Things to Do in Alberta

Edmonton

If you’re a big city person who wants to experience the city life and fun of Canada should plan a visit to Edmonton, Alberta’s capital city.   Home of the largest shopping mall in North America, shop-o-holics will love visiting this city.  But there’s more than just shopping available in this city.  From the Edmonton Valley Zoo to the natural river valley, an escape from the urban landscape, there’s much more to do in this city and its surrounding areas than what meets the eye.

Glaciers and Mountains

While in Alberta, check out the vast glaciers in Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, and the Icefields Parkway Region.   The most notable glacier to see the Victoria Glacier which can be seen from Lake Louise.  Featuring a majestic, picture-esque setting, this entire area will take your breath away because of its beauty and is certainly worth the time spent to see it.

There are also lots of mountains available to see in Canada which is great for both nature lovers and people who want to trek through the country.  Completely free to visit and see, the mountains are a great way to spend a day in Canada on your vacation without spending too much money.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is famous tourist hotspot in Alberta with tons of things to do for people who want to enjoy the great outdoors.  There’s tons to see and experience including seeing the majestic mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and the wildlife.    See deer, elk, grizzly and black bears, mountain lions, and more while visiting the park.    While there, be sure to check out the Athabasca waterfall, one of the best waterfalls in the park.   The Angel Glacier is another great landmark to check out and it should really leave your mouth open in awestruck fascination.

Alberta, Canada has lots of things to see and do especially for people who want to reconnect with nature.  A fairly inexpensive place to visit as compared to other vacation destinations and you’re almost certain to find some sort of sight that will take your breath away.

As the name would imply, the number one most popular thing to do at Myrtle Beach is… going to the beach!   Sporting over 60 miles of sand beaches, you can build sand castles, do water sports, or simply wade or swim in the water.    Go parasailing, zip around on jet skis, or go scuba diving, the number of things you can do at the beach itself are practically endless and fit within the most modest vacation budgets.  If you have a fisherman in your family (my family has 3) there is fishing opportunities available.  If you fish on the pier, it’s free!

Top 5 Things to Do at Myrtle Beach

Ripley’s Aquarium

A must-do, Ripley’s Aquarium is a large complex of dining, rides, shops, and of course, an aquarium.   They have a number of cool exhibits featuring fish and other sea creatures from around the world.   The Rio Amazon exhibit shows fish found in the Amazon, from piranhas to the Silver Arawana (a fish that can jump 6 feet out of the water) there’s tons of unique, exotic fish to see.  Want some danger and excitement?  The Dangerous Reef exhibit is the largest and most popular exhibit at the aquarium featuring numberless fish along with very large, very cool sharks!  Ripley’s Aquarium is a family friendly adventure that everyone will enjoy and is one of the many cool attractions found at Myrtle Beach.

Pirate Adventures

An attraction designed for the young ones in your family, Pirate Adventures is a place where kids get to learn about the fun searching for treasure on the high seas.  Kids get to dress up, put on pirate make-up, pirate tattoos, and learn to say ARRRR!! like a real pirate.    On the pirate ship, Sea Gypsy, your kids will fight and defeat the dread Pirate Pete and will find their own treasure.  Pricing is $25 per person and $12 for kids under 2.

Family Kingdom Seaside Amusement Park

Another grand adventure, Family Kingdom is the only seaside amusement park in Myrtle Beach.   They have a wooden rollercoaster, a swinging pirate ship, and other fun thrill rides.    On the ferris wheel you can get one of the most unique and beautiful views you may have as you can peer out over the beach and see the ocean.  Along with thrill rides great for teenagers and adults, Family Kingdom also has many rides for small children so that everyone in your family can have fun.  Family Kingdom also has a water park with water flumes, a lazy river, and pools.

NASCAR Speedpark

The NASCAR Speedpark has tons of activities for everyone on your family to enjoy (especially the teenagers and adults).  Experience life in the fast lane with high-speed tracks where you race just like you’re in the actual NASCAR races.    With 6 different tracks available from tracks for kids to more advanced courses, there is a track that will fit with each member of your family.  This park also features other attractions including a large arcade, a 36 hole mini-golf course, a rock wall, and even a NASCAR themed ferris wheel.  The NASCAR Speedpark is an excellent day activity for your whole family to enjoy.

Sun Fun Festival

The Sun Fun Festival which occurs June 3-5 is a fun festival featuring bands, car shows, and water sports demonstrations and shows.  This past year they had the stars from TLC’s “DC Cupcakes”, a convertible car show, a boiled peanut eating contest, and Jet Ski Stunt show along with band performances by Craig Woodlard Band and Mark Roberts Band.

