minute hayride, larger goat walk, corn cannon, and pick your own pumpkin for only 25 cents a pound. Food choices include bar-B-Q, cotton candy, ice cream, hot cider, hot chocolate, coffee, and cold drinks. Families always enjoy the horse drawn hay ride. Bonus points: A flashlight maze and a haunted maze is available. VIP pass includes ice cream, beverage, and no lines. For the brave of heart there is also the Terror Hollow haunted hayride. (Marlborough Valley Corn Maize 1081 Wawaset (Rd 842) Kennett Square Pa 19348. 1(610) 347-1314 or www.mvmaze.com)

Pennsylvania: Landsdale, Merrymead aMAZEing Cornfield. (10/01/2008- 10/30/2008) Visit one of Pennsylvania’s century farms meaning it has been in the same family for more than 100 years. Masters of wholesome family fun, each fall Merrymead presents a five-acre cornfield maze complete with a pumpkin path and a 70-foot cornstalk tunnel. Sip apple cider, enjoy hand-dipped ice cream, paint pumpkins, taste luscious baked goods, pick your own pumpkin, take a hayride, dig in a sand box, ride a wagon train. Bonus points: Take your own flashlight and navigate the maze new Moonlight Maze.  (Merrymead Farm 2222 S. Valley Forge Rd. Lansdale, PA 19446 610-584-4410 www.merrymead.com)

Pennsylvania: Media, Pumpkinland and Hay Rides . (09/6/2007 - 11/9/2008) At Linvilla Farm not far from Valley Forge doing and tasting is all part of the fun. Pick your own pumpkins in the fall. Taste just off the vine tomatoes or husk your very own sweet corn. See horses, chickens and pigs; meet costumed characters like Dora, Elmo and Shrek. During September and October each year Pumpkinland remains a popular fall tradition for families with young children. Each weekend enjoy a 15-18 minute hay ride under the moonlight and a cup of cider at the campfire after the hay ride. There will also be live music, pony and train rides, face painting and much, much more! Bonus points:  The Farm Market in the octagonal barn is not-to-be-missed for jams, jellies, pies and ice cream sundaes. (Linvilla Farm & Orchard 137 W. Knowlton Rd. Media, PA 19063 610-876-7116 www.linvilla.com)

West Virginia: Martinsburg, 29th Annual Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival (10/16/2008 – 10/29/2008). The Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival celebrates the rich agricultural heritage in Berkeley County, highlighting the role of the apple in the growth of the region. The four-day festival in the scenic eastern panhandle of West Virginia is a wonderful fall celebration with pie-baking contests, a Friday Night in the Park sports breakfast, a parade and more. (Martinsburg, WV 25402. 1(304) 263-5000 or www.msahf.com)

Information compiled from theFamilyTravelFiles.com database as of July 2008. Sometimes things change, so please confirm details before making plans. Images provided by respective venues. Copyright 2008.

Plan a Family Trip: Southwest Corn Mazes

USA: Southwest, Best Corn Mazes and Fall Festivals for Families 2008. From country traditions in Texas and New Mexico to luscious apples in Arizona the season is in full swing.  Corny or not mazes are made for families and mean fun. Sometimes with a pumpkin patch and sometimes haunted on weekend nights, mazes provide unique signatures as the lunar calendar ends the calendar year. Taste sweet apple butter or corncob jelly; carve a pumpkin or stuff a scarecrow; play flashlight tag or chase the kids through the corn stalks; ride on a wagon full of hay or bob for apples, the season looks promising.

