Now that the kids are out for Summer, it’s time to pack your bags and head somewhere fun! To inspire your next getaway, today’s vacation round-up features 5 fun, family-friendly places to visit. From outdoor activities (like high-speed power boating to bike-riding along the scenic route) to safaris and glamping in yurts, here are some truly awesome vacation ideas that both you (and your family) will love.

Fun Family-Friendly Summer Vacation Ideas  

Go Wild with the Party Animals

If you’ve ever dreamed of going on an exotic safari, look no further than Sonoma County’s wine country, where you’ll find the most majestic African wildlife preserve tucked away in the Santa Rosa mountains. Safari West is an award-winning, authentic African safari that welcomes you to experience over 90 species of exotic animals through daily Safari tours, and have memorable over-night adventures on their 400-acre property in Santa Rosa. Since launching, Safari West has since expanded into an oasis that is home to over 900 animals, including Giraffes, Rhinos, Birds, Buffalo, Zebra, Ostrich, and more. To learn more, check out our experience visiting Safari West on Inspirations & Celebrations.

Explore The Great Outdoors

Since Summer is the best time to explore the great outdoors, dust off your hiking boots and hit the trails at Sunriver Resort in Oregon. This gorgeous luxury resort is one of the most fun, family-friendly Summer vacation spots we’ve ever visited. Whether your kids want to rent cruiser bicycles for the week to peddle around 40-miles of paved bicycle roads (that keep them safely away from cars) or your family wants to spend time golfing, kayaking, hiking, or even horseback riding, there’s no shortage of fun outdoor activities here. If you want to explore the local area, just a short drive away you’ll discover the charming historic town of Bend, Oregon, which has great eateries, boutique shopping, and more.

Keep Calm & Kauai On

If you and your family are in need of a little R&R this season, pack your backs and head to the lush Hawaiian island of Kauai. Here you’ll find one of the most spectacular (and truly fun) resorts in the world – Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. Spend the day in the award-winning multi-level pools. Float down the lava-rock lined lazy river pool past waterfalls, quiet seating nooks and secret caves to end at a thrilling 150-foot waterslide. Whoosh down and play a game of water volleyball or basketball, or find your niche in the quiet adult pool area. If it’s ocean breezes you prefer, you’ll discover Keoneloa Bay/Shipwreck Beach’s white sand just steps away. 

Go Big (Sur) or Go Home

Renowned as one of the most incredible places on Earth, Big Sur, California is a truly special place to visit. To re-connect you with nature, here you’ll find the yurts of our dreams at Treebones Resort – a premier luxury glamping resort with spectacular ocean views. Spend your days hiking along miles of scenic trails, take a yoga class at the resort, or even go exploring the picturesque beaches around the area. This will be a Summer vacation that your whole family will enjoy.

Go Full Throttle in Lake Tahoe

If you and your family are seeking exhilarating thrills and high-powered fun, head to Lake Tahoe, California. From awesome vacation home rentals to luxury resorts (like one of our favorite family-friendly hotels – Resort at Squaw Creek), there are a number of great places to stay in Tahoe. During the daytime, head to the Tahoe City Marina to rent a high-speed powerboat. This is one of the best ways to truly experience the lake, by exploring all the beautiful spots like Carnelian Bay and Emerald Bay. During your trip, you can also head to Alpine Meadows Stables for a day of horseback riding through the mountains. Whether you spend your time on land or on the lake, no Summer vacation is complete without a visit to Lake Tahoe.

For more travel tips and ideas, check out the Travel Section on Inspirations & Celebrations.