The Williamsburg location has 8 long slides, 5 pools, a lazy river, and a giant sea fort to top it off.   Designed to be fun for the whole family, you can take everyone from the youngest kids to your wild teens to the park for some old fashioned fun.  You’re guranteed to have a big splash of a time!

Attractions at the Williamsburg Great Wolf Lodge

Alberta Falls

A four story water slide, this enclosed tubular slide twists and turns until it drops you into a big pool.

Beaver Tail Lake

A wave pool that goes as deep as 5 feet, this pool a great way to wind down and feel the waves.  Sit in the pool with a tube or body surf the waves to shore, there’s lots of fun to had!

Big Foot Pass

Lilipads sit in the water for kids to jump to and from.  Challenging and fun, kids have to keep their balance or they fall into the water.  Older kids can use the nets above to climb from lilipad to lilipad.

Crooked Creek

A gently flowing river, the Crooked Creek is an endless stream of relaxation for people on tubes or who choose to float.

Eagle’s Peak Rock Wall

Go climbing up the 25 foot rock wall best enjoyed by older kids and adults.

Fort Mackenzie

Fort Mackenzie

Fort Mackenzie is a 4 story tall sea fort with tons of adventure stored within its walls.  From suspension bridges to cargo nets, there’s lots to see and experience.  And if you aren’t feeling like you’re entirely wet, just wait for the 1000 gallon bucket of water…

While at Fort Mackenzie, find the Totem Towers, two twin 3 story slides which rush you fast from the top of the fort.

gr8_space

This attraction is for the teenagers among your family.  With video game consoles, internet access, music, food, and more, this is heaven for the moody teens.  It’s also great for adults looking to catch their breath from all the fun everyone is having.

Howl-in-One Mini Golf

Looking for something other than water and wetness?  Mini golf is great way to break up the day.   The 18 hole golf course is definitely something worth doing at least once.

MagiQuest

Experience life as a wizard with this fun interactive game for your whole family.

Northern Lights Arcade

What kid doesn’t love to play games?  The arcade is a great place to have your quarters gobbled up all the while experiencing your own childhood past.

Raccoon Lagoon

The outdoor swimming pool for everyone in your family, there’s tons to do here.  Play water basketball, experience kiddie swim games, and play in the geyers.   There is also a patio for you sit and relax in the outdoor sun.

River Canyon Run

Pack up your family and get into the large tube and go down one of the best slides the park has to offer.

Whooping Hollow

Do you have some young kids in your family?  This slide is made just them (those 4 feet and shorter).  Fun and safe, this slide is a fun adventure for the youngins.

Wolf Rider Wipeout

Want to be a surfer?   This indoor surf attraction brings the big waves indoor.  Learn the basics to doing a 360 on the kneeboard, this attraction is a big challenge.

Book early & Save: Maui air + 4 nights from $652

Hawaii family vacations have become increasingly popular over the past decade, as more and more vacationers are opting for domestic travel, but still wish to visit an area that offers a tropical and exotic atmosphere. Each Hawaiian island has unique characteristics of its own, and one must discover the benefits and advantages of each in order to determine which one will best suit the needs of his or her family.

Kauai Valley

Some families choose to visit all the Hawaiian Islands while on vacation; however, unless one can devote a minimum of three weeks to the vacation, this may result in an itinerary that will prove a bit too ambitious. It does little or no good to plan so many activities that the vacation becomes stressful and hectic, rather than a time of relaxation and enjoyment. Instead, it is wise to select one or two islands in which to enjoy the majority of the vacation, and only add a third if the trip will be longer than two weeks in duration.

Oahu

Oahu is the island that attracts the largest number of tourists each year. An especially good choice for families with children, Oahu offers a vast array of activities and attractions to appeal to vacationers of all ages. Waikiki is Hawaii’s most famous beach and is the area in which most visitors to Oahu spend the majority of their vacation. Almost all of the attractions in Waikiki are within walking distance of most hotels and resorts, making it a highly convenient location for a family vacation. The beach itself is a major attraction; however, families can also enjoy visits to the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, the Damien Museum and the celebrated Arizona Memorial.

The Honolulu Zoo is Hawaii’s largest zoo and is famous for its “Tropical Rain Forest” and “African Savanna” displays. Those who visit Oahu when the moon is full can experience the zoo’s “Moonlight Walk” attraction–a once a month special feature that visitors have enjoyed for many years.

Waikki

The Waikiki Aquarium–America’s third oldest marine aquarium–features a variety of programs, exhibits, and displays which focus on the aquatic life of the Pacific Tropics.