Texas: Brookshire, Texas Maze at Dewberry Farm (09/27/2008 – 11/30/2008). Dewberry Farm shares its love of seasonal corn mazes with a series of family friendly events including duck races, goat walks, pumpkin picking, pumpkin carving, a barrel train, hay rides, a sunflower patch and corn cannons. Toast marshmallows, yodel a cowboy tune or play your harmonica. On Saturday nights take a hayride through Pumpkin Hollow to see carved pumpkins glowing in the twilight. See the Dewberry Farm honey bees at work. Learn about their honey making process and how pollination plays an important role in farming. Bonus points: Do the MAIZE on a Saturday nights and feel how eerie corn stalks can be. (Seven miles north of Brookshire on FM 362. 1 (281) 934-3276 or www.texasmaze.com)

Texas: Houston, 42nd Annual Original Greek Festival (10/2/2008 – 10/5/2008). Be Greek for a day at the annual Greek Festival in Houston, Texas. Highlights of the festival include cathedral tours, displays of religious icons/artifacts, Greek folk dancing and delicious Greek specialties prepared from recipes handed down generation to generation for more than a century. Attendees can also purchase Greek food to take home at the Agora Greek Food Store and buy videos, CDs, and tapes of Greek music, dancing and culture to help keep the “OPA!” spirit alive all year long. Bonus points: This year the festival grounds several activities specifically for children have grown in number and include an Athenian playground and the Annunciation Orthodox School Exhibit. (Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral complex, 3511 Yoakum Boulevard, Houston. 1 (713) 526-5377 or www.greekfestival.org)

Texas: San Antonio, Devine Acres Pumpkin Extravaganza (10/04/008 – 10/26/2008). Located outside of San Antonio, Devine Acres is the host of an annual Pumpkin Extravaganza featuring scenic hayrides, catch-n-release fishing, a barrel train ride, duck races, hay bale & rope mazes, scarecrow dressing, a petting zoo and many more Autumn-appropriate activities. Also on-site is a new mining sluice next to the old watering hole which invites visitors to go gemstone mining and maybe even take home a new treasure. (944 FM 2200 West, Devine 78016. 1(830) 665-9730 or www.devineacres.com)

Oklahoma: Gore, 40th Annual Fin & Feather Fall Festival (09/26/2008 – 09/28/2008). Each September, Fin & Feather Resort hosts the annual Fall Festival, one of the most popular arts and crafts shows in the state. In 2007, thousands of attendees flocked to see the more than 200 exhibitors during the three day festival. In addition to the multitude of arts and crafts vendors, families will enjoy the Fall-themed food and fun. (Route 1 - Fin and Feather Resort is located approximately 8 miles north of Gore on Highway 100 on the right hand side of the road. 1(918) 487-5148 or www.finandfeatherresort.com/fallfestival.html)

New Mexico: Las Cruces, Ghosts of the Past (10/23/2008-10/25/2008) Take an evening stroll around the Ranch Heritage Museum and meet a ghost or two. During this annual living history event visitors are taken on a guided tour of the museum where they will encounter various characters from New Mexico’s past. This special three-night event also includes music, refreshments and children's activities. Bonus points: The 47-acre museum contains real stories about real people. The interactive museum, which has welcomed visitors from all over the world, brings to life the 3,000-year history of farming and ranching in New Mexico. (Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road, Las Cruces. www.frhm.org)

New Mexico: Santa Fe, Harvest Festival (10/04/2008 – 10/05/2008). This very popular community event features harvest activities including crushing grapes for wine by foot; listen to music and enjoy dancing, grinding sorghum with burros and stringing colorful chile ristras. Visitors can buy traditional crafts from artists, try dipping candles, see soap making and taste warm bread and bizcochitos from the horno. (334 Los Pinos Road, Santa Fe, 87507. (505) 471-2261 or www.golondrinas.org)

