Hop In The Car For These Family-Friendly Destinations, Just A Gas Tank Away
Family road trips are a great way to create memories for you and your children. An opportunity for quality time spent together not just at the destination, but most importantly, during the journey.
Now’s the time to fuel up the car and head out. Here are five family-friendly destinations that are just a gas tank away.
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Charleston drapes itself in Southern charm, with moss-laden magnolias and Antebellum architecture. Visit the many historic venues, or venture out on the waters that surround the city.
Worth Seeing
South Carolina Aquarium: overlooking the Charleston Harbor, more than 5,000 animals are on display, including sea turtles, stingrays, and sharks, through exhibits and more. SCAquarium.org
Charleston Pirate Tours: history comes alive with tales of Blackbeard and others. The Children’s Treasure Hunt Tour is engaging and interactive. CharlestonPirateTour.com
Boone Hill Plantation: examines the historic grounds, including a unique examination of the Gullah culture and Black history with original slave dwellings on display. BooneHallPlantation.com
For more ideas visit CharlestonCVB.com
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA
From its incredible food scene and diverse neighborhoods to its history and culture, there's no denying that Augusta holds an irresistible charm.
Worth Seeing
Augusta Canal Discovery Center: Guided canal-boat tours depart daily from the Augusta Canal Discovery Center, an interactive interpretive museum that tells the history of Augusta's 1845 canal and industrial revolution in the American South. augustacanal.com
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park: Hike the ultra-scenic boardwalk trails at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, exploring a wildlife-filled marshland draped in Spanish moss near the banks of the Savannah River. phinizycenter.org/park-trails-and-features
Tire City Potters: Get your hands dirty and let your imagination take shape. Transform a lump of clay into a bowl, mug or decorative ornament. Try one or several of the classes offered. tcpotters.com
For more ideas visit VisitAugusta.com
MOBILE, ALABAMA
Along the shores of scenic Mobile Bay, this old port city has plenty of charm and cultural significance. Families will love the water and tapestry of experiences here.
Worth Seeing
Dauphin Beach: Spend a relaxing day in the surf and sand. This quaint coastal community has a yesteryear charm, with good food, shopping and family fun. TownOfDauphinIsland.org
GulfQuest/National Maritime Museum: This 90,000-square-foot interactive museum is dedicated to the Gulf of Mexico’s rich history with exhibits, simulators, theaters and the like. Learn about hurricanes, shipwrecks and more. GulfQuestMuseum.com
U.S.S. Alabama: Explore the Mighty A, a retired U.S. Navy battleship, from bow to stern, with fun and informative displays and exhibits about life on board the warship. USSAlabama.com
For more ideas visit Mobile.org
Three Tips For Traveling With The Family
Preparing for a car trip with the family that spans several hundred miles is more than just buckling up and hitting the road. Here are a few top tips to make the journey fun - and safe - for everyone.
Have the car serviced: tires checked, oil topped off, battery charged, gas tank full. Have a car kit for on-the-road mechanics, like changing a tire, ready.
Create an entertainment kit: a playlist of family songs, audiobooks, a map so kids can plot the way, activity books, crayons, playing cards and more.
Everyone gets a snack bag: fill bags with favorite healthy treats. Applesauce, dried fruit, string cheese, crackers, baggies with popcorn, chewing gum, water bottles, juice boxes and the like. Be sure to include flatware and napkins.
Also, don’t leave without a basic first aid kit, medicine for motion sickness, garbage bags, small change and more.
TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA
Florida’s Gulf Coast hub is an energetic and lively area that includes Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and other communities. World-class attractions, a thriving cultural scene and professional sports entice families.
Worth Seeing
Alafia River State Park: Explore this part of Florida’s unique ecosystem with hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing and more. There are also picnic pavilions and a playground. FloridaStateParks.org/Alafia
Bay Rocket Tampa: Blast off on this 2,800-horsepower jet boat thrill ride skimming across Tampa Bay for 45-55 minutes. Interactive games and a dance party accent the trip. BayRocketTampa.com
The Florida Aquarium: The half-million-gallon Coral Reef Gallery showcases sharks, stingrays and more, amid a free-flying bird aviary, children’s play area and helmet diving experience. FLAquarium.org
For more ideas visit VisitTampaBay.com
NAPLES, FLORIDA
Nestled on the picturesque Gulf Coast of Florida, Naples has long been regarded as a captivating destination renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant cultural scene and luxurious lifestyle. However, there are a range of things to do with the family without breaking the bank. Within an hour of Naples and Marco Island are millions of acres of federal and state parks, nature preserves and wildlife refuges.
Worth Seeing
Lowdermilk Park Beach: This family-friendly beach includes a park that offers playgrounds, picnic areas and other recreational facilities where families can spend a whole day in rest and play. The beach is a stretch of powder-soft white sand and deep, dark blue waters 5 minutes north of central city center that are great for swimming and wading. naplesgov.com/parksrec/page/lowdermilk-park
Cambier Park: This is a fantastic place to take the younger kids, with a playground, event facilities and acres of fun for the entire family. Often, the park hosts art shows and music festivals where you can see local performers, arts and crafts. Cambier Park is a vibrant city cultural center in the heart of Naples. naplesgov.com/parksrec/page/cambier-park
Conservancy of Southwest Florida: Connect with nature in a fun and unique way. You'll start with interactive, hands-on experiences at the Dalton Discovery Center, where you will begin your education of Florida's nature and wildlife, and the delicate balance of the planet we all share. Then you'll take an electric boat tour where you can see the Florida wetlands up close and personal. conservancy.org
For more ideas visit paradisecoast.com
