Top Five Vacation And Travel Destinations For Kids That You Might Not Think Of

Choosing a vacation destination is hard. Choosing a vacation spot that kids will like is even harder. Choosing a vacation spot that both parents and kids will like is almost impossible. Or is it? It doesn't need to be. Everyone knows that places such as Disney World and other theme parks are top picks for kids but there are alternatives out there that will entertain as well. Here is a list of the top five vacation and travel destinations for kids.

1.Williamsburg, Virginia Williamsburg, Virginia is the largest living museum in the United States (www.history.org). As the first capital of Virginia this town was restored back to it's 18th century splendor complete with authentic gardens and animals. The American Cream Draft Horse are used daily in Historic Williamsburg to pull the wagons and carriages around town. A ticket is needed which will allow access to any historic building that has a flag displayed out front. Here children can see actual blacksmiths, basket makers, tailors, shoemakers and others showing common 18th century trades. For total immersion into the 18th century you can also rent authentic children's' costumes for $19.99 (a $50 refundable deposit is also required). Also included in your ticket price is admission to Revolutionary City which is essentially an outdoor theater that runs for approximately two hour where children can meet up with the likes of George Washington or Thomas Jefferson. Shops are available to purchase 18th century goods. For lodging check out www.colonialwilliamsburgresort.com and don't forget to eat at Christiana Campbell's Tavern where George Washington often ate. Call 1-800-history for reservations and hours.

2.Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in Wyoming, is the ultimate outdoor destination. Covering 2, 219, 789 acres or 3, 468 miles (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellowstone_National_Park) you will never run out of things to do. Children and adults alike are fascinated by Old Faithful Geyser which erupts approximately every 91 minutes. Hiking trails, white water rafting, horseback riding, and fishing are all popular in this park full of wildlife, waterfalls, and beautiful rock formations. Don't miss Specimen Ridge (www.nps.gov) which houses the largest concentration of petrified trees in the world or Gibbon Falls, an 84 foot waterfall. A favorite trail for kids is at Artists Paint Pots. This trail is only about a mile long and winds past hot springs, mudpots, and a burned portion of the forest. The best way to enter the park is through the north entrance and Roosevelt Arch. The cornerstone of this immense stone arch was placed by Theodore Roosevelt himself. Another favorite for kids ages 5-12 is the Junior Ranger Program. Stop in at any visitors center and for $3 your child can get a book full of activities that need to be completed. Once done take this book back to any center to receive a patch similar to a boy scouting patch. One last suggestion, a planned tour through the Flying Pig Camp Store (www.flyingpigrafting.com) is great. They offer a three day tour that is great for kids and supply everything you need.

3.Niagara Falls, New York Niagara Falls in New York offers much more than a view of the waterfall. While the Horseshoe Falls is spectacular and a must see there are many other attractions to see and do while there. But first, the falls. You will want to visit Prospect Point and tour the visitors center before viewing the falls. Next is a trip to Cave of the Winds where you actually travel under the falls and stand within a few feet of the water on the Hurricane Deck. While wondrous during the day it turn striking at night when a rainbow of colored lights are reflected off the water (www.niagarafallsstatepark.com). A half hour boat ride on Maid of the Mist allows for views of both the American and the Canadian falls. When done viewing the falls the Aquarium of Niagara (www.aquariumofniagara.org) is only a short walk away where the kids can expect to see sea lions, eels, and the always favorite penguins. There is also a popular indoor rock climbing gym that requires no previous experience and is great for all ages (www.niagaraclimbingcenter.com). For a relaxing end to your day try dining at the Top of the Falls Restaurant (www.topofthefallsrestaurant.com) where every seat has a view overlooking Horseshoe Falls.

4.Assateague Island, Maryland Assateague Island in Maryland is easily the all time favorite destination for our family. Not only can you view wild ponies on the beautifully maintained beaches there are trails that run throughout the island affording you views of the bay and other wildlife. Even though there is an entry fee to the National Seashore we find that the beaches are cleaner and quieter here than in nearby Ocean City, Maryland making this a much nicer family day at the beach. There is also an area for fishing and boating on the bay side of the island. For more information you can check them out on the web at www.nps.gov. The three mile Ocean City, Maryland boardwalk is a great place to spend your evening (www.ocean-city.com/boardwalk). The boardwalk is packed with various games, stores, and rides and has a few play areas for the kids along the way in the sand. My kids especially enjoy Ripley's Believe it or Not (http://oceancity.ripleys.com) with the giant shark that looks like it was flung out of the ocean and through the building. We probably spent at least twenty minutes going through the spinning tunnel inside which never fails to having us falling over before reaching the other side and the kids collapsing in giggles. For dinner head over to Phillips Crab House and make sure to get in the buffet line. This award winning seafood buffet has endless tables of fresh seafood, salads, and desserts and boasts a pasta station where they make up your favorite combination while you watch. There is a kids section for the picky eaters. While somewhat pricey it's definitely worth it. Finally, where to stay is just as important as what you plan to do with your day. While there is a campground on Assateague Island we have found that there are lots of bugs and always stay at Frontier Town instead (www.frontiertown.com) which is located a few minutes to either Ocean City or Assateague Island on the Sinepuxent Bay. This campground has room from just about any size RV or tent and also has campers and cabins for rent. Included in your stay is admission to their water park which is small but has plenty for the younger kids to do along with a few bigger water slides and a lazy river. A favorite activity is crabbing of the back pier. Please note, reservations for Frontier Town need to be made as early as possible. We make ours a year in advance and the campground is always full.

5.Burlington, Vermont While at it's majestic peak in fall the summer months are also a great time to Visit Burlington, Vt. The Church Street Marketplace enables you to walk down an entire street lined with stores and restaurants while no cars are allowed making this a nice place for families. The Echo Center (www.echovermont.org) is a fabulous hands on science museum located on the shores of Lake Champlain. Don't miss out on being a watershed weather reporter. By placing your child in front of the green screen they read off a supplied weather report and then graphics are added in the final phase. DVDs of their performance are for sale in the gift shop. Also available for purchase are Champ t-shirts. We have spent many afternoons strolling along the banks of the river looking for any sign of Champ, the monster of Lake Champlain. So far we have found nothing but my children insist that he exists. While not necessarily in Burlington, a few miles down the road in Shelburne is the Vermont Teddy Bear Company (www.vermontteddybear.com). My daughter loves picking out a bear and adopting it. She is allowed to help stuff it and sew it up after putting a heart inside. Bears run $19.99 each. Another fun day trip is over to Waterbury and the Ben & Jerry factory (www.benjerry.com). After watching a short movie about the history of Ben & Jerry's you are escorted through the production area where you can see pints of ice cream being made and then into the next room where you can sample the flavor of the day. The gift shop has everything from t-shirts to ice cream scoops. Finish out your time here wandering through the flavor graveyard. On the way back to Burlington we always stop in Stowe and climb all over the rocks at Smugglers Notch. While not recommended for toddlers kids love climbing over, under, and around the endless mountains of rocks.