Arizona: Wilcox, Apple Annie’s Fall Pumpkin Celebration (09/27/2008– 10/26/2008). You’ll find Apple Annie’s in the Sulphur Springs Valley of southeastern Arizona. The 4300’ elevation means warm days and cool nights a situation which is ideal for fruit and vegetable growing. The Orchard is known for tree-ripened apples, peaches, pears and Asian pears as well as farm-fresh vegetables, including sweet corn, tomatoes, squash, chilies and pumpkins. During their annual fall celebration enjoy old-fashioned family fun picking your own pumpkins, fall vegetables. Taste freshly pressed apple cider and pick-your-own apples. Pumpkins of all sizes are ready for adoption from their huge pumpkin patch. For a small fee enjoy a hayride to the pumpkin patch and children's play area (Children 2 and younger are free.) Need to know: Don't forget to bring a jacket because fall days can be comfortably cool in Willcox. Bonus Points: Don’t miss Arizona’s newest and largest corn maze. There are three levels of difficulty so it is perfect for the whole family! (6405 W. Williams Road, Willcox, 85643. 1 (520) 384-2084 or www.appleannies.com)

Arizona: Oracle, 9th Annual Fiesta de las Calabazas (10/25/008). The Fiesta de las Calabazas is a great pumpkin and harvest festival which promotes eco-tourism and heritage tourism while fostering awareness of the natural environment and showcasing the cultural and artistic diversity of the communities of Oracle, San Manuel and Mammoth, Arizona. The Fiesta is, above all, a celebration of art music, diversity and the process of creation – of crops of talents and of people. Check out the live music and positive community message of the Fiesta de las Calabazas this Fall. (Oracle State Park, 3820 Wildlife Drive, Oracle 85623. www.calabazas.org)

Information compiled from theFamilyTravelFiles.com database as of July 2008. Sometimes things change, so please confirm details before making plans. Images provided by respective venues. Copyright 2008.

Family Trip Ideas: Heartland Corn Mazes

USA: Heartland, Best Corn Mazes and Fall Festivals for Families 2008. From Wisconsin to Minnesota and Iowa to Indiana the idea is simple, enjoy the season. Sometimes with a pumpkin patch and sometimes haunted on weekend nights, mazes provide unique signatures as the lunar calendar ends the calendar year. Taste sweet apple butter or corncob jelly; carve a pumpkin or stuff a scarecrow; ride on a wagon full of hay or bob for apples; pretend at a RenFest; enjoy a film in Chicago. Make time for fun with your kids.

Minnesota: Rochester, Tweite's Fall Harvest Festival and Corn Maze (09/20/2008 to 10/26/2008). Located 12 minutes West of Rochester off of US Hwy 14 Tweite's has been planting memories and harvesting fun for the past 19 years. We offer quality family enjoyment for the young and young-at-heart. Each weekend enjoy 10 acres of amusements including live entertainment. Enjoy wagon rides, an Enchanted Forest, the western town called Dodge City, Harvest Town with a back forty play area, more than 24,000 square-feet of permanent mazes including a six-acre corn maze, a tire dragon and the Indiana Bones Dino Dig. Bonus points: Many areas are interactive. Check out our remodeled dairy barn loaded with tasty treats like our homemade caramel apples, cotton candy and kettle korn, just to name a few. Gate fee charged. (Tweite's Pumpkin Patch 1821 Frontier Rd SW Byron, MN 55920. (507) 365-8035 or www.tweite.com)

Minnesota: Belle Plaine, 24th Annual Emma Krumbee's Scarecrow Festival (09/13/2008 -10/31/2008). During the fall, the 45-acre orchard is alive with activity. Starting in September, the Apple Jubilee event celebrates the harvest season. From mid-September through October, the orchard is filled with more than one hundred unique handcrafted scarecrows during the Great Scarecrow Festival. There are pony, wagon rides and camel rides. Find the perfect jack-o-lantern in the Great Pumpkin Patch. Try out the all-terrain farm trikes, visit the Giant Hay Stack Jump and expanded petting zoo. Count bees in the bee observatory, walk amid the Tombstone Forest. Sample Fizzy's Ice Cream, caramel apples and pumpkin pie. Bonus points: June through October, pick your own hydroponic strawberries suspended in the air. U-Pick Apples open daily, Mid-August through October. (Emma Krumbee's Restaurant, Belle Plaine 56011. (952) 873-3006 www.emmakrumbees.com)