Through a visit to the Damien Museum one can discover interesting facts about the life of Father Damien, a man devoted to several noteworthy causes who became world famous for his work with patients afflicted with Hansen’s disease–a form of leprosy.

The Arizona Memorial is an attraction that most families place on their “must-see” list. Tickets can now be purchased in advance, which was not formerly possible, and one can choose to casually view the monument or participate in a guided tour.

Any of the aforementioned attractions can be both fun and educational, making Waikiki an excellent choice for Hawaii family vacations.

The Main Island

The island of Hawaii, sometimes referred to as “the big island’ is the perfect choice for nature drives and sight seeing. This island offers the perfect backdrop for a vast array of water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, or parasailing.

Hiking is also extremely popular on the big island, as there are many spectacular mountains and trails that provide a unique and interesting avenue through which one can view Hawaii’s outstanding scenery. Traditional Hawaiian dancers and flame swallowers entertain families on a daily basis throughout the island, making it a great place in which to indulge in one of kind performances that will be remembered for many years.

Dinner cruises and live entertainment are very popular here as well, therefore, families who enjoy a wide variety of daytime activities, but also wish to indulge in nighttime entertainment, should give considerable thought to a family vacation on Hawaii’s main island.

Book early & Save: Maui air + 4 nights from $652

The most essential part of planning family vacations to Hawaii is allowing adequate time to decide where to stay and what activities and attractions will most appeal to each family member. Trying to plan activities at the last minute can result in frustration and wasted energy. For most families, a Hawaiian vacation is a once in a lifetime experience, therefore, adequate time spent on its efficient planning will make it a vacation that will be remembered forever.

Italy is well known for its diverse geographical regions, gorgeous countryside, delicious food, world famous art work and exciting nightlife. This country has something for everyone, irrespective of age. Italian people are friendly and the atmosphere is soothing. Visiting a European country can be a worthwhile experience but you need to plan your trip well in advance to make the best out of it. Italy family vacations are full of adventures and learning.

You can spend some romantic time with your soul mate in the beautiful and romantic city of Venice. This city is known for its beauty, numerous canals and architecture. Hire a gondola and ride through one of these canals to gather some of the most unforgettable memories of your lifetime. Rialto Bridge that stretches over the Grand Canal is a great spot to visit. Visit the Palazzo Ducale, which is an art museum.  If you are a newly wedded couple, then this city can be a perfect place to start your journey of married life. At Saint Mark’s Square, feed the pigeons; they are in plenty there around 9 a.m. Let your kids throw a piece of food in their direction and find themselves surrounded by these beautiful birds.

Trevi Fountain found in Rome, Italy

Tuscany

Tuscany is a place where you can live some of the best moments of your life with your family. Explore the Tuscan hills with your kids. This place has a lot for the children to giggle, be silly and race down the hills.

Rome

Rome is a big city and you have lot to see there. The Vatican and the Sistine Chapel is the center of attraction. “Fontana di Trevi” – the most famous fountain in Rome is also there. If you are a shopping freak then you must visit Via Frattina and Via Condotti.

Capri

Capri is loaded with scenic beauty and romantic atmosphere. It has many world famous beaches including Bagni di Tiberio, Punta Carena and Marina Piccola. Indulge in the never-ending scenic beauty of this place. You can also visit the lush gardens of Giardini di Augusto.

There is a wide variety of food stuff to eat. You can sample and choose from various Italian dishes that are unique in taste.
The best way to save your time and efforts while planning a trip to Italy is to choose a good vacation package. These packages generally include everything except air tickets, which are also covered sometimes. A travel package saves you a lot of money, which you can otherwise spend on shopping in Italy. However, you would have to do some research to find the best deal. Consider the opinion of your partner or your kids before making any decision. Italy is a one-stop destination where fun never dies.

Ireland is located on the northwest of Europe and is a country filled with ancient myths and legends to discover, lush and beautiful landscapes to explore, and interesting people to get to know. Local Irish people will be more than happy to reveal just what this gem of a country is all about and you are assured to go back home loaded with lots of fun memories to last you a lifetime. The travel agency Classic Journeys offers a one-of-a-kind itinerary for families. On your first day you meet in Killarney and spend two nights in a quaint and charming hotel with the best customer service. You will then be taken to a thrilling adventure that will let you and your family clambers on the walls of an ancient 15th century castle. This activity will guarantee a fun challenge for both kids and adults alike. On your next day, you will have a pleasant cruise along the Killarney Lakes where your guide will regale you with enchanting local tales and folklore. Your lunch will then be served at Lord Brandon’s cottage located in the mountains known as McGillycuddy’s Reeks, which is a cozy and intimate restaurant that serves delicious local fare.

