Top Destinations for Family Fun this Summer

As Promised By The Fat To Fit Radio Show...

Top Destinations for Family Fun this Summer

#1  Honolulu-Oahu -Honolulu — especially Waikiki — offers excellent child-friendly beaches and activities, like snorkeling, swimming with dolphins and the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. Plus, many hotels sit along the shore, negating the need for public transportation or a vehicle.

#2   Yellowstone -Kids will get a kick out of watching Old Faithful erupt, and there's nothing quite like an afternoon hike to bring the clan together. Hotels inside the park can be expensive, so make this a BYOB (bring your own bed) vacation.

#3  Orlando-Walt Disney World-Known for its timeless appeal, thrill rides and performances, Disney World is engineered specifically for families, and its formula is very successful. But if you aren't up for putting on mouse ears, Orlando hosts a slew of theme parks that are sure to excite wee ones.

#4   Yosemite -What makes Yosemite an excellent family destination is its numerous outdoor offerings, from hiking and camping to mountain climbing and rafting. And, unlike other parks, Yosemite boasts relatively easy accessiblity (San Francisco is only a few hours away by car).

#5  Grand Canyon-The Grand Canyon is a universally admired family destination, perhaps due to the Brady Bunch and the Griswolds. You'll find lots to do here, including hiking, kayaking, rafting and riding Grand Canyon Railway. The Grand Canyon also manages to be budget-friendly.

#6  San Diego-The simple truth: San Diego offers 70 miles of sandy fun. When the waves start to bore little ones, the creatures at the San Diego Zoo or SeaWorld are sure to hold their interst. Plus, if you need some relief from the sun, head to the museums of Balboa Park.

#7  Myrtle Beach-Myrtle Beach lacks the diversity of other destinations on this list. But in terms of accessibility and cost, Myrtle Beach offers an excellent family getaway. Meanwhile, Ripley's Aquarium and Mount Atlanticus Miniature Golf are welcome distractions from the shoreline.

#8  Williamsburg -Nearly everything in this tiny Virginia town caters to families. Colonial Williamsburg allows youngsters to immerse themselves in history. If you're visiting in the summer, don't deny the kids a chance to cool down at Water Country USA or to ride the coasters at Busch Gardens.

#9  Anaheim-Disneyland-Similar to it's Disney sister city, Orlando, Anaheim has enough mouse-themed attractions to keep parents and kids busy and smiling. Plus, Anaheim has the added benefit of its California location, which sits in close proximity to the beaches and sites of Los Angeles and San Diego.

#10  San Antonio-San Antonio contains an abundance of family-oriented attractions, including the Alamo, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, SeaWorld and several historic parks. Add plentiful family-friendly restaurants and a relatively unique setting and San Antonio truly is a first-rate family destination.

#11  Tampa-Trade crowded, expensive Orlando for relaxed, affordable Tampa. Mingle with manatees at the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center or look for lions at Big Cat Rescue. If your family can't shake the longing for roller coasters, Busch Gardens and Adventure Island will do the trick.

#12  San Francisco-San Francisco is home to some excellent family-friendly attractions — Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, to name a few. The city is also close to great outdoor areas, including Yosemite National Park and Muir Woods. The only downside: It's pricey.

#13  Washington D.C. -The key to D.C.'s family appeal is the National Mall, which is surrounded by free, kid-friendly museums and renowned monuments. If you have some extra time, spend a few hours at the National Zoo (which also offers free entry) or snag a treat at one of Georgetown's cupcake shops.