Illinois: Chicago International Children's Film Festival (10/23/2008-11/2/2008). For a city event this one is splendid. CICFF is celebrating it 25th anniversary this year! It is the largest competitive festival of children's films in the United States and is hailed as the Cannes for Kids; the festival presents the very best in non-violent multicultural films for children ages 3 to 13. At every screening, a panel of kids cast their votes for the Best of the Fest Award as well as other awards and prizes for excellence. There will be post-screening discussions with more than 100 directors, producers, and actors in attendance. Bonus points:  This year's festival will feature 200 animated and live action films from 40 countries. (1 (773) 281-9075 or www.cicff.org)

Ohio: Lebanon, Pumpkin Patch Express (09/27/2008 – 11/02/2008). Every autumn the Lebanon Mason Monroe (LM&M) Railroad runs a special Pumpkin Patch Express through Warrant County to Schappacher Farm in Mason, where special homemade snacks are for sale. Ticket price includes a petting zoo, pumpkin pie and admittance to a corn maze on a real working farm. Need to know: Trains sell out quickly and a limited number of tickets are available on event days on a first-come-first served basis, so advance ticket purchase is recommended. (Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, 127 S. Mechanic Street, Lebanon 45036. 1(513) 933-8022 or www.lebanonrr.com)

Wisconsin: Sturgeon Bay, Schopf's Corn Maze and Cookie's Pirate Adventure (08/20/2008 - 10/31/2008). This year checkout Dairy View Farm and enjoy the season Door County's famous "Cookie" the Cow. With three separate mazes rolled up into one, the 2007 maze has a trail for everyone; the Orange Maze route runs for two miles, the Black Maze runs for two and a half miles, and the Green Maze comes in at 3.3 miles of winding trail. Also within the maze are three optional games based on finding hidden maze stations - a great game for the whole family to play together. Uniquely shaped paper punches await the players at each of the destination points and participants are expected to find all of the stations and punch as proof. The season ends with a special Halloween Maze event. Bonus points: Make time for a free, working dairy farm tour. Watch milking operations, milk "Cookie" the cow and then stop at the ice cream shop and browse the flavors. Staff note: We visited Cookie when the maze was very young but it looked quite promising. It is a neat place with fun people and terrific ice cream. (5169 County I, Sturgeon Bay, 54235. 1 (920) 743-9779 or www.dairyview.com)

Iowa: St. Urbandale, Corn Harvest (10/04/2008 - 10/05/2008). The smell of apple butter wafts through the air in the 1875 town of Walnut Hill as you sample some of the bountiful harvest Iowa has produced. At the farm sites, learn about the history of corn with hands-on activities and a horse-drawn wagon ride into the fields to watch demonstrations of the machinery used to harvest corn from 1910 to the 1950. Learn the correct techniques for hand-picking corn beside a horse-drawn wagon, pitching the husked ears of corn against a bang-board and into the wagon bed. Corn is more than food. Learn about modern varieties and uses of corn in cars, airplanes, and other staples of 21st-Century life. Stop by the Visitor Center to sample products produced by Iowa companies. Bonus points: On the 4th you can attend an authentic barn dance where you can learn traditional dances while enjoying the live Flying Pig Fiddle and Banjo band. (Living History Farms, 2600 111th St. Urbandale, 50322. or 1(515)278-5286 or www.lhf.org)

Indiana: Hobart, County Line Orchard Fall Harvest Festival and Corn Maze (08/30/2008 - 10/31/2008). Enjoy the season with orchard tours and you-pick apples and pumpkins, Kid's Farm and petting zoo, 8-acre corn maze, bee barn and picnic area. See working bees at observation hives in the orchard, baby chicks hatching everyday and goats up in the trees and Peter Pumpkin Eater getting his teeth cleaned after munching on pumpkins. The Little Kid's Barnyard has miniature tractors, tools, wheelbarrows, and even a kid-sized barn and a Moo Choo just for little kids. Bonus points: Past the apple trees near the MAiZE, begins the Trio of Fears not for the faint-hearted. It all begins at the end of a long wagon ride sits a rustic shack at the edge of the woods. There awaits the gatekeeper, who sets you on a dimly lit path through the trees. The way is narrow and uneven, and haunted things abound. You'll have to crawl through one part, and feel your way through pitch-black passages and experience Nocturnia the haunted barn. (County Line Orchard & The Barn: 200 County Line Rd., Hobart (219) 947-4477 or www.countylineorchard.com)

