Peter Greenberg: Family Trips

By: Peter Greenberg | 2008-06-04

I would like to take my family (three daughters and their spouses and two preteen grandchildren) for a family vacation for about a week in August 2009. Do you have any suggestions for interesting locations that would allow family interaction as well as some adult pastimes, such as golf, fishing, etc.?
- Kathy, Conroe, Texas  

This is a pretty general question, but we'll try to give you some resources that will lead you in the right direction. A good place to start might be Right Family Vacations at http://www.rightfamilyvacation.com/. The site offers helpful points on things you might have forgot to consider, such as car or travel time to your destination. It could be a great way to help you narrow down where you want to go.   

Many Web sites cater specifically to family travel. Check out ATK Family Vacations, http://www.alltravelingkidsfamilyvacations.com/, which gives a state and country rundown of places that are family friendly for kids of all ages. There are even links to articles for resorts and cruises that children and parents can enjoy if you need more ideas.   

Besides the popular amusement park vacations, some other trips that families have enjoyed included Olympic National Park in Washington state (http://www.nps.gov/olym/). If your family is the camping type, they’ll enjoy the Hoh Rainforest and mountain hikes on Mount Olympus, activities that the entire family can do together. Fishing is allowed in certain areas of the park, and there are golf courses nearby. Check out this comprehensive list of golf locations in Washington for more details:  http://www.golflink.com/golf-courses/state.asp?state=WA. It’s also not too far from Seattle, so adults can enjoy a night out on the town.

Memphis, Tenn. (http://www.cityofmemphis.org/framework.aspx?page=1) can prove exciting for those who are in tune with music. On top of visiting the Elvis Presley’s Graceland, your family can enjoy the nearby Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. For adults who are into history and want to share its valuable lessons, the National Civil Rights Museum, and Slavehaven, one of the original stops on the Underground Railroad, can prove educational and fun. Downtown Memphis also provides activities for the adults, ranging from concerts to bars.