The Classic Summer Travel Guide for Families
Kesli McKee- May 1
- 6 min read
Places to embark on a great American vacation and make memories to last a lifetime
If you are looking for the perfect opportunity to bond with the whole family, there’s no better way than by embarking on the great American classic–a summer vacation. Summer getaways are not only a great way to unwind and get to know one another on a deeper level, but also the perfect time to lock those phones away and satisfy our basic human instincts for exploration.
If your family enjoys an active lifestyle at home, you’re probably looking for destinations that offer more than simply lounging by a pool. Think tennis, golf, swimming, hiking, and even family camping experiences that provide endless opportunities for fun. Ready to dive right in? Here are five of our personal favorites that promise an experience the kids will be reminiscing about for years to come.
The Greenbrier – White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Nestled in the serene Allegheny Mountains, The Greenbrier is a historic resort that epitomizes luxury and outdoor living. Known as “America’s Resort” since 1778, this sprawling estate offers over 50 activities to keep families entertained, including tennis courts, championship golf courses, indoor and outdoor pools, hiking trails, and even more unique experiences like falconry lessons. I admit, my personal favorite was playing the same golf course where PGA Tour Pro Stuart Appleby once famously shot 59. There may be red-lined hazards and thick rough lurking around every corner, but as they say, a bad day on the golf course always beats a good day in the office. On a beautiful golf course like the Greenbrier, that rings especially true.
For the kids, the resort offers an Adventure Zone for activities like archery and scavenger hunts, while parents can indulge in the world-class spa or a round of golf on legendary courses. Evening family bonfires and outdoor movie nights add to the classic summer camp vibe. The resort’s deeply storied history and elegant ambiance make it a truly one-of-a-kind destination for active families seeking the perfect blend of tradition and excitement.
The Broadmoor – Colorado Springs, Colorado
What better way to enjoy the great outdoors than within the setting of the Rocky Mountains! Step back into the world of stagecoaches and frontier living at The Broadmoor, a resort that seamlessly blends rugged outdoors with refined modern luxury. With championship golf, horseback riding, paddle boating, and guided nature walks, families can immerse themselves in the beauty of Colorado while not straying too far off grid.
The resort’s tennis camps are renowned, and younger guests will love the daily kids’ club, featuring supervised activities. For an added adrenaline rush, try zip-lining or white-water rafting on the nearby Arkansas River. And, after a day of adventure, there’s nothing that beats unwinding at one of the resort’s gourmet restaurants or even taking a dip in the lakeside infinity pool.
Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz, New York
This Victorian castle perched above a sparkling lake is a family favorite for those seeking an outdoorsy escape. Featuring over 85 miles of hiking trails, rock scrambling, canoeing, hills filled with tulips, and a pristine swimming beach, Mohonk Mountain House offers something for every age and activity level. Parents can enjoy a round of golf with stunning cliffside views while kids participate in organized nature hikes and crafts.
You won’t want to miss the evening campfires complete with s’mores and storytelling under the stars–it’s something the whole family will remember for years to come. As an added benefit, the resort’s inclusive package means meals and many activities are covered, so families can focus more on making memories and less on all the prepping and planning.
Callaway Resort & Gardens – Pine Mountain, Georgia
Surrounded by natural beauty and bursting with activities, Callaway Resort & Gardens is a Southern gem where families can soak up the sun and the lush woodland views. One of my most cherished memories at Callaway Resort & Gardens is when I played an IJGT junior golf tournament here. After a long day competing, my reward was enjoying the famous butterfly gardens and swimming in Robin Lake.
I’ll say this–few things in life beat a refreshing swim with a beautiful backdrop, especially after a day in the Georgia summer heat! There’s also the option of biking through miles of scenic trails as well as taking part in the seasonal Summer Family Adventure program, which offers options like water skiing lessons, archery, and nightly entertainment.
The Callaway Discovery Center is also a must-visit, with interactive exhibits that educate as well as entertain.
Snowcreek Resort – Mammoth Lakes, California
Who says ski resorts are just for winter fun? Snowcreek Resort in Mammoth Lakes is an ideal summer destination for families who love the outdoors and need a good excuse to get away from nearby big cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. Tucked into the stunning Eastern Sierra region, this resort offers spacious condos and access to the Snowcreek Athletic Club, with tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and a relaxing spa.
Families can tee off at the nine-hole Snowcreek Golf Course surrounded by mountain views or set out on nearby hiking and mountain biking trails. In the summer, Mammoth Lakes transforms into a hub of adventure, with kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and scenic gondola rides at Mammoth Mountain. The peaceful alpine setting combined with plenty of options the whole family can choose from makes Snowcreek Resort one of the most refreshing and memorable family vacations.
In a Digital World, Kids Need to be Outside
It goes without saying the priority of every outdoor family adventure is simply getting the kids outdoors. And, yes, that absolutely means leaving the Nintendo Switch behind. That being said, it can be scary to go completely off-grid, which is why the options outlined in this guide put less of a focus on taking the Wi-Fi away, and more on making the outdoor fun look more exciting to kids than their screens.
Difficult? Yes. Impossible? Far from it.
Not only does spending more time outside promote physical health through activities like hiking, swimming, and playing sports, but it also enhances mental well-being by reducing stress and boosting a sense of connection to nature. Outdoor adventures encourage kids to unplug from screens, use their imaginations, and build problem-solving skills as they navigate new environments and challenges.
Additionally, finding more excuses to get active on family vacations promotes social skills as kids participate in group activities and work together to accomplish tasks, whether it’s setting up a tent, playing doubles tennis, or teaming up for a family scavenger hunt. Families that embrace outdoor adventures often find that these shared experiences help strengthen their relationships as well as form a deep love and appreciation for the outdoors that last a lifetime.
Above All, Make Memories That Last a Lifetime
No family vacation will ever run perfectly. There may be bumps in the road, a tiff here, a disappointment there, but keep in mind that achieving the “perfect” summer family getaway isn’t truly the goal here, it’s creating moments everyone will cherish. I have to admit, one of my most beloved family vacations involved all 4 of us coming down with the flu for 70% of the trip. I know that sounds bizarre to think of a situation like that yielding a positive recollection, but to me, I simply remember the moments we came together to take care of one another in a beautiful setting, free from the burdens of work and school, and simply enjoying each other’s company.
Every summer trip can turn out to be a win when you look at it that way, and I hope yours will be nothing short of equally as memorable (minus the flu–I wouldn't wish that particular strain on my worst enemy).
Whether you’re looking for luxurious pampering with a side of adventure or a rustic escape focused on family bonding, these destinations promise it all. Embrace the outdoors, soak up the summer sun, and set off for your own version of the classic American adventure.
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About the Author
Kelsi McKee has been writing poetry and short stories since she was old enough to scratch words onto paper. She self-published her first novel when she was 18 years old and continues to write thrilling romances by night while balancing her day job as a copywriter and marketing specialist. Originally from the Northwest, Kelsi has enjoyed adventuring across the country and making her way to where she now lives in South Carolina with her boyfriend and adorable Persian cats. She has a bachelor's degree (Journalism/English) from Texas A&M University.
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