Michigan: Michigan Renaissance Festival (08/16/2008 - 09/29/2008). Discover an enchanted realm of wizards and warriors amongst gourmet treats and unforgettable entertainment. Wander past eight lively stages and street theater featuring jugglers, magicians, fire eaters, and specialty acts. Check out live armored contact jousting three times daily, human chess matches, minstrels, maidens faire, peasants, fools, and royalty. Bonus points: The festival also has special theme weekends like Highland Weekend, featuring the US/Canadian Highland Games and Bagpipe Blowout as well as International Talk Like a Pirate Day, which is recommended for grandparents and children. There is also a "Sweet Endings" Chocolate Festival. See the website for more details. (12500 Dixie Highway, Holly, 48442. 1-800-779-4910 or www.michrenfest.com)

Minnesota: Minneapolis, Sever's Corn Maze (9/20/2008 - 11/2/2008). Sever's Corn Maze and Fall Festival delights maze-goers with a fun and challenging 14-acre corn maze. Again this year, Sever's Corn Maze and Fall Festival will boast the world's largest straw bale maze-1/3 of an acre in size; a huge, exotic petting zoo with animals from around the world including lemurs and camels, kangaroos, etc. There will also be pumpkin slinger; a corn pit, hay rides; pig races; camel rides; live music; and much more. Bonus points: There is a discount coupon at their website. (Just south of the Twin Cities next to Canterbury Park, Shakopee 1 (952) 974-5000 or www.severscornmaze.com)

Minnesota: Shakopee, Minnesota Renaissance Festival (08/16/2008 - 09/28/2008). Discover an enchanted realm of wizards and warriors amongst gourmet treats and unforgettable entertainment. Wander past eight lively stages and street theater featuring jugglers, magicians, fire eaters, and specialty acts. Check out live armored contact jousting three times daily, human chess matches, minstrels, maidens faire, peasants, fools, and royalty. Bonus points: You can also enjoy special theme weekends including ones dedicated to Scottish and Irish culture as well as a special Italian Carnivale weekend! (12364 Chestnut Blvd, Shakopee. 1-800-779-4910 or www.renaissancefest.com)

Nebraska: Denton, Benson Farms MAiZE (9/26/2008 - 10/31/2008). Imagine green and gold cornstalks towering 12 feet high set in a deliberately confusing pattern by an agro-artist, it's a challenge to master. Camp fires and mini mazes are only part of what you'll find at Benson Farms - there's also a pumpkin patch, a corn box, a hay jump, hay rides, and a corn tunnel which is really a maze tunnel constructed from corn that's great for those with a penchant for exploration. Bonus points: On Friday and Saturday night you can enjoy Fright Nights. Recommended for ages 12 and up you can take a walk through a spooky, haunted maze. This event is very popular so expect to stand in line. (6000 SW 140th Street, Denton. 1 (402) 795-3276 or www.bensonfarms.com)

Ohio: Germantown, Tom Eby Farm Maze (08/30/2008-11/02/2008). A rural wonder, the 8-acre natural puzzle game features three miles of paths to navigate. The challenge- to find 12 puzzle pieces located throughout the maze. The American flag flies proudly over the Victory Bridge at the end of the hunt. For night owls, the site is open after dark. Bonus points: As a bonus the maze complex has a unique hands-on area with toys and musical instruments made of homegrown hard-shelled gourds. You might also enjoy Tom's Pumpkin Cannon. (Tom Eby Farm 8295 Farmersville-W. Carrollton Rd. Germantown, 45327. 1(937) 866-2777 or www.tomsmaze.com)