On another day, your family will enjoy experiencing what it is like to be a local when you join some shepherds as they herd a thousand mountain sheep. They will show you exactly how it is done. The tour includes one afternoon where kids can enjoy an age-old tradition of throwing pots together with local artisans while the adults wander and shop for souvenirs in the lovely town of Kenmare. The next few days will be filled with exciting exploration of waterfalls, rolling estates, peat farms, and ancient stone circles. You will get the chance to visit the famous Ring of Kerry, stroll along the beachside for ultimate relaxation, and even enjoy fishing with local guides.

All of Ireland’s cities from Dublin to Cork to Limerick to Galway are a gorgeous cosmopolitan city that intricately weaves its own culture and heritage with the contemporary lifestyle. There is plenty to do and enjoy in Ireland for your children if you plan your trip ahead of time. You can join the celebrated Children’s Book Festival, which is the largest and most dynamic festival of its kind. It runs from October 1 to 31 and involves a series of non-stop author readings, illustrator workshops, arts and crafts, animated story-telling sessions, and a lot more. To have the ultimate Irish experience, make sure to visit their majestic castles, which will surely fire up the imagination of your children. The famous Carrickfergus Castle in Antrim County is a beautiful place to visit where your children can have fun playing make believe with knights, princesses, and dragons. Ireland family vacations are surely one thing that you would not want to miss in your lifetime.

Finding a great place to go on a vacation can be both stressful and expensive.  There are so many things to look for in a vacation destination including:  price, location, and available activities.  Without the right combination of the three, you can find yourself twiddling your thumbs with your kids because of boredom or lack of money.  With the right planning (which doesn’t need to be stressful) you can find a family vacation resort or destination that has everything your family needs to have fun at a price you can afford.

All inclusive family resorts can be affordable and enables your family to have a vacation for a great price, in a great location, with lots of things to do.  All-inclusive resorts have everything you need.  From swimming pools for kids to spas for the adults, you and your kids can find relaxation and entertainment.

Beaches

“Beaches” has family friendly vacation resorts  in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos.  Great for people looking for somewhere warm and tropical, Beaches provides lots of fun for families.  The Beaches resorts have cool waterparks for kids and parents with large, colorful slides, lazy rivers, and all sorts of other swimming attractions.  There is also scuba diving and watersports available for teenagers and adults.   Check out their website to learn more about Beaches.

Club Med

Club Med is a great website to find fun and cheap family vacation resorts.    They have over 80 all inclusive resorts around the world that will pique most people’s interests.  From the beach to snow capped mountains, you’re likely to find the destination right for you and your family.

Expedia and Travelocity

Going into places where to find good deals for all inclusive family vacation resorts, Expedia and Travelocity are my favorite vacation booking sites. They often have great sales going on and are very affordable for flight/hotel packages. They also have a lot of ideas for people unsure about where they want to go on vacation. From ideas in Florida to Mexico, you’re sure to find something affordable to go (and maybe never thought about going to before).

Check out their websites through the buttons below:

Camping

Most states have camping areas that you can your family can enjoy.  Camping is a great way to get away from all the electronics, gadgets, and constant communication of the city and helps you get back to Earth and also experience your family.  As a kid, some of my most memorable moments were while camping with my family.  Camping is also really easy, and even if you’ve never gone before, there’s plenty of books that can show you what to do. Experience what nature has to offer!

The Best in Tent Camping: Southern California Desert camping in Death Valley? Check. Glacier camping in the Sierras? Check. That’s Southern California for you–an area of staggering diversity and awesome natural beauty. With such a wide array of camping opportunities, The Best in Tent Camping: Southern California is an indispensable guide…

Camping for Dummies You love the great outdoors, but you’re not always sure the great outdoors loves you. You can pitch a tent, start a campfire, build furniture by lashing tree branches together–in theory anyway! But while you may not have gotten your Girl Scout Gold Award, or your Eagle Scout with cluster, you…

The Beach

The beach is another afforable, cheap family vacation destination for people who live by the beach. Even if you live in Utah, the travel to the beach in California is affordable and most hotels by the beach (or nearby cities) are very cheap. There’s tons of things to do at the beach like swim, build sand castles, learn to surf, and even fish. There’s also tons of shops on the piers and lots of local (and free/cheap) attractions to check out. If you’re looking for a way to save money on your family vacation, going to the beach is a great way to do it.

