Williamsburg, Virginia

History buffs will love Colonial Williamsburg. Experience what life was like in the 17th and 18th centuries in the old English colony, and learn about the history of our nation’s beginning. Visit a recreated Native American settlement, walk aboard colonial ships, and absorb what daily life was all about during this period in time through living history exhibits. Your kids will be having so much fun, that they won’t even know that they’re learning! While you’re in the city, be sure to visit Busch Gardens, a theme park featuring thrill rides, roller coasters, spectacular shows, great food and European-inspired boutique shops.

Washington, DC

A trip to the mid-Atlantic would not be complete without a visit to the nations capital! You can’t leave before seeing the White House, either from the road or up-close-and-personal on a tour. After you see where the President hangs his hat, there are nearly countless options for spending the rest of your time. Do you prefer museums, universities, parks or aquariums? This city has it all. See the marine life at the National Aquarium, or the land animals at the National Zoological Park. The Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC include natural history, American history, art, and air and space museums. Check out the beautiful campus of Georgetown University or go on a duck tour through the city… the possibilities are endless!

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster, often called Pennsylvania Dutch Country, is not a large metropolitan area, but holds a lot of appeal for children and adults alike. While in the city, do not miss Central Market, in the big red brick building on North Market Street. The smell of freshly baked bread, spicy sausage and homemade preserves will pique your appetite, and you can pick up souvenirs while you’re there. The main attraction of Lancaster County is Amish country. Drive several miles out of the city to the communities of Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse, and see the rolling hills and large white farmhouses belonging to the Amish living in the area. Visit their shops and restaurants, and take in the scenery. One bit of advice: don’t take photographs of the Amish without their permission. Pictures of their homes and stores are okay, but many have convictions requiring them to avoid being photographed. When you stay in or near Lancaster, you are not far from Philadelphia or Hershey, so those are good options for day trips during your vacation.

You can easily spend a week or more exploring the mid-Atlantic states. You could go into New York, New Jersey or West Virginia while staying in one of the must-see cities. What is your favorite city in this region of the United States?

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The Grand Canyon, Arizona

You could spend your entire vacation exploring and soaking in the sights surrounding the Grand Canyon. Rouse the troops early to view a spectacular and not-to-be-forgotten sunrise. Older kids will be awe-struck by a helicopter ride over the canyon. If you’re feeling really adventurous, splurge for a mule ride over the steep, rough terrain. Or experience the Wild West in all its glory by taking a train ride that includes an old-fashioned shootout. If you decide to hit some of the trails by foot, look closely at a map first. Particularly if your kids are small, choose a trail that is at least partially shaded, and which has viewing areas fairly close together. Also, pack plenty of water and some snacks.

Salt Lake City, Utah

I have always wanted to go swimming in the Great Salt Lake, which is much saltier than the ocean, making floating easy for anyone! Bigger kids will enjoy kayaking and maybe even sailing, and the littles can splash and wade in the clean water, or build sandcastles on the white beach. Other attractions in the area include the Hogle Zoo, which is home to 800 animals; Thanksgiving Point, a huge recreation area; and Lagoon, a fun-filled amusement park located about 15 miles north of Salt Lake City.

The Four Corners

While you’re exploring the West, you should stop and see the Four Corners. This is where Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico meet, and you can stand in all four states at the same time. This is a remote area, with a small gift shop, but it’s worth the trip, because there is nowhere else in the country that you can be in four states at the same time, and kids (and grown ups) get a kick out of it. It costs a few dollars to get in, and is worth it for the photographs alone, if nothing else.

Denver, Colorado

When you’re in Denver, you’re a mile above sea level, which has earned it the nickname of the Mile-High City. The scenery is spectacular, and there is a lot here for families to do. Visit the state capitol building and go up to the rotunda for an unobstructed view of the snow-capped mountains. Your kids might like a tour of the U.S. Mint in Denver, where they can see how money is made. Visit the Denver Museum of Nature and Science to explore outer space, dinosaurs and other kid friendly science topics, or stop by the Denver Zoo to see animals up close. In between structured activities, explore the LoDo Historic District, the Pedestrian Mall on 16th Street and Larimer Square, in downtown Denver.