More Resources

Haunted Wisconsin. For families in or near Wisconsin this is a delightful resource for Halloween happenings. The innovative site provides up-to-date information on commercial haunted houses, corn mazes, spooky trails, pumpkin patch locations, and fun for the season. (Go to www.hauntedwisconsin.com)

Maze Play. This directory with listings across the United States and Canada is easy to navigate; each listing provides the essentials to make a corn adventure happen. Just reviewing the listing is entertaining. Maze themes include the Green Bay Packers at Schoph farms in Wisconsin to Indian themes at Uncle Shucks in Georgia. (Go to www.Mazeplay.com)

Corn Field Maze. A delightful resource for maze locations and information, including location maps for USA, Canada, Italy Mexico, and England. (Go to www.cornfieldmaze.com)

Information compiled from theFamilyTravelFiles.com database as of July 2008. Sometimes things change, so please confirm details before making plans. Images provided by respective venues. Copyright 2008.

Affordable Summer Things To Do In Washington, DC

If you are looking for affordable summer things to do with your family, you will be more than happy to find out what Washington, DC has in store for you. Head off to the nation's capital and experience fun and excitement without breaking the bank.

Start your family summer vacation in Washington, DC by joining one of the numerous tours and cruises that the city offers. Discovering the city by land or by sea both seem very inviting. The DC Ducks Tour offer both land and water tour in one trip, without even having to change vehicles. Plus, the amphibious vehicle will definitely be a huge hit to your kids. The tour begins at the Union Station and takes the route past the monuments and museums of the National Mall while the captain narrates stories and historical facts. A few turns here and there later, the vehicle turns into a watercraft and splashes into the Potomac River for the water part of the tour.

Because children never get tired of animals, take the family to the National Zoological Park. The animals in the entire zoo live in very large and open enclosures, giving them the atmosphere of their natural habitat and, at the same time, making it possible for visitors to easily spot them. There are two trails in the zoo that you can follow: Olmsted Walk and Valley Trail. The Kid's Farm is perfect for families with very young kids as they observed different farm animals such as ducks, cows, chickens, goats, miniature donkeys and more. The Asia Trail, on the other hand, features sloth bears, fishing cats, Japanese salamanders and giant pandas.

Parents always want to take their children to places where they can have fun and at the same time, learn new things. Washington, DC's National Museum of Natural History has the Butterfly and Plants exhibit that illustrates the evolution of the butterflies. It is also a great place to somewhat cool off from the summer heat as the room temperature is far cooler than it is outside for the butterflies.

A trip to Washington, DC automatically means a visit to those famous landmarks – the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials. The majestic monuments of these two former US Presidents are constant fixtures in photo sessions of people visiting the city. There are also other monuments that you can go to with your family this summer: the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the National World War II Memorial. It is best to visit these attractions early in the morning to beat the crowd and avoid the heat of the summer sun.

Get on a water adventure with your family for this summer vacation in Washington, DC. Head off to the Thompson Boat Center and rent out kayaks or canoes. Life jackets are provided by the boat center free of charge. It is a great way to experience the water at your own pace as you paddle around the Theodore Roosevelt Island and under the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

All the paddling will definitely have your family work up an appetite. Grab a bite at the very well-established Ben's Chili Bowl. Enjoy a great meal with your spouse and kids while you observe the photos of celebrities hanging on the wall.

Fun never ends at sunset. On the west front of the US Capitol, free entertainment awaits both Washington, DC locals and visitors on summer evenings. The military bands – US Navy Band, US Marine Band, US Air Force Band and US Army Band – provide spectacular musical performances for the whole family. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic basket as it is a great place to just relax with your family while listening to jazz and classical music. Occasionally, the bands perform well-known songs, Broadway show tunes and original movie soundtracks.