Vacation Packages

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You can save a lot of money by finding the right vacation packages and choose the right date to go. What could cost thousands one month could be 30% less the next. Check the popular online vacation sites like Expedia and Travelocity for best deals on vacations. You’d be surprised what hot destinations and vacation packages (like Disneyland) are going for now with how the economy is.

Check out Travelocity’s Top 10 Deals!

Thanks for reading this article and happy vacation hunting for you and your family! You’re certain to find something affordable that everyone will love.

Puerto Vallarta Vacations – Click here to see prices for this family vacation spot

Puerto Vallarta

Historically, Puerto Vallarta was known as a successful and culturally exciting Mexican village.  Now in this unique vacation hot spot, tourism thrives as well with so much to offer.  What a place to be!  Located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico with miles of beach property, it can be an oasis for the kids.  The sand and the water is always a pleasure for most people young and old.  The weather provides the perfect climate for the beach.  From the more strenuous activity of hiking to the less strenuous activity of strolling on the beach, there is something to do for everyone.  Open cafes and shops selling things from handmade jewelry to sandals offer sites to see and gifts for the family members.

photo credit: Moosealope

From the various beaches to the restaurants, there is plenty of family fun. Hiking does not just include the Sierras, but also includes reaching waterfalls for a picture of the beauty of nature.  Hosting the various landscapes of mountains, jungles, beaches, rivers, and waterfalls as just some of the things to view and interface with, Puerto Vallarta is a vacation treasure.

The list of activities is virtually endless even though some of the activities are common such as golfing, fishing, and hot air balloons.  Whale watching is not a common activity but is a fun thing to do.  When the choices for activities have so many for kids, it makes this place so inviting for the family vacations.  It is certainly no fun going on a family vacation to a place with limited activities for kids.

Kids
Learning about the culture of different people is a very rich and rewarding experience, head south of Rio Caule to the Old Town with the kids as they learn about these Mexican children and their culture.  Amid the houses, there are local dancers giving the tourists a taste of the fun in living in such an expressive place.  Another historic site to see is Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Treasure hunts, beach barbecues, and a canopy tour of the rainforest bring fun and excitement to everyone.

Costs
Reasonable hotel stays help to boost the tourist response to this wonderland with the riches of maintaining the traditional Mexican culture.  A vacation taken in this spot is sure to be enjoyable as well as enriching.  When looking into the packages for the hotels, choices can be made between the all-inclusive packages or the separate hotel packages where the family can direct and plan their own activities.  With the larger family, the all-inclusive option may save money in the total package.  Smaller families may lean toward the hotel being separate and choosing their own activities.

For a fun family vacation in March, choose Mexico.  It’s warmer, affordable, and a boatload of fun!

Puerto Vallarta Vacations – Click here to see more at Travelocity

photo credit: dbaron

The two luxury resorts on the island provide five star accommodation and service for Florida family vacations. The Omni Amelia is a 1,350-acre beach resort overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with its own golf course, spas and pools. The Amelia Island Plantation resort also offers luxury accommodation or there are many economic holiday rentals for those who prefer a home away from home. These combined with the many Bed and Breakfasts provide a variety of accommodation to meet every need.

The island has many beautiful beaches for swimming, fishing and horse riding. These are places where you can relax at your own pace without any schedule to follow. The warm waters of Florida make these beaches the perfect place to escape the cold north and enjoy the island’s warm inviting climate.

The city of Fernandina Beach is an interesting Victorian town, which has been restored to its former beauty. Here you can walk around enjoying the history of the region. The Museum of History located in the city is a must to visit where you can learn about the unusual history or the region. The museum’s specialized oral tours are highly recommended.

Fort Clinch is an amazing 19th century fort situated in the Fort Clinch State Park. The fort has daily tours and also shows which re-enact garrison life as it was in the fort. The park has many beaches for surf fishing, beach combing and swimming. There is also a six-mile trail through the park that hikers can trek. The park’s variety of camp grounds have good facilities for those who enjoy sleeping in the great outdoors.

The Shrimp Festival is a must to see if you are on the island in the first weekend in May. This is a good activity to enjoy with the locals as they celebrate and show of their colorful fleet of shrimp boats. Their friendly laid-back attitude, the colorful parade and local folk music make a memorable family event.

The diverse community and attractions of Amelia Island make it the right place for relaxing family vacations in Florida. The historic culture of the locals and the architecture of the city’s buildings all give it a unique character, which cannot be found anywhere else.  This diversity originates from the influence of the French, Spanish, British and Mexicans who have all called this their home at one time. This is an ideal place for a holiday for families who wish to experience real life at a relaxing pace.