Your excursion to the Wild West can be as relaxing or as adventurous as your family desires, which makes it a great place to visit with your kids. Are there any other must-see places in the West that you would recommend checking out?

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Think about all of the local places of interest that you’ve never visited. I know, for example, that we have a historical center right in town, and while we’ve driven by, we’ve never gone in! One town south of us, there’s a very walkable tourist area… again, we’ve driven through, but have never actually parked and walked through all of the boutiques. Plan to check out some of these places; I’m sure there are attractions within an hour’s drive of your home that you’ve never been to.

Think about what “vacation” means to you. It might mean time to sleep in, or maybe it’s important to you that you don’t have to cook. Figure out what makes you feel most relaxed, and incorporate that into your staycation. It might mean choosing to have takeout each day during a long weekend, or it might mean having everyone in the family stay in their pajamas until noon each day. Whatever works for you; it’s your getaway!

Consider unplugging for a weekend. It’s hard to truly get away from it all if you’re attached to your laptop, iPhone, Android, and other gadgets. Also, convince the kids to give up television and video games for a few days. Replace the time spent in front of a screen with fun things like roasting marshmallows, catching fireflies, sledding, going for long walks… all of the fun that you don’t typically have time for!

If new experiences are important to you, think about ways you can find them without going too far. Are there any ethnic restaurants you’d like to try? Maybe there’s a campground or park that offers adventures such as ziplining or rock climbing that you could check out for a day. If you live near the beach, perhaps a whale watch or parasailing would be an out-of-the-ordinary experience. Since you’ll be saving money on typical travel expenses, you might be able to splurge on an adventure close to home.

Have you enjoyed a staycation? What did you do to make the time special?

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New York City  

Otherwise known as The Big Apple, New York, New York is a place that everyone should visit at least once! From world-class dining to upscale window shopping, to zoos and aquariums, to museums galore, NYC has something for everyone in your family. Walk down 5th Avenue in Manhattan to peek into the luxury boutiques and department stores that have earned the area its reputation as being one of the most expensive shopping districts in the world. Ride the monorail to view the elephants at the Bronx Zoo, and visit the sea lions at Central Park Zoo. If aquatic animals are more your style, visit them at the New York Aquarium in Brooklyn. While you are at these attractions, ask about reciprocal agreements with other zoos in the area, as sometimes it is more economical to purchase a season pass if you plan to visit several attractions during your stay. Take photos of the skyline, and be sure to ride the subway, which is usually the easiest way to get around the city.

Boston  

Boston is probably my favorite big city. It’s big, clean, and historically interesting. The underground mass transit system, nicknamed “The T,” is easy to understand, and the attendants are helpful. And although I’m a big-city-phobe when it comes to driving, I have driven in Boston and did not get hopelessly lost. All of these are great reasons to take the kiddos to this city, but of course the best reasons are the attractions. The Museum of Science is big, interactive, and takes a full day to get through. I remember being captivated by the musical staircase as a child, and your kids will, too!  The Boston Aquarium is another indoor favorite for kids of all ages. If you go on a nice day, consider walking the Freedom Trail. There, you can explore old churches, walk through historical graveyards and do a little shopping at Quincy Market. Also, take the kids on the swan boats, which take you for a spin around the Public Garden. Make sure you try the steamers and a big bowl of New England clam chowder before leaving the city!

Newport

Another must-see city in New England is Newport, Rhode Island. Your older kids will love exploring the mansions, particularly if they are history buffs. Younger ones and bigger kids alike will enjoy the Cliff Walk, where they can stretch their legs and run around a bit while enjoying the views of the mansions and water. If you enjoy staying in bed-and-breakfasts, Newport is the perfect location to find a beautiful little place in a quiet nook of the city. Newport makes a nice day trip if you are staying in the Boston area, as well.

Where are your favorite must-see cities in the Northeast?