There are really so many things to do in Washington, DC. There is always something great to explore in every  corner you turn. The best thing about these attractions and activities is that they come at a very low cost or, even better, free – exactly how you would want your summer things to do with your family to be!

5 Amazing Summer Things To Do In Arizona

The numerous summer things to do in Arizona give you amazing ways to make the most of the season.  Several cities in Arizona offer more than just a handful attractions and activities to keep you busy under the sun. The wide array of entertainment options include water parks, wildlife encounter, ancient structures and, of course, the majestic Grand Canyon – all ready to give you a fantastic time in the state. Below are some of the best destinations in Arizona that promise an amazing summer vacation:

1- The Oasis at Pointe South Mountain Resort – The Pointe South Mountain Resort is conveniently just fifteen minutes away from the Phoenix airport and sits right next to a massive park that you can also go to for hiking trips.  The Oasis water park feature is mainly what draws travelers with children of varying ages to the resort.  It has a wave pool, a kiddie pool, a river float and waterslides. Parents with older kids can savor their time lounging under a cabana, for there are plenty of lifeguards on duty throughout the water park. Other things you can do in the resort is have a golf game, a rejuvenating body massage at the spa and a fun time at the kid’s club.

2- Pointe Hilton Resorts – There are two Pointe Hilton Resorts that you can go to for a family vacation this summer: the Topatio Cliffs Resort and the Squaw Peak Resort.  Topatio Cliffs and Squaw Peak resorts have the Falls Water Village and Hole-in-the-Wall River Ranch features respectively, and several pools where you can soak yourselves up the whole day.

3- Phoenix Zoo – Children are always eager to learn about and interact with wild animals.  Phoenix Zoo currently has an exhibit of over one thousand animals from all over the world.  Explore the zoo’s four different trails – Africa, Tropics Trail, Arizona and Discovery. 

4- Montezuma Castle – Experience the legacy of the Sinagua culture by visiting this cliff dwelling that dates back to the 12th century. The structure has five stories and twenty rooms that all tell an interesting and inspiring story of ingenuity and survival in the harsh desert.

5- Grand Canyon – This great wonder is an amazing place for families.  It offers a lot of activities to children that they will surely remember. Start your Grand Canyon adventure with a special train trip from Williams. The mule trip is particularly popular to kids, as they go around the Bright Angel Trail. There is a Junior Ranger Program that your children can join to maximize their Grand Canyon experience.

There are so many more things to do in Arizona that you can be certain would be a huge hit to your family. Plus, the wide selection of dining and accommodation options make it even more inviting to plan a trip to the state to experience one of the best summer vacations ever!

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.

Summer: Fun Things To Do For The Family In New York City

There are more than just a handful summer things to do in New York City.   If you are looking for fun, exciting and energy-filled activities for a family vacation, then the Big Apple is perfect for you.

One thing you can do to start your summer vacation is to get a 360-degree bird's eye view of the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island), its surrounding waters and the Statue of Liberty from the Empire State Building's Observatory.  Additionally, within the Empire State Building is an interesting ride that will definitely be a hit to kids of all ages – the New York Skyride, which provides a three dimensional virtual tour of the entire city.

It is best to join tours and cruises in the beginning part of your New York City summer trip to have an idea of all the things to see and do that the city has to offer. The Liberty Cruise provides an interesting introduction of New York City with amazing views of the Manhattan skyline and Ellis Island. The cruise, of course, includes an up close look at the great American icon, the Statue of Liberty, that will sure give you a renewed sense of freedom.

If you are looking for something educational and interactive for your kids to do this summer, New York City has the world's best museums that you can take them to. The Children's Museum of Manhattan caters to the inquisitive minds of young children which houses exhibits that will challenge their creativity. The museum features themed displays, such as Nickelodeon's Dora The Explorer and Diego, to catch the little kids' attention and to entice them to participate in the activities. Older kids, on the other hand, will truly enjoy roaming around historic aircrafts, particularly those used in the second World War, in the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum.

