Summer break is fast approaching and your kids are gearing to be home 24/7. The longest winter had taken over our lives as you and your family have been cooped up in the house all winter. You would be surprised how many affordable family vacation destinations there are on the east coast. This is the perfect way to have the best family vacation on a budget. We have collected some family vacation ideas that you and your kids can tailor to what works best for you all. Family summer vacations on the east coast are right under your nose, sometimes you just don’t realize what’s there until someone else points it out to you. Keep reading and start planning your next east coast family vacation.
Bar Harbor Family Vacation
Bar Harbor is a little town along Maine’s Frenchman Bay on Mount Desert Island. A little family vacation where you and your family can take a break from your busy lives to relax and immerse yourselves in the nature and beauty of the town.
It’s not hard to lose track of time as you and your family explore all of Acadia National Park. If you’re looking for a unique place, go to Thunder Hole – a rocky inlet – to hear the crashing waves, that sound like a thunderstorm. When you’re ready to take a break from exploring Acadia National Park and are looking to relax down, go whale watching or kayaking on one of the Islands.
Be ready to be greeted with some of the most breathtaking views of Bar Harbor – stunning from every angle.
If you want the best view of the entire park, we highly recommend the drive up the Cadillac Mountain.
After exploring the fabulous wilderness, take a step back into civilization to the Downtown Bar Harbor. Here you will find all the best restaurants, ice cream, and t-shirt shops for you and your families needs.
If you’re going to Maine you have to try a Maine lobster and what better place to try than a Stewman’s Lobster Pounds! The restaurant has great prices and is right on the water.
Philadelphia Family Vacation
Philadelphia – the city of Brotherly Love- is a great place for a family vacation. With tons of museums and attractions to check out, the opportunities are endless. The old, charming city is entrenched deep into the American history and is a fantastic place to explore with kids. Run atop the Rocky steps in an ode to Stallone or admire the fabulous collection at Museum of Art – we promise it won’t be boring. The glittering rows of boat houses, the farmer’s marketing at Reading Terminal or just the murals of the city make for an amazing escape as you explore with your family.
Once you’re tired and hungry from walking around all day take a trip to one of the many cheesesteak spots in Philadelphia. Pats and Genos are the well known cheesesteak shops that are across the street from each other, and Federal Donut for their delicious strawberry- lavender flavored concoctions are a must!
We guarantee you will leave this place with a history of your own.
Jersey Shore Family Vacation
There’s nothing better than taking a family vacation down to the shore with your family. The entire coast is full of beaches, you could make it fun and explore one beach per day. Take your kids to Morey’s Pier in Wildwood NJ- an old-fashioned amusement park with a 100 plus rides perfect for the summer. Want to explore the marine life without getting wet? Take a trip to Jenkinson’s Aquarium where you can see fish, coral reefs, penguins, and even sharks. For your little tots take a trip to the StoryBook Land. Here they can see all of their favorite storybook characters come to life. When it’s time to grab a bite to eat ask one of the locals for a suggestion, they are extremely friendly and will always know the best places to go.
Annapolis Family Vacation
Annapolis is the sailing capital of the United States with plenty of water to explore. You should check out a sunset cruise or even a private adventure designed just for you. Take a stroll down the cobblestone streets with your family and see all the history unfold. Take a trip to the Maryland House where George Washington resigned from the Continental Army and ended the Revolutionary War. If you are looking to extend your trip or explore more places while you’re in Maryland, drive to Baltimore and Washington D.C. -where you can show your family more of American History. Got a pirate-loving little one? Make their dreams come true by taking them on the Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake. They will get to dress up as a pirate and ride out into the bay and experience what it is like to be a pirate!
Delaware Beaches Family Vacation
Love the idea of a small, quaint beach family vacation? For that reason, head down to one of the many Delaware Beaches. Spend time on the beach, boardwalk, or shop in the little shops and boutiques for souvenirs. Depending on the beach you go to you can go paddle boarding, parasailing, surfing, skim skimboarding, kiteboarding, and kayaking. If you find yourself at Rehoboth Beach, make sure you grab some homemade candy, dessert or ice cream from Kilwin’s. The candy might be a little pricey, but trust us it’s worth the extra money because it’s so good.
Before all the sweets you’re probably going to want to get some lunch or dinner and we can’t think of a better place to take kids than The Crooked Ham. The Crooked Ham has pingpong tables and a play area for kids, as well as a fire pit and hammocks that you can both enjoy together. Entertain the kids while having a delicious, relaxing meal.
Newport Family Vacation
Does your family love the water? We have the perfect family vacation idea if you want to try out something different rather than just going to the beach. Newport Rhode Island is full of places to sail, sea kayak, surf and even boogie board. Get some exercise while exploring the 3 and a half mile long Cliff Walk. Experience the beauty of the shoreline along with the historical architecture of the buildings. Your kids will love jumping from rock to rock all the way down the entire shoreline. Make sure you are all wearing the proper shoes as the rocks can be slippery at times. Ready to grab a bite to eat? Stop by Brick Alley Pub to enjoy some american cuisine that you and your kids will love.
New York City Family Vacation
New York City can sound like an unapealing place to go with your family. What you didn’t know is that there are a lot of activities perfect for families. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is the ideal place to take your kids for a full day of fun. From the “NYPD’s Mounted Unit” to the “City Splash” exhibit allowing you to cool off on a hot summer day.
Is your daughter obsessed with American Girl dolls? Take her to the American Girl Place in New York City. She can take her doll on a shopping spree and get new matching outfits. Her doll will take a seat in the salon chair to get her hair done by her favorite stylist. Furthermore, enjoy a quaint lunch in the upstairs cafe followed by an American Girl Doll movie in the theater. Once you are all hungry take a trip to the 5 Napkin Burger where you and your kids will both be able to find something that you love for a great price that will taste amazing.