Summer means lots of outdoor activities. Hit any of the New York City beaches and join all sorts of fun things to do. You can take this opportunity to teach the little ones how to swim, build sandcastles with them and look for shells that you can add to your collection. The older kids can learn how to surf and join beach games such as frisbee, volleyball and tennis. Some of the beaches hold events and festivals that you can also check out with your family to feel the New York City vibe.

One of the best things to do to enjoy the nice summer weather is spend an afternoon in Central Park. It is a great opportunity to be close to nature in the middle of a busy city. Your family can have quality time together for a little picnic. Kids (and parents) can have fun with a carousel ride and inline skating. You can also visit the Central Park Zoo for some wildlife encounter – lions, zebras, penguins, polar bears and over a hundred more different species of animals.

New York City is a shopping mecca. Whether you are looking for clothes, shoes, accessories or toys, New York City has a store waiting for you. Your kids can express their creativity by making their personal stuffed animal at the Build-A-Bear Workshop. A visit at the FAO Schwartz will definitely make your kids go wild. It is the ultimate toy store any kid could ask for. You can find everything at FAO Schwartz – from the regular Barbie dolls and Transformers collectibles to kid-sized Mercedes 500SL.

Hotel accommodations are aplenty in New York City. There are even those that are particularly family-friendly. Among the best places for your family to stay is at the Hilton Times Square. The hotel lobby holds an entertainment complex complete with restaurants, retail stores, a movie theater and even a wax museum. Hilton Times Square has a program especially made for kids and also offers babysitting services. The best thing about the hotel is that it is located right in the middle of Times Square, giving you an easy access to all the fascinating summer things to do in New York City.

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.

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.

Boston Affordable Family Vacation

Are you planning to go on an affordable family vacation to Boston?  There are so many amazing sites and attractions in Boston and you will want to see them all.  Believe me when I say that you can do so without flying high on your budget! How? The Go Boston Card!!!

With the Go Boston Card, your family will get admissions to many Boston attractions that you have always wanted to visit, and all for a deep discounted price. What's even better is that the card is not only applicable to adults.  A child version of the card is available for children 3-12 years old at an even lower cost!  These Go Boston Cards are available in one-day and multi-day.  Whether you plan to stay in Boston for just a day or a week, there's a Go Boston Card for you. You purchase these cards prior to your trip to Boston by clicking here.

The Go Boston Card has more or less 60 participating sites, everyone in the family will each have the chance to see their personal must-see Boston places.  So go ahead and plan your day to day Boston excursion thoroughly and make sure you don't miss a thing.  As a parent, you would most definitely want to include a little bit of learning during your family vacations.  Take the family to any of the number of museums in Boston, like the Museum of Fine Arts, JFK Library and Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art, New England Sports Museum (ideal for the sporty family for its interactive exhibits) and the Boston Children's Museum. In addition to these museums are the historic sites like the Paul Revere House, Liberty Fleet Tall Ship Adventure, Salem Witch Museum (with narrations of the witch trials in 1692), and the Salem Heritage Walk.
Some tours are open only seasonally due to the weather conditions.  One tour that particularly earned popularity to the kids is the Boston Duck Tours, a former World War 2 part-truck part-boat craft ride that promises nothing but fun to the whole family.  The tour starts on the road where the driver points out popular landmarks and then the craft transforms to a watercraft to allow passengers to have a waterside view of Boston.  Then it is into the Charles River.

What's a family trip without visiting the fun stuff in your children's terms?  Visit their favorite animals at the New England Aquarium, Boston Common Frog Pond or the Franklin Park Zoo.  Or if your kids still haven't gotten enough of theme parks, there's Six Flags New England and Hurricane Harbor waiting for them with The Dark Knight Coaster (a Batman attraction) opening this 2008.

The Go Boston Card definitely will help you make this affordable family vacation to Boston a walk in the park.  All you have to do is enjoy the beautiful